We live in a climate with four seasons and fortunately three seasons offer rideable conditions so bike maintenance encompasses the fourth season. We are generally optimists so we view the winter time as a chance to recharge, focus on other hobbies, and giving our trusty bike the annual TLC it deserves. We’ve written about our annual maintenance schedule here and you can choose to do this yourself or search for bike maintenance near me.
We’ve heard cyclists in the Peleton talk about their annual tune up but let’s clear the air. A tune up only insures that surface components are tweaked. An overhaul involves a complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly. Most of us take our cars in every 3,000-5,000 miles for preventative maintenance so why would our bike be any different, right anon? We’ll take a look below at an overhauls frequency, cost, and maintenance detail.
Frequency of Overhaul Work
Answer: Once a year but if you ride in absolute brutal whether you may look to do this more often. The longer you’ve owned your bike may impact the frequency as well.
Cost of Bike Mechanic
Depends on where you live, not just country but also what state. We’re based in the US and we see these services go in the ballpark of $250 plus or minus. Times may be tough but this should save you cash in the long run
Overhaul detail
Most bikes today require a lot less maintenance as a result of sealed or cartridge bearings. Below we outline the major maintenance that should be done every season.
True your wheel and ensure spoke tension is balanced.
Disassemble, Clean, Lubricate, Reassemble, and Adjust
- The Fork (include stem and headset)
- The Drive Train (Crankset, Bottom Bracket, Chain, and Deraileurs)
- Front/Rear Hubs
- Seatpost
- Cables
- Pedals
- Shifters
- Cassette housing
- Derailer pulleys
- Chain
- Cable stops, etc.
- Threads of seatpost bolt
- Handlebar bolts
- Stem bolts