A bike is like a collection of equipment for a particular purpose. Like other machinery, it could also be worn out due to excessive use. It needs regular tuning or maintenance to run like a well-oiled machine. Without proper maintenance, a bike, be it a road, mountain, or hybrid type, can never produce the same sharp performance as it used to in its prime. So, to return to its former glory, your favorite bike needs tune-up sessions at least twice a year. While the average cost for this work may range from less than $100, significant tune-ups could reach more than $150.
Is It Only About the Performance?
Performance is a significant factor that forces regular and professional riders to keep their bikes tuned up regularly. At the same time, seasonal riders find it hard to spend hundreds of bucks on their bikes regularly and do it now and then. But more than the performance, bike maintenance can save you from a fat medical bill if you don’t have insurance. Your worn-out bike could be a reason for an unfortunate accident that can get you into deep trouble. So, tuning is a worthwhile investment as long as you’re not into DIY stuff and like to get it done by experts who know exactly what adjustments need to be made.
What Does It Include?
Depending on your requirements, your local bike shop can arrange the tune-up session. While you can significantly check your bike components, essential and standard tune-ups are also there for basic adjustments and safety checks. But most tune-up sessions include the following things: cleaning, tire pressure checking, headset, bottom bracket, gear, shifter cables, wheel adjustments, lubrication, and basic safety checks.
Basic Tune-Up ($40 to $90)
A basic tune-up is ideal for road bikes used by seasonal riders. Sure, you don’t ride your bike not-too-often and always keep it brand new, thanks to online DIY tutorials. Still, a basic safety check and cleansing are always necessary. Most basic tune-up sessions include mandatory cleaning, lubrication, and technical adjustments. Depending on your requirements, This can be customized but would cost you around less than $40. Consult the expert and get your brakes, torque, handle, wheel, and bearing checked for a better result.
Standard Tune-Up ($100 to $160)
Consider the standard tuneup option if you want to go one notch up. With the standard tuneup activity, your bikes will be checked thoroughly following a deep cleaning and polishing service. If you have a mountain bike, you could opt for this option as a basic tuneup might fall short when it comes to underlying technical issues that may prove fatal later. Usually, decreasing is included in the standard package, and an expert might go for a test ride to understand the bike's current status and adjust accordingly. Of course, a standard tuneup operation is not a pocket-pinch one, and it would cost you more than $100, which could go up to $160.
Premium Tune-Up ($150 to $250)
As the name suggests, a premium tune-up includes all the premium services a local service center offers. If you haven’t tuned up your bike for a long time, you can give it a shot for one time, as this also will overhaul some of your bike components if required. The ball bearing and cables may take a hit due to the excess riding and lack of maintenance.
Sometimes, deep cleansing and lubrication do the job, but things need to be replaced in the worst scenario. Similarly, the gear cables may also get damaged. Through this premium tune-up, you can get them fixed by professionals. Other major adjustments and alignment checks are also included in this service. A premium or overhaul tune-up ensures the perfect optimization of your bike. It helps it regain shape properly, no matter how worn out. When you avail of the best service, you can expect to pay a reasonable amount as the service charge can start from $150 to up to $250.
Components That Need to be Tuned up
Although some tune-up services may vary from bike shop to bike shop, basics remain the same where the following components are being scrutinized: headset, wheels, bottom bracket, derailleurs, cassette, and chain, to name a few. The headset is like a bike's head that helps the bike navigate or steer while riding. A headset that is too tight or loose can cause severe discomfort while riding, and sometimes, it may lead to an accident. You can ask the expert to tighten the headset according to your comfort.
Dirt and grease could affect the steering performance of your headset, and the same goes for chains and cassettes. The maintenance guy could tear apart the entire system to wash and degrease the cassette and chainring to inspect for possible damages and assemble them back with proper lubrication.
Similarly, your front and rear derailleurs also need to be checked because they have the gears and shifters. They can be worn out, mainly due to prolonged usage, and you know how important they are when you ride through terrains.
Another highly irritating thing is the improper installation of the brake pads; either they don't touch the rim or keep touching the rim even when your hands are off the brakes. The experts from the bike shop will adjust the pads correctly and ensure the brake levers and cables operate properly. Do not forget about the bottom bracket, as even the basic tune-up process includes a regular safety check of your bike's bottom bracket.
Bike tune-up is like the periodic health checkup of your bike to ensure it optimizes how it should be. Many riders out there do this on their own as they know how to do the basics.
While you can also check out the basic tune-up stuff and DIY content on the internet to save your cost, an expert should check your bike thoroughly at least twice a year. A small tear in your carbon frame or a loose headset could lead you to a significant accident later. A tune-up helps your bike return to its former glory and keeps you safe on the road.
ICAN maintenance service
We have repair centers in the United States, Germany, and Japan. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
At the same time, we have overseas warehouses in Europe and the United States, which will be updated occasionally with inexpensive used parts to meet your urgent needs.
