basic stuff

[polly4711]

when do you do the basic bike maintence stuff. my bike has been sitting around since end september due to my injuries... should i take my bike in to the lbs to let them look it over?

[indysteel]

How many miles has it been since it last had a tune up? Were you having any mechanical issues last fall before you were injured?

[Grog]

If it was fine before and feels fine now, I would just ride it. If something needs to be adjusted, then you can get it adjusted piecemeal. (Ex: it's not shifting right at the back, get that fixed... or learn to do it yourself - I never ask for a "full tune-up" because it costs a lot more than what actually needs to be done.)

It most likely needs air in the tires and perhaps a bit of oil on the chain...

[michelem]

I second Grog's suggestions, but would like to add that cleaning the bike, chain, cogs, etc. is probably in order. When a bike sits for that long -- even inside the house -- it accumulates dust, which can inhibit performance/shifting, etc. Also, check the tires for cracks.