Full service of road bike

billyhead

Just wondering how often you should get your road bike a proper full service by a reputable bike mechanic etc. I have had the raod bike in question for just over a year with an average use of 175km a week. I lube the chain etc myself and clean it and keep the pressure in the tyres at the correct PSI but should I get it checked over in the LBS? I haven't had any problems with it so far.

MajesticDonkey

I usually get mine serviced once per year, at around the same mileage as yourself - 150-200km/week.

billyhead

Yep. I think its due a check up. Just want to make sure the gearing mechnism and cables (brakes) are all running okay. More for peace of mind then anything else:)

elnino23

Is there any places that do courses on bike servicing?

Ninap

elnino23 wrote: »

Is there any places that do courses on bike servicing?

Wheelworx in Lucan regularly run free evening sessions. Check out their website.

ford2600

billyhead wrote: »

Yep. I think its due a check up. Just want to make sure the gearing mechnism and cables (brakes) are all running okay. More for peace of mind then anything else:)

Do you check chain and rim wear?

Worn chain costs money prematurely wearing cassette and chainrings. You don't need a mechanic to check a chain.

joxerjohn

Good point from Ford 2600 on checking the chainwear. Replacing regularily will ensure that wear on other drivetrain components in particuler chainrings and cassettes will be reduced, thus extending their life. What happens is that the chain stretches a bit with use which then causes excessive wear on the other components.

I have seen recommendations for changing the chain twice a year, it does of course depend on your mileage, but you should do it at least every year I would say. You can easily check the chain wear using a gauge available in most bike shops for about €10.

After that it's wheels, tyres, brake pads and cables.

billyhead

Thanks for the feedback folks. So the general conscensus is that it looks like the chain might be needing a replacement after a years usage? I will get it checked at the weekend

ford2600

billyhead wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback folks. So the general conscensus is that it looks like the chain might be needing a replacement after a years usage? I will get it checked at the weekend

Get a steel ruler. Check it yourself

Pawlie

Chain should be changed every 2000km (solid riding,)

ford2600

Pawlie wrote: »

Chain should be changed every 2000km (solid riding,)

How many chain per cassette do you get?

I change by wear. Got 800km out of mtb with wet mucky off road use. Got 4500 out of road bike chain
What chain do you use

billyhead

Pawlie wrote: »

Chain should be changed every 2000km (solid riding,)

I would not be confident in changing it myself so i woulld be best of getting a professional to do it:)

Pawlie

ford2600 wrote: »

How many chain per cassette do you get?

I change by wear. Got 800km out of mtb with wet mucky off road use. Got 4500 out of road bike chain
What chain do you use

Depends on how you keep the chain,the better the chain kept the longer the cassette lasts, I clean my bike and all components after each training spin and race (the bike does get some punishment), I prop get one cassette for two chains,

I have Campag Centuer groupie,so I stick with same when changing,the lads in the shop I go too are super and very reliable and honest too

Pawlie

billyhead wrote: »

I would not be confident in changing it myself so i woulld be best of getting a professional to do it:)

Agh yea same here, I goes to the same lads for everything

studiorat

billyhead wrote: »

I would not be confident in changing it myself so i woulld be best of getting a professional to do it:)

Stupidly easy job. Get a Sram or KMC chain, they have links that are really easy to join together. You'll need a link extractor tool, works a bit like a cork screw. Break the old one first. Then just use to old chain to figure out the length the new should be.

Simples.