Tips For Spring Tuneups

Spring is here. It’s true. In spite of the gray and chilly spell that has recently visited us, spring is actually here. And many of you are probably thinking “I should get my bike out and ride!” And no doubt some of you are thinking “Hey, now’s the time to bring my bike to the bike shop for a spring tuneup!”

Actually, it probably would have been better if you had done that back in February, since most bike shops get flooded with repair work at the first real sign of spring. But since it’s too late for that, here are a few things to consider now that warmer weather is upon us.

First: Does your bike even need a tuneup?

When was the last time it had one? How much have you actually ridden it since then? Did you ride it a half dozen times, then park it for winter?  If that’s the case, you probably don’t need a tuneup. Bikes are pretty simple machines, and they don’t really go “out of tune” unless they are used a fair amount.

Most likely all you need to do is put some air in your tires and perhaps lube the chain.

Which brings me to one of the most common misconceptions people have about bicycles. I can’t tell you how many times someone has brought a bike to me, convinced that “the tires (or tubes) are bad”, simply because they have lost air over time. Unlike your car tires, bicycle tires and tubes are thin, and hold a small volume of air, so it’s not uncommon for them to lose a significant amount of air pressure over the course of a week or two. So if your bike has been sitting a few months, and your tires are flat, just grab a good pump (you do own one, right?) and pump those tires up.

Once you have air in your tires, what’s next? Well, if your bike has been sitting a while, it might be wise to put a little lube on the chain. I generally recommend a waxed based lube, or some other “dry” type lube, rather than oil, since they attract less dirt. Less is usually better than more with chain lube, so go easy when applying it. If you have any doubts, your local bike shop can help you out.

 So now you have air in your tires and lube on your chain. The next step is to take the bike out for a spin. Run it through the gears, and try out the brakes. If it shifts ok, without skipping or slipping, and it stops well without scraping, honking, or squealing sounds, you’re probably good to go. If it doesn’t seem right, then it’s probably time to take it to your favorite bike shop.

 When you get there, what should you do, what should you say?

Well, as a mechanic, I always appreciate it when someone can tell me any specific issues they are having with their bike. Try not to simply say “my bike needs a tuneup”... rather, tell them if it is making a strange sound or not shifting or stopping. Do the best you can to describe what you’ve observed with your bike, and try to answer the mechanic’s questions simply and clearly.

Once you’ve done that, what should you expect from the shop? They should look the bike over, while you’re there, to get some idea of what work the bike might need. Be forewarned, at this time of year, they probably won’t be able to fix it right then and there, unless it’s a pretty simple job. And don’t be surprised if they tell you it might take a week or longer to get your bike back. At the beginning of spring, everyone seems to remember they own a bike at roughly the same time, so try to be patient and understanding.

The mechanic should explain to you what work is needed on your bike, how much it should cost, and how long it is likely to take. Then it’s up to you to decide if you want to go ahead and have the work done. Sometimes, rarely, if your bike is really old, and needs a great deal of work, and a lot of new parts, you might consider giving up on that bike and getting another, but most often you simply need to put a little bit of money into it to get it rolling again, ready for another season or more of riding.

Now get out there and ride!