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

[polly4711]

Hello all!!! I am bringing my bike out from being unused since september... my LBS gives a free basic bike tune-up within one year of buying your first bike (so I'm still in that... doesn't go away until June 3rd) When should I use this??? (I'm training for the MS150 in April) I've never lubed my chain, or really done anything besides play around with my seat and my handlebars (which I don't know if this is included in the tune-up of them remeasuring me).

Should I just go now?


JP

[Grog]

Does your bike need a tune-up?

A tune-up would mostly consist of adjusting your brakes and derailleur.

Certainly you can oil your chain yourself... Keep the tune-up for when it's needed, maybe shortly before your event?

[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?

[brodymom]

Based on the thread, is it correct that you only need a tune-up if you are having some issues - what ever they might be? I have been riding since April, averaging 100 miles/week so have about 950 miles on the bike. I searched the forums to see what people said about tune ups and this thread (though older) seems to address the issue and I just want to confirm that you all agree - no need to get a tune-up after some number of miles unless there are issues. If that is right, I will do it at some point later in the summer or before next Spring. Does this make sense?

Thanks for the help in advance.

[carolync]

Based on the thread, is it correct that you only need a tune-up if you are having some issues - what ever they might be? I have been riding since April, averaging 100 miles/week so have about 950 miles on the bike. I searched the forums to see what people said about tune ups and this thread (though older) seems to address the issue and I just want to confirm that you all agree - no need to get a tune-up after some number of miles unless there are issues. If that is right, I will do it at some point later in the summer or before next Spring. Does this make sense?

Thanks for the help in advance.

My LBS told me to bring in my road bike after the first 100 miles, and X number of miles after that... I can't remember what they said, but I was surprised it was so few... and they provide them for free.

The LBS where I bought my hybrid recommended once a year.

Personally, if it doesn't cost anything, it's worth taking it in, they may notice things out of whack before it starts to affect the ride.