When to get my Free Bike Tune-up...

[polly4711]

Grog... thanks for the super fast reply!!!

How do I know when my bike needs a tune up? and how do I oil my chain???

All of this bike stuff is still very new to me!

[tulip]

I suggest that you take a look at some bicycling books. There are alot out there, and bike maintenance is really pretty simple. There are certainly complicated parts, but the basic stuff is easy and essential to do. Some bike shops, including REI, offer bike maintenance classes.

You should also become very familiar with changing flats on both wheels. Do this at home so that when you get a flat out in the boonies, you'll be able to help yourself and get back to your ride.

[malkin]

Awww, rats!
I read When to get my free bike and I thought you'd won that Trek contest.

[polly4711]

I wish I was getting a free bike!!! No, just a free bike tune up. I know how to change the tires... any good books to get?

[derailed]

It might be a bit much to start with, but if you are patient with yourself and don't read too much at a time ( think of it like a cookbook )
"Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance" is excellent.

[tulip]

Great! So many people don't know how to change flats, even years after they start riding. They rely on friends, husbands, boyfriends...but it's really important to know how to do on your bike and on your car.

I am reading Selene Yaeger's book on women's cycling. She has some basics about mechanics, and alot about training. I also have an old book published by Bicycling Magazine some years back that focuses on bike repair. I don't do the complicated stuff because I just don't have enough time to learn, but I can adjust brakes and cables, clean chains (and replace if necessary), switch out pedals, adjust derailleurs, change tires, true wheels (not really necessary on the road but I learned when I worked in a bike shop years ago).

I'd say if your bike only needs the tires pumped up and the chain oiled, then take it in for a tuneup about two weeks before your April ride. If it needs more work, take it now.

[Aiacha]

Don't forget that you will also have to get your bike inspected before the MS150, which are free until April 11th at the following shops...

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/cha...res/index.aspx

Mention this when you bring it in for a tune up. I just got mine done, which it needed, and now it shifts like a dream!

[TrekTheKaty]

Two different shops recommended bringing my new bike back after 100 miles to tighten up anything that may not have been tight enough. Then I get a free yearly tune up--last year was the week before my century (I'm paranoid--my hubby had lots of problems last summer, and I didn't want to risk my first century). So I'd say both :-) It's worth the money.