Elements of an Awesome Bike Werks Tune Up

Elements of an Awesome Bike Werks Tune Up

When you go for a bike ride, there’s nothing like having your bike “dialed in”.  When a bicycle shifts the way it should, brakes the way it should, pedals the way it should, rolls the way it should, fits you the way it should, and operates without a sound, you’re “dialed”.  I’m the sole proprietor of Bike Werks, and I’m proud to sign my name to my work.  Listed below are some of the elements which set me apart when “dialing in” your bike.

Assessment

Upon arriving at your home, I’m quick to set up my bike stand and position your bike so I can perform a comprehensive inspection.  The bike owner is encouraged to watch while I systematically check things out. I work my way from the front wheel to the rear wheel.  How’s the tread on the front tires, is it dry rotted, any rips or tears, how’s the tire pressure, is the front wheel out of true, are the bearings properly set.  That’s just the beginning.  If the bike has a front rim brake, is the brake lever at the best angle, is the lever adjustment knob all the way in, is the cable rusted or frayed, Is the cable housing in good shape, is the brake noodle in good shape, are the brake pads aligned properly, are they toed in, is there still life left in the pads, do the brake arms pull evenly, do they pivot freely, is there adequate spring tension, do they squeal when applied…….. you get the idea. That’s 18 criteria for the front wheel and brake alone!  You can rest assured that my assessment is just as detailed for the rest of the bike.  I do this for every bike – even if I’m asked to do only a derailleur adjustment.  I look at it this way – I don’t want to put my hands on a bike for one reason and have the bike fail its owner for something I failed to point out.

Price Quote

The individual issues are explained, and demonstrated (if you wish). Bike Werks offers pricing for each individual repair.  If there are parts needed (ie: brake pads, chain, saddle, grips, etc…..), they are quoted as well.  In many cases, a complete tune-up, addressing all mechanisms of your bike, is the best way to go.  All prices are given up front, and no work is performed until the fee is agreed upon.

Tune Up

My gold tune-up costs $170 and includes the following:  Remove and true front and rear wheel.  Clean and polish front and rear wheel.  Inflate tires to proper pressure.  Remove drive train, including chain, crankset, front and rear derailleurs and cassette and clean and degrease with solvent in parts washer.  While drive train components are off frame, clean and wax frame.  Reinstall all parts and wheels.  Lubricate derailleur pivot points.  Lubricate derailleur cables.  Adjust front and rear brakes.  Adjust front and rear derailleurs.  Lube chain.  Test ride bike.  The tune-up takes a little over an hour, and your bike is performing at it’s full potential.

My silver tune-up costs $120 with the difference being that the drive train remains on the bike.

Extras

I aim to improve the cycling experience and after meticulously cleaning, waxing and adjusting, I simply take a overall look and address the bike as if it were mine.  Is the saddle level, is  it positioned correctly fore and aft.  Is the seat height correct for its rider?  Are the grips slipping?  Many these days are anatomical – are they positioned correctly?  Are the handlebars at the right angle?  Are there loose reflectors.  Is there a loose kickstand?  Does it need a kickstand?  For road bikes, is the bar tape in good shape?  Are all accessories mounted correctly, and tightened?  When I’m through, there will be no rubbing, no squeaks and no chatter.

Guarantee

 I offer a 30 day performance guarantee.  If the next day, the bike isn’t shifting right – I come out at no charge and make it right.  Bikes can be fickle things, and what you see in the workstand isn’t always what you get on the road or trail.  That’s why I test ride.

In Summary ……

I thoroughly enjoy tuning a bike for it’s owner and I take pride in what I do.  As a kid, my friends and I would completely disassemble our bikes down to the very last bearing.  In my parents basement with the radio blaring, we’d clean, lube and reassemble our bikes for the fun of it.  To me, it’s another part of cycling to enjoy which I still enjoy to this day.