Is it time for a tune-up of my road bike?

Question

I bought a used bike in Feb (Novara Carema road bike) and had it tuned up before I rode it. It has been a great bike and I have been a so-so owner as far as cleaning and lubing. I’ve been training for an Olympic distance Triathlon and have ridden my bike for all of my training (I’d estimate ~40 miles per week average since Feb). The big race is in 2 weeks, should I spend the money and have it tuned up again? How often should you get a tune up.

Answer 1

If the bike is road ridden only and ridden in mostly dry conditions I'd service as needed. If the thing works fine now, skip the tune until later. Nothing worse than having someone fiddle with it then have problems with it right before your race.

Of course keeping your chain clean and lubed is an on-going venture.

Answer 2

Does "so-so owner" mean you haven't regularly given your chain a thorough cleaning and proper lubing?

You indicate you've ridden your bike 1000+ miles since purchased.  Do you have any idea how many miles were on that drivetrain prior to purchase?  Add in your 1000+ miles of rides at a training pace on a "so-so" maintained drivetrain and you might be in the market for a new chain.  You're not talking much money.  Besides, this is your big race...the one you've been training for which you've been training for months.  Do you want to run a chain that might have 2000+ miles on it?

If all else is working properly, I see no reason for a complete tune-up.

Answer 3

If shifting is flawless and your brake pads have plenty of life, I don't think you need to have a tune up.  On the other hand, if your shifting is sketchy or the brake pads are worn to the point that the grooves are gone, it is time for a tune up.

On a regular basis, you should clean and lubricate your chain, check your cables for wear and check your tire pressures.  Also, you should learn to adjust your bikes barrel adjusters for each derailleur and brakes to tweak cable tensions for optimum performance.  You bike shop should be happy to show you how to do these things.

About once a year, you ought to take the bike to the shop and have the following done:

- Everything that can be lubed should be taken apart and lubed.

- Sealed bearings should be checked to insure they are running smoothly.

- Cables examined for wear and replaced if necessary.

- Cable housings replaced if the cable is worn.

- Derailleurs indexed.

- Brake pads replaced if worn and adjusted otherwise.

- Drive train (chain, cassette, chainrings) checked for wear and replaced if necessary.  (This is expensive.)

- Cleats and pedals checked for wear and replaced if necessary.

Hope this helps.