Best Place to Service My MTB

[Black_Knight]

Okay so in a minor service what do you cover vs. a Major

[Wil6]

I have no issue changing the usual things like brakes and chain etc, but i hate dealing with hubs abd bearings always gets messy, I guess its a time thing Im also busy and if i can have some one do it while im not using it why not, but yes all valid point i should maybe brave the possiblity and do it my self all of it and if i fail then maybe seek some help on it. thanks for the advice.

I must admit that I also once in a while take my bike in for a service if I'm too busy. But there is always something that my LBS missed or did not fix/tighten correctly. So I end up doing it myself and going through all the bearing, bolts etc. 

 

There is three things that I don't touch, and that is my Lefty fork, wheel truing/building and brake bleeding. Must still learn myself that skills.

[Vetseun]

Learn to do minor services yourself.

 

If you get stuck, take your steed to Cajees in Pineslopes. Excellent service and top-notch mechanics!

[Raydek]

I must admit that I also once in a while take my bike in for a service if I'm too busy. But there is always something that my LBS missed or did not fix/tighten correctly. So I end up doing it myself and going through all the bearing, bolts etc.

 

There is three things that I don't touch, and that is my Lefty fork, wheel truing and brake bleeding. Must still learn myself that skills.

Yeah, also a bit hesitant to touch forks, but have attempted and succeeded with the others with not too much frustration.

[eddy]

 

Everybody has their favourite, but I think what you need is the following:

 

An owner run business where the owner does the work himself, not a chain where "mechanics" are employed at lowest cost;

A business where the guy you speak to when you bring your bike in, is the guy who will be doing the work. You can discuss with him exactly what your problem is. He can tell you what needs to be done;

A business where servicing is the mainstay of the business, not an adjuct to moving stock;

Stay away from fancy premises, look for a well layed out workshop (where you should find the owner- refer first point);

Look for a guy who doesn't treat you like dirt because you are a newby, but wants to grow the industry because ultimately that is good for business.

 

Don't buy on price alone. It is easy to sell a bike service cheaply, much much harder to build a business based on quality service.

 

Three names off the top of my head that fit the bill are Anton Bosman at Summit in Crowthorn, Mike Barth at Mike's bikes in Greenside and Grant Usher at Sprocket and Jack in Parkwood.

[rouxtjie]

Okay so in a minor service what do you cover vs. a Major

Meneer forget this minor major stront....

 

Fix and replace when it needs to be fixed and replaced. Check your chain after every ride..replace stuff when it needs to be replaced.

[Vetseun]

 

Meneer forget this minor major stront....

 

Fix and replace when it needs to be fixed and replaced. Check your chain after every ride..replace stuff when it needs to be replaced.

[BLACKvoodoo]

At home!

[Morwa]

I have to agree with Rouxtjie about the minor vs major services.

 

1. Wash & Dry @Home;

2. Relube chain and check for wear @Home;

3. Inspect the bike and replace if something is broken @Home.

4. On an annual basis take your suspension fork and/or shock to a reputable service agent for a service (depending on hours an km's done). 

 

When in doubt....  Youtube and Google are your friends!  Very informative video's on DIY.

[Wil6]

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I see you've lost some weight on that hand

[Wil6]

Here is a question, easy to check if the chain is worn, but how do you know if the cassette is worn?

 

Edit : Chainrings are also easy to see.

[BLACKvoodoo]

Here is a question, easy to check if the chain is worn, but how do you know if the cassette is worn?

 

Edit : Chainrings are also easy to see.

Chainrings/chain/cassette , think of it as one thing. You CAN NOT replace one or the other

[Dirkitech]

Learn to do minor services yourself.

 

If you get stuck, take your steed to Cajees in Pineslopes. Excellent service and top-notch mechanics!

wtf really? cajees? just wtf?

[Brian Fantana]

Chainrings/chain/cassette , think of it as one thing. You CAN NOT replace one or the other

 

If you check your chain regularly (Imperial ruler or Parktool chain checker) and replace it before it has worn past the point of no return, you can replace the chain only.  I use on average 3 chains per cassette and sometimes I even manage to use 4 chains on a cassette before it is worn too far to be used with a new chain.  I inspect cassettes and chainrings visually. You have to start with a new chain when you replace the cassette though.  I only replace chainrings on average about every third cassette.

[Vega]

Learn to do minor services yourself.

 

If you get stuck, take your steed to Cajees in Pineslopes. Excellent service and top-notch mechanics!

Very surprised to hear this. Personally, I wouldn't go near Cajees.

 

Edit: OK, see you weren't serious.

[johanpre44]

You can also try Cyclists workshop (PM me if you want the details).

 

They are close to Northgate, but offer a pickup service for your bike.

 

I really enjoy dealing with the owner (Joshua), he gives very good advice.

 

Note that I DIY service my own bikes.