Yearly Bike Maintenance

[airplanedoc]

I need to find a new bike mechanic.

My former guy was a employee of mine, who quit his job and moved out of state. He had sold me my bike while he was trying to get a small bike shop up and running, and did my yearly maintenance free of charge, since I had sent some business his way. He would swing by my desk to setup pick up and delivery of my bike for its annual inspection.

So basically I have no idea what is/should be done on its annual check up/lube, or how much it should cost.

Surely someone here can help.

FWIW its a 06 GT Zaskar Expert with 6-8K on it, It's ridden 99% on a paved bike trail/road

 

[azmark]

When I was racing I would tune it up before every race (depending on the distance). One thing to do every year are cables, chains and tires. This is what I recommend for road bikes, off road shouldn't be too much of a difference.

Tune ups will depend on how much use you get out of it. If you ride often, maybe twice a year. Cables should be checked and tightened, teeth on cassettes and cranks checked and chain checked.

One thing that gets overlooked a lot are wheels. Check for cracks inside and out, and while you do that change your tubes. And never store your bike with the tires at riding pressure. Let a little out to allow for expansion from heat in the air, especially if it sits in your garage.

 

[Wendy]

HA HA really? Maintenance? I thought if you paid enough the bike auto maintained itself

 

[C Reed]

I need to find a new bike mechanic.

My former guy was a employee of mine, who quit his job and moved out of state. He had sold me my bike while he was trying to get a small bike shop up and running, and did my yearly maintenance free of charge, since I had sent some business his way. He would swing by my desk to setup pick up and delivery of my bike for its annual inspection.

So basically I have no idea what is/should be done on its annual check up/lube, or how much it should cost.

Surely someone here can help.

FWIW its a 06 GT Zaskar Expert with 6-8K on it, It's ridden 99% on a paved bike trail/road

If you are in or near NYC I'll do it for you, I have tones of shop experience.

What to do:
Check cables replace any that are worn, or over 2 years old (you should replace all of them as you don't know how old they are).

Check tires for wear.

Check shifting accuracy and adjust as needed.

Check Brakes and adjust as needed.

Clean and oil all gears and chain, check for wear replace if needed (probably a new chain, maybe new gears it depends).

Clean and regrease hubs, bottom bracket and head set if not sealed cartridge.

Check wheels for Truness and Roundness, re-true as needed.

Remove and regrease Seat post, Saddle Rails, stem, bars and peddles

Check all components for wear and damage, replace/ repair as needed.

Clean bike,

Check all bolts are at correct tension.