I called one bike shop and they said $200.00 for a tune up. My bike isn't worth that.
The LeTour, (that I changed the tire on). I took to a repair workshop a few weeks ago. This is why I feel better riding it, than the other, better quality Schwinnn Traveller bike.

I have never ridden the Schwinn Traveller at all. I forgot I even had it. It was stuck in the loft of my garage. I bought it as a "spare" years ago. I had great trouble getting used to biking, and knew if I ever had a mechanical problem, I would be likely to drop out, so I felt a spare was good insurance. It was $50.00 at Goodwill at the time. Meanwhile, some of the cables got rusty (Maybe my garage roof has a small leak?)

I took it into a shop and they looked it over very quickly (for free) recommended some repairs, I bought the parts. On Saturday I will go to a bike clinic that is held weekly. Tried to go to one tonight (same shop that did the quickie inspection), but they had to cancel, because they were short staffed.

I hope to learn enough to take care of my own repairs. I have much more time than money. Besides, it will probably take less time to fix myself as to take it into a shop. Plus, there is the satisfaction of being self-sufficient, and taking care of breakdowns.

Once, my chain came off and jammed between the frame and rear gears. Since the rear wheel wouldn't turn, I had to carry the bike for over a mile.Bruised up my calf since the pedals kept hitting my leg If only I had had a wrench! Suburban highway area, so no pay phones (pre-cell phones).

I am angry at myself for not learning bike maintainence sooner. I guess that I always thought that if it wasn't broke, don't mess with it.

Maybe now that I am getting middle aged I am appreciating the value of maintainence

Mary