tune up?

[Kim1976]

Since the weather has finally gotten better in Maryland, I would like to start riding again. I haven't ridden since October. So, is it necessary to take my bike in for a tune up? My husband suggests it, but, I was not planning on going for long rides.. just toodling around the neighborhood to get used to the area.

Thanks,
Kim

[ny biker]

I generally bring my bike in for a tune up once a year. At various times over the summer I bring it in for adjustments if there's a shifting problem or the brakes feel squishy, etc.

If you're just going for short rides, I would think it would be fine. If you notice problems with it, or if it's been many miles since it had a tune up, I would bring it to the shop.

[MartianDestiny]

Necessary? No, unless there's issues.

Mine tend to go in at least once a year, and that tends to be in the off season when I can swing it (cheaper labor and faster turn around), but they also tend to need a once over, re-adjust everything, check chain wear, etc.

It's not something that HAS to be done before you take it on the first ride of the season though.

[tulip]

How old is the bike? Did you store it outside? Is the chain rusty? Has it ever been tuned up? Do the brakes seem to work well? Are the brake pads worn down? Does it shift well or does it shift all by itself? Are there cracks (dry rot) on the tires?

If all that seems fine, put some lube (like tri-flow; not WD40) on the chain, pump up the tires, and go for a ride.

[Kim1976]

Tulip,

It is a year old as of Sunday ... I got it on Easter last year. And, I store it inside in a bedroom. It's never had a tune-up, other than when my husband took it in in October when I had a flat tire, and the shifting was making noises, but it came back fine. I'd say it has less than 500 miles on it.

[tulip]

Tulip,

It is a year old as of Sunday ... I got it on Easter last year. And, I store it inside in a bedroom. It's never had a tune-up, other than when my husband took it in in October when I had a flat tire, and the shifting was making noises, but it came back fine. I'd say it has less than 500 miles on it.

In that case, I would not bother taking it in for a tune up. Just lube the chain, pump up the tires (to the proper pressure) and have fun exploring!

But since you didn't ask...

Please learn how to change a flat tire and carry at tube and tools with you in a seatbag. It is not difficult. Many bike shops offer basic bike maintenance classes, and that would be much more beneficial use of money than taking your bike in for a tune-up when it doesn't need it. Also, make sure the tires are inflated to the pressure indicated on the sidewall. Many flats result from pinch flats that occur when the tires are not inflated enough.

Enjoy your bike and enjoy the spring!

[Kim1976]

I will try to enjoy the spring... And, hopefully I won't get run down by the crazy drivers out here!!

[sarahspins]

My new-to-me used bike got a tune up because it wasn't shifting well when I got it.. and it came back to me good as new. I probably could have gotten it working better on my own, but after the frustration I had getting my son's indexed shifting adjusted correctly I figured it was worth the $45 to let someone else deal with it and do it right, and check over anything else that might need attention as well. But not fulling knowing the history of that bike I figured it was important to have it looked over before I did much riding on it.

My Trek will be going in for a tune up next month since it gets 2 free from the LBS within the first year after purchase.. I bought mine in May so I plan to bring it in before that expires. I don't think it needs a tune (I think I took it in for the first free one in September or October), but I don't want to waste the "freebie" :)

I also agree that it's worth learning to change a tire, and having the proper tools to do so (they're cheap). As well as checking basic things like the condition of the brake pads, true-ness of the tires, tire pressure, etc - a lot of that is things you should be checking before every ride anyways. Learning to do other things like clean/lube your chain isn't a bad thing either, but it's not something you need to do all the time. A lot of LBS offer a free basic bike maintenance class, and they teach you not only how to do things like change a tire, but what to look for on your bike to keep it riding well. Some even offer advanced classes for not very much.

[alimey]

I would take it in for a tune-up. If the bike runs really well you will enjoy riding it more & ride it more. Also things like loose cones etc. can do some damage if not attended to.

Why don't you build up a bit of a relationship w/ your LBS & ask if you can watch (& ask questions). We would always let a customer do this - you'll learn loads & also build a relationship.