There's nothing better than going out for a ride on a sunny morning. The birds, the fresh air, the silence...and then your squeaking and clunking jalopy of a bike. Unlike a car, bicycles need servicing at frequent intervals. Due to their exposed drivetrain and lightweight parts, bikes wear out more quickly than you might think. All parts that wear out are designed to be replaced with relative ease and are always available if your bike is no more than 10 years old. (Older bikes with redundant parts require some research and hunting to find required spares).
The majority of bike shops offer servicing at various levels of expense, quality and detail. Fortunately bikes don't need a Platinum Level service every 6 months, although small and regular services are critical to a well-functioning machine. Home mechanics would be capable of the basic service of a bike, but for most of us getting an expert and professional check at the local bike shop is crucial to smooth running and staying safe.
If you've ever wondered what goes on (and what you are paying for) with a bike service, here is a first-hand account of the process.
NOTE: All bike shops are different. This is not a universal guide on all stores but gives a general idea of what goes into a bike service. Your local shop may differ in their approach to the levels of servicing.
BASIC SERVICE
A basic service is the most frequently required and most affordable service. You should learn to do most of these tasks yourself if it interests you. The tools are minimal, and if you stuff it up... you were planning a visit to your local bike shop anyway!
- Drivetrain clean (chain, cassette, crankset)
- Gear Tune and Alignment
- Brake Adjustment and Alignment
- Safety Check on all bolts and pedals
- Wheel Alignment and True
- Test Ride
In a basic service the bike is usually not washed. This takes time and uses substantial cleaning products. If you want your bike washed, request it specifically and have it added to your bill. Or do the decent thing - wash the bike before you drop it off. You don't turn up at the dentist with dirty teeth, do you?
NOTE: Be prepared for added costs of replacing certain parts. For instance, the gears CANNOT be tuned if the cables are rusted. Small expenses may be required, so be financially prepared when you collect your bike. Some cables and new brake pads might cost a few $10 notes, nothing more.
HOW TO: Related article for the home mechanic: "How to clean and lube your chain in 5 steps"
PREMIUM SERVICE
A premium service is just an extension of the previous basic service. Usually, a bike clean is included in the service package, which actually results in a better service result. Premium services may also include removal of parts, as detailed below:
- Bike Washed and Polished
- Drivetrain Cleaned (chain, cassette, crankset)
- Gear Tune and Alignment
- Brake Adjustment and Alignment
- Safety Check on all Bolts and Pedals
- Wheel Alignment and True
- Bottom Bracket Removed and Regreased
- Wheel Bearings Removed and Regreased
- Wheel Bearings Tightened
- Headset Removed and Regreased
- Test Ride
NOTE: A Premium service is commonly recommended when a bike has been ridden for more than 6 months. The same expenses apply if cables or brake pads need replacing. This level of service may uncover the hidden truth behind those noises you hear. Be prepared for bearing replacements in the headset and bottom bracket or any other news that is beyond 'normal' regarding the condition of your bike.
HOW TO: Related articles for the home mechanic: "How to adjust your Front Derailleur in 5 easy steps"
PLATINUM SERVICE
The highest level of service and as good as it gets. A platinum service is recommended for elite cyclists who compete, or cyclists who have owned a bike for more than 1 year and have ridden it several times a week. A platinum service is basically a complete strip down and rebuild of the bike, as well as 'paid in advance' replacements. A separate list of replacements is listed below (all bike shops are different, check with your local shop).
- Bike Stripped Down
- Parts Washed / Degreased Individually
- Drivetrain Cleaned in Heavy Degreaser (chain, cassette, crankset)
- Gear Tune and Alignment
- Brake Adjustment and Alignment
- Safety Check on all Bolts and Pedals
- Wheel Alignment and True
- Bottom Bracket Removed and Regreased
- Wheel Bearings Removed and Regreased
- Wheel Bearings Tightened
- Headset Removed and Regreased
- Test Ride
Parts Replaced:
- Handlebar Tape Replaced
- Tires Replaced
- All Cables Replaced
- Test Ride
- Hydraulics Drained and Refilled
NOTE: Depending on your local store's servicing layout you can request any replacements you like - or just let them diagnose and replace as they go - working within a set budget you outline. Create a guideline to prevent a shock when you pick the bike up: "Do whatever you want, unless you exceed an additional $150 on top of the service charge. If this happens, then call me first!".
HOW TO: Related articles for the home mechanic: "How to adjust your rear derailleur in 5 easy steps"
Recommended Service Timelines
 1 - 2 Rides Per Week | 3 Or More Rides Per Week | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC SERVICE: | Every 9 months | Every 6 months |
| PREMIUM SERVICE: | Every 12 months | Every 9 months |
| PLATINUM SERVICE: | Every 24 months | Every 18 months |
Keep in mind; climate and location also have a huge effect on your bike. You might not ride your bike at all for a whole year, but will still need it serviced due to corrosion.
DID YOU KNOW? Bike shops will not discount servicing, as the entire charge is labor. Only the additional items are worthy of discussion, such as parts and accessories added during a service. If you discount the labor component you're doing your mechanic out of a job. A service can range from 1 hour through to 4 hours (if no hurdles are encountered), so keep it in mind next time you negotiate a bike service charge.
“Now get that thing serviced before somebody puts in a noise complaint about you!”
- The BikeRoar Team
