Pre-season bike service

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Permalink Reply by Katsu Tanda on July 8, 2009 at 5:57am

Here is what I would do:
New cables and housing
Bar tape
Chain
Cassette if it needs it
Rings if it needs it
Check bottom bracket, replace if necessary
Check hubs, overhaul if necessary
Check tires, replace or reglue if necessary
Check brake pads, replace if necssary
Check rims for wear

I went through several chains and replaced my shift housing/cables several times last season. I expect to do the same this year, so stock up on parts. I'm a bike mechanic by trade, so yeah of course I would do the service myself

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Permalink Reply by andrew on July 14, 2009 at 12:43am

that's a good list katsu!
i might add: 1) grease headset (if possible) 2) check tires (clincher/tubulars) 3) double-check glue (if tubulars) 4) replace cleats if worn

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Permalink Reply by powenb on July 8, 2009 at 2:33pm

Thanks for that.
You must save a packet doing it yourself.

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Permalink Reply by Shane Christopher on July 8, 2009 at 8:31pm

Bike Season??!!
Depends on how much you can do yourself, and how much time you have. I also do almost everything myself; many years aquiring tools and skills (and learning what not to do!!)

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Permalink Reply by powenb on July 9, 2009 at 2:09am

What cables do you use?

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Permalink Reply by andrew on July 14, 2009 at 12:44am

i swear by the gore sealed system, worth every penny and the extra time to set up. full disclosure, they advertise with CXM, but I've gone more than a season with a set.

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Permalink Reply by Echappe Equipment on July 11, 2009 at 10:16am

Don't use cheap cables. I bought some cheap boxes of Jagwire cables for this road season and I've literally replaced the cable and housing every other week. Use some name brand stuff here so it will last and keep your shifting crisp. Not that you have to use Nokon cables or whatever, but at least Shimano level stuff.

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