How much does it cost to tune up a bike? Bicycle maintenance is a crucial component of cycling, helping riders extend their bike’s life, keep it in good working order and prevent unforeseen breakdowns.
One of the most often overlooked expenses in biking is the cost of repairs and tune-ups. Bikes can be quite costly, especially if you’re looking for a good quality one. In addition, the price depends on the city and the country you live in.
A tune-up made by a mechanic could start from around $55 for a basic; a general-purpose tune-up can cost up to 200 dollars for a complete overhaul. The average cost for a tune-up without labour is $65.
This usually does not include the price of significant bike components that need to be replaced. You may wish to overhaul the existing component, but sometimes you must replace it with a new one. So take a range of $25 to $200 for that. With more expensive bikes, however, come more expensive parts.
Customers need to know what to expect when they take their bikes for a tune-up. Make sure to communicate the cost of tune-ups before modifying anything on your bike.
However, there are some things you can do to keep your bike in good working order and prolong its life, and that will save you money in the long run.
A typical tune-up consists of inspecting the bike’s drivetrain and brakes, lubing pivots and bearings, adjusting the derailleurs and re-torquing the headset, stem, and hubs. Many bikes need new brake pads because the stock pads are pretty soft.
The labour charge should include a one-hour labour minimum, which covers all adjustments to the headset, derailleur clamp bolts, concentricity of the rear wheel, installation of brake pads, wiping down of the bike with an IPA solution to prevent corrosion, checking/adjusting tire pressure, rotation of tires to even out wear patterns.
Table of Contents
What does a typical bike tune-up include?
A bike tune-up is a basic bike maintenance check designed to keep your bike in good working order. Tune-ups help keep your bike in shape for when you want to ride it. A tune-up will vary from person to person depending on how much they ride, what kind of riding they do, and what level of rider they are.
A typical tune-up consists of inspecting the bike’s drivetrain and brakes, lubing pivots and bearings, adjusting the derailleurs and re-torquing the headset, stem, and hubs. Many bikes need new brake pads because the stock pads are relatively soft.
The labour charge should include a one-hour labour minimum, which covers all adjustments to the headset, derailleur clamp bolts, concentricity of the rear wheel, installation of brake pads, wiping down of the bike with an IPA solution to prevent corrosion, checking/adjusting tire pressure, rotation of tires to even out wear patterns.
How often should you get a bike tune-up?
There are a few simple things to keep your bike in good shape. While a complete tune-up is an excellent thing to have done once a year or every few hundred miles, you can keep your bike running smoothly with a few basic maintenance tasks. Here’s how to make sure your bike is running smoothly.
It would be best if you got your bike tuned up sooner for riders that ride more often. It will help increase efficiency and keep you safe. For this case, a tune-up should be done every six to nine months.
Ensure the brakes are working properly: Most bikes these days come with disc brakes, which are easier to maintain than older calliper-style brakes. If you have disc brakes, ask your local bike shop for help if you’re having trouble with them. If your bike needs work, take it in before making an appointment at your local shop.
Also, it is important to keep in mind the things below:
Check tire pressure: Check the tire pressure at least once a week. If the tires are too soft or too hard, it can affect your ride and lead to an accident. Ensure the tires have the right pressure for the surface you’ll be riding on.
By doing these simple things, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones that could cost you big bucks.
To find out whether your bike needs a tune-up, you can answer the following questions:
1) What are the most common bike problems that occur? (a list of 5 things)
2) How can you tell if your bike is out of tune? (paint chips, scratches, squeaking, etc.)
3) How do I fix these problems? (detailed instructions on how to do it yourself)
4) How much does this cost? (average price for parts and labour at local shops)
Is it worth getting a bike tune-up?
A bike tune-up can go a long way in helping you ride more efficiently and stay safe on the road. Bike tune-ups are especially important if you’ve just purchased a used bike. You first want to take your bike to a shop and get it tuned up. So, it can be worth it.
As we mentioned at the beginning, Bike tune-ups are very affordable, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t have your bike tuned up before every season.
So you need to know if your bike needs tuning. Sometimes the problem is not with the bike but with the rider. For example, if you’re riding with loose pedals, that could create chain slack, leading to additional wear and tear on other parts of your bike.
Rigid bikes are less forgiving than more comfortable mountain bikes. So if you ride your rig for long distances on paved roads, the roads will naturally smooth out the bumps on the road, so you can ride on a rougher surface than you’d normally be able to.
Conclusion
Summing up, a bike tune-up is essential to maintain and keep your bike in good condition. It is affordable to do, but before you do it, check your bike if something needs repair or check. We hope that you found our article useful and helpful about some inquiries related to bike tune-ups and maintenance. Please share this article with your friends, and subscribe to our newsletter to learn the news and updates on our website first.
Daniel, a mountain biking expert with a Master’s degree in Sports Science, has over 10 years of experience navigating the toughest trails. With a passion for sustainable riding, he shares expert tips and gear advice on mountainbikerz.com. Join his 145K followers on Instagram.