Biking

[pictor]

I am determined to bike more this summer (like......at all. I never used my bike once last summer).

The weather is getting clear enough that it is starting to be an option, and I want to do even more going forward. I like biking....I just rarely bother to choose it as for my transportation needs.

I have a bike...that has sat in the garage for almost 2 years. Accordingly, I want to bring it in for a tune-up. This is where you come in. Where would you recommend for a good major overhaul. Front to back, everything, from taking out the bearings and cleaning them, to tuning the brakes, to....well, everything. Not far from home is a bonus, but I can get the bike in the car.

I plan to get a helmet (this is a big commitment on my part...I have always avoided them, stupid, yes, I know). I won't be biking to work, until after I move maybe, but I can certainly still use it more.

edit: $100 plus parts at http://www.cyclepower.ca
plus parts will be the trick....I am betting I will need some parts replaced. Still...they are very close to the queensway just off Kirkwood.

Comments

[con-girl.livejournal.com]

Any professional bike shop will do a professional job.

I really like Full Cycle near me.

Since you are moving, you should pick one near where you think you will end up. Service is better when they know you. This is crunch time for them. I recommend that you bring it in now so that it is ready when you want. You don't tune brakes generally. You replace them and true wheels.

[xiphia.livejournal.com]

Award Cycle on Carling.

[mikepictor.livejournal.com]

They are more expensive than cyclepower, is there something in particular that you like about them?

[xiphia.livejournal.com]

Well since you asked, I have found them to be really professional, good at explaining things, and interested in giving everyone they talk to a positive biking experience. When I bought my bike from them (after nightmarish experiences at several other stores), we looked at 3 models, and they eventually convinced me I didn't need the most expensive one. They seemed more interested in getting me what I *needed* as a rider than in selling their latest and greatest, that impressed me. Also, their service is more thorough than other places I've checked, and the one time I had a problem with something they did, they fixed it immediately and didn't charge me. Basically it seems like a store full of people who love bikes and want to make sure others love them too.

[mikepictor.livejournal.com]

thank you....good to hear.

[xiphia.livejournal.com]

If you try them, be sure to let me know how it goes. :)

The thing that gets me about them is the amount of customization they do for you if you take the time to talk to them. I told them that I use the middle 8 gears (bike is 24-speed) more than the top 8 at my current fitness level, so during the maintenance they adjusted the gearing so that those gears shifted the smoothest. For most people, the top 8 are set to be the smoothest, but until I am fitter, I wouldn't get any benefit from that. Little touches that make a difference, you know? They also altered the handlebars for me so it was easier to grip with my arthritis.

They're not perfect or anything, one time I got my bike back from maintenance and one brake was loose (they hadn't tightened it all the way after removing it and cleaning it), but they fixed it immediately while I waited, and then walked out to the parking lot with me afterwards and watched while I took it for a test ride to make sure everything was exactly the way I wanted it.

[con-girl.livejournal.com]

If what you want to do costs that much, I wouldn't be surprised that you don't need most of it.

I get a tune up every year but it is included with the initial bike purchase so I don't know what it costs otherwise but I think a standard spring tune-up is about $40.

[mikepictor.livejournal.com]

$100 is the cheapest I found. The store Xiphia recommended charges $129 plus parts.