Speaking of tune-ups...

AintDoody's post prompted me to ask...

With just over 1,000 miles on it, I'm getting ready to take my pony in for it's first annual maintenance/tune-up. Aside from the shop's basic maintenance package, I'm planning to have all of the brake and shift cables replaced. So...

- I've read that the chain should be replaced approximately every 1k miles, but one of my bike techs told me that's not really necessary and would probably require also replacing the cogset. The cogs don't seem worn, but I'll have the tech check them just in case. If my chain's not stretched, is it necessary to replace it yet?

- What else should I have checked, aside from cable tension and bolt tightness?

- Any general recommendations as I prep for the coming season?

Thanks!

Good for you for getting your annual maintenance done.

If you haven't been doing it regularly, the chain should be cleaned and relubed as a minimum. Not a bad idea to replace the chain now, even though you might get another 500-1000 miles on it. If you replace it before it gets noticeable worn, you avoid replacing the cassette. If you wait you may have to replace both.

I'm sure they'll true your wheels whether you specifically ask or not. Do ask about hubs. If your hubs are sealed, they should check them but shouldn't need to do anything. If they are servicable bearing hubs, insist that they repack them. If you wait too long on that, you end up needing to replace cones (ask Mimi - cones can be hard to find). Likewise a serviceable bottom bracket should be repacked. The headset may not need service yet, but ask them to check it. Pedals need periodic lubrication also, probably through an injector port.

I wouldn't consider replacing cables to be an annual necessity. You can probably get 5 years out of a set of cables unless they get frayed or crimped. But not a bad idea to regrease them periodically. The shop may prefer the replace them when they regrease them, just to minimize labor and because they're cheap. Break pads need periodic replacement, but only when they are worn down noticeably which could be 3-4 years.

Ah, thank you, Deb. I had forgotten about wheel truing, and I believe I do need that done on at least the rear wheel...

I started out cleaning and lubing the chain regularly, then picked up a self-cleaning lube (Rock'n'Roll) and have been just wiping and lubing the chain as necessary. I was thinking of getting a new chain just so that I could start fresh with a chain that's never been touched by degreaser.

I do need to have the rear brake cable replaced, since that one is fraying. Again, I've read that new cables can make the whole bike feel brand new, so I may do all of them just for the heck of it.

I may as well spoil my baby with new stuff for it's first check-up, then wait to see what it really needs next time around. I've learned so much about maintenance since buying this bike in March, doing that would be like starting from scratch.

Thanks for the rest of the recommendations, as well :D