Bike service

[Jason.T]

Popped into LBS today (well not that local, 40 miles away)
To pick up a shorter stem

While I was there I asked them about servicing my bike, I've done 700miles since buying the bike (new) so I know it's due for a good tune up

Anyway the guy was telling me that I probably need a new chain, new brake blocks and possibly new cables

Is he talking sense or just trying to get money out of me?

 

[Smurfy]

I'd be a bit hacked off if my cables only lasted 700 miles! Brake block life is very dependant on usage. Chain needs measuring, but you could do that yourself with a steel rule. See this page, scroll almost to the bottom, and read the section titled 'Measuring Chain Wear'.

 

[Peteaud]

700 miles.

what are the cables made of, cheese.

Yes the gears might need a fiddle and yes check the brake blocks, but new ones, i doubt it.

 

[youngoldbloke]

^^^^ Was he actually looking at your bike? I would be amazed if I needed new cables and chain after only 700 miles! But then again you might. Brake blocks maybe, at this time of year.

 

[Jason.T]

^^^^ Was he actually looking at your bike? I would be amazed if I needed new cables and chain after only 700 miles! But then again you might. Brake blocks maybe, at this time of year.

I didn't have my bike with me so he didn't see it, he was just telling me in general that I probably would need them replaced

 

[Jason.T]

None of my cables have frayed and the blocks look fine, but I'm no expert

As for the chain I don't have a clue I will take a look at @YellowTim link

 

[cyberknight]

Brake blocks should be about it but without seeing the wear on individual bits its hard to say , i rewire the rear shifter cable every year as it does tend to get sloppy and brake blocks when they wear to the minimum but thats at least 6 months if not longer .With chains your looking at triple (?) your mileage dependant on chain type, how clean you keep it etc etc .
As YT says you can measure the chain or buy a chain checker
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...gclid=CK_sqqG_m7wCFdShtAodUlsAJw&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[jay clock]

I tend to replace my chains every 1000 miles or so which gives me a much longer cassette life. Cables, once a year probably. Brake blocks would be the one thing I would change as I find the standard fit ones on new bikes are often hard as hell, and with new wheels seem to get more bits of metal embedded

 

[boydj]

Brake blocks and chain depend very much on the type of riding - in town in all weathers, a lot of wear. Long runs in good weather, little wear. At 700 miles, the cassette should be fine. Age is more of a factor with cables than mileage. I'd expect a couple of years out of cables as long as the bike is looked after reasonably well.

A basic service should be well within the capability of most people and only requires a few basic tools. Getting to know your way round your bike will make you more self-sufficient in the event of problems on the road.

 

[Jason.T]

I'm intending to buy a tool kit and hopefully learn to do 90% of repairs and maintaince myself

 

[Widge]

I have been 'round the houses with brake-blocks over the last couple of years so it is difficult to really advise how long you can expect them to last.
As boydj mentions, the ones supplied from new are often not up to much. Hard ones may last longer but can be awful tough on the rims. Fancy dimples and ridges just seem to attract grindy grit that chews at yer rims. I have come down in favour of KoolStop Salmons which seem most rim friendly but the jury is out on their longevity. It's a balancing act. Just keep your eye on them and try something else if they aren't doing the biz one way or the other.
Maintenance is key to getting the most from these sort of 'consumable' components but ride conditions are a major factor. Cables CAN last a long time if you can keep them clean and lubed IME. So can a chain/cassette but all these things WILL wear out sooner or later and it is often a false economy to run them into the ground before getting round to replacing them.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Yea, but ........ 700 miles? Even for me that would be 7 sets of cables and 7 chains a year

 

[Widge]

Yup...........700 miles is suspiciously cheesy!!

 

[jay clock]

I bought a load of these pads.... http://www.discobrakes.com/?s=0&t=2&c=52&p=283& very good value and work well

 

[youngoldbloke]

I bought a load of these pads.... http://www.discobrakes.com/?s=0&t=2&c=52&p=283& very good value and work well

Yes I use those too - they don't stay red for long at this time of year