by Dan Atkinson

Anyone who owns and rides a bike has, at some point, taken it in for a tune-up. The concept seems simple enough, however, rarely is it actually stated what, exactly, will be checked, cleaned, adjusted or repaired. Sometimes, your expectations just aren’t met.
Communication can be a problem. You have an idea of what you expect will be done and you naturally assume the phrase “tune-up” is sufficient. Different shops include specific work in their tune-up and charge varying prices. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the work you want done is actually done:
There is a possibility that you don’t actually need a tune-up, but instead need a repair or adjustment to a specific area of your bike. You can save some cash if you already know what needs to be fixed. Naming the problem as a mechanic sees it will help bridge the communication gap, and ensure that your bike will be fixed as you expected.
A tune-up may be perceived as something as simple as an adjustment to gears and brakes, all the way to a full-serviced, all bases covered, washed and detailed affair. Ask both what the tune-up includes and how much it costs. Also ask if someone will call you if they find problems not covered in the tune-up.
Prior to visiting the mechanic, do your own inspection of the bike and make a list of things you want adjusted, repaired and replaced, etc.
When you take your bike in for repairs or adjustments, it wouldn’t hurt to bring in your list and have it stapled to the actual work order. Be sure to include your phone number. Your description, “It makes a weird sound in the rain” might not translate into a problem with the bottom bracket.
Most bike fixes are covered in these four categories:
Adjustments: Easy to spot and explain. Gears don’t change as expected. Brakes don’t work well; pads rub against the wheel or are worn out. A wheel is no longer straight; spokes are loose. Wheels feel tight or loose around the axle area. Pedal area is loose or tight. Steering area is loose or tight. These are things that should be attended to and shouldn’t cost too much to fix.
Repairs: Again, these are easy to spot and explain. You can actually see the damage and the bike is usually not rideable due to the problem. You might be prepared to have the part replaced, but a good mechanic may be able to repair it. If you choose to have the part repaired, ask if there is a guarantee that the part will work as expected. Due to the labour and parts required, repairs tend to be costly.
Overhauls: Generally, this applies to areas of the bike with bearings and axles, but it also includes areas that require dismantling to keep them operating properly. Shocks, internal gears, gear changers and other mini-systems fall into this category. These are areas that require attention less often but can cost more if overlooked for too long. Wiggle your wheels, pedal area and handle bar area.
If something feels loose, get it adjusted fast to avoid problems. Telltale signs that things are serious include loose or very tight bearing areas, cracking and creaking sounds and a sense that there is definitely a problem that isn’t going to fix itself. Don’t hesitate to have these problems looked at immediately. Overhauls are costly, but necessary.
Customizing: You have an idea of how you want your bike to look and/or feel. It might be something like a totally new position or small adjustments to improve your current position. Maybe you think of your bike as a dear old friend that deserves a total makeover: paint job, new wheels and all new parts and decals.
This is the point where communication is of the utmost importance. A mechanic will know how to repair your bike if you explain the problem, but customizing a bike is a personal matter.
How your body feels and responds to your bike makes a huge difference in your enjoyment of the ride, regardless of whether you are road racing, mountain biking, doing stunts, commuting or just enjoying a casual ride.
If you are still looking for someone to deal with, be sure to ask friends, talk to other riders and drop into various bike shops to get a feel for who sells and repairs different styles of bikes.
Finding a mechanic that not only works on your bike to your satisfaction, but who also shares your vision of your bike and how it relates to your body, your life style and your needs will require some searching, but it’s well worth the effort.

Dan Atkinson has been hanging around bikes – it was his family’s business – for the last 30 years. In 2005, he opened Dan’s Bike Shop at 3424 Broadway West, 604-739-3424.