If I take a bike to a LBS for a "Full Service", what can I expect them to do?
Sorry, it may be a long answer. I'm just wondering if anything will be done, which I am currently unaware should be done, that I cannot (as a reasonably decent bike mechanic) do myself (other than true wheels and do whatever needs doing to a headset).
TIA
I have a feeling that I'm about to discover that I'm actually a very poor mechanic when I see a list of jobs that I would never have thought should be part of maintenance! -- DISCLAIMER: My email box is private property.Email which appears in my inbox is mine to do what I like with. Anything which is sent to me (whether intended or not) may, if I so desire, form a legal and binding contract.
Inspect & grease hubs, headset, bottom bracket and pedal bearings (where appropriate and not cartridge units), possibly replacing any balls that look dull.
General checking, adjusting and lubrication of brakes, gears, cables, wheels and tyres. They might routinely change cables and brake blocks (even when this wouldn't be strictly necessary). Check chain for wear, possibly replacing it, possibly sprockets too if well worn. Nothing more advanced unless something was broken.
If I take a bike to a LBS for a "Full Service", what can I expect them to do?
Sorry, it may be a long answer. I'm just wondering if anything will be done, which I am currently unaware should be done, that I cannot (as a reasonably decent bike mechanic) do myself (other than true wheels and do whatever needs doing to a headset).
TIA
I have a feeling that I'm about to discover that I'm actually a very poor mechanic when I see a list of jobs that I would never have thought should be part of maintenance!
I doubt there'll be much that you couldn't have done. I like to have my bike professionally serviced every now and then for two reasons.
Firstly, it means the gears will work for a while. As far as I'm concerned, derailleur gears work by Black Magic and can only be made functional with cantations learned by LBS wizards.
Secondly, it's simply reassuring to know that a second pair of eyes have had a look and might have spotted some impending failure that I'd never have imagined. It's worth 20 or 30 quid once a year for that peace of mind alone.
