bike shop advice

[fretted]

So, I've been commuting for a few months now and thought it would be a good time to check my second hand bike for a service. However, the bike shop advised that I should replace the chain and cassette, which I was happy to agree , and also replace the tyres and the bottom bracket, as they are starting to wear and show signs of age. I have not noticed any problems with these but as it is coming to winter, I would rather have a more reliable bike.

My question is should I get the bike repaired as advised or wait until I notice the creaks and problems before replacing, thereby getting more out of the parts or just accept it now and have a reliable bike over the winter?

I could also try and do the repairs myself but as a beginner and time short (2 kids and diy) if I attempt it myself potentially I'll start but won't finish and deprive myself of the services of the bike.

 

[Cycleops]

If you want to do it yourself you will need some tools. Chain whip and cassette key plus some sort of socket set. The chainset will need a extractor and the tyres some tyre levers. The BB a relevant cup tool. If you're going to do it on a regular basis go for it but if you're not and you are not confident I think you have answered your own question.

Check the BB by holding the cranks and wiggling it to feel for play.

 

[dawn72]

I think it partly depends upon what you use the bike for. If you use it to commute, then you could potentially wipe out any saving made by the diy repairs if the work doesn't go to plan and you end up with no bike for a period of time. Did you get an estimate from the bike shop for them to carry out the work?

 

[fretted]

The estimate for two set of puncture proof tyres, bottom bracket, disc brakes replaced, replacement gear cables and service came to just over 200 quid

 

[dawn72]

How much would it cost if you buy the parts and have no Labour charge

 

[broady]

How much was the bike?
I'm new to bike maintenance and have brought myself some old bikes and had a go on those. I'm now happy to do most things myself on my own bike.
The Internet (utube) is fantastic to show you exactly what you need to do.
The problem is that you need to take bits off so you can see what you need to order, like bottom bracket. But its easy enough and that only takes me 15-20 mins from starting to having it all put back together. Then once the part arrives you'll know exactly what you have to do.
I have no idea with disc brakes though

 

[Peteaud]

My 2p worth.

If its an expensive bike, £200 is maybe ok.

If its an old el cheapo, don't bother, put the money towards a new / better bike, but ride the old one for the time being.

You can buy a brand new, carbon forked road bike for under £300.00 with everything new.

 

[vickster]

You can get Vittoria Rubino tyres for under a tenner each. How much are they quoting for the tyres? Why do you need two sets?!

 

[fretted]

Yeah, I'm going to get a second bike to ride so that I always having something to ride if I'm in the middle of a repair

 

[broady]

Always worth having a spare. I had to take my spare the other week after the air didn't want to stay in the tube over night. Didn't have time to sort it before work so just jumped on the spare and sorted it once I got home.

 

[Profpointy]

well that's a lot of worn out bits for "a few months' commuting". Maybe if you've been a naughty boy and never oiled the chain, or been off road a lot, but still... Of course, I'm assuming your commute is 5 or 10 miles and not 50 or whatever. Bottom bracket as well - mine's done at least 12000 miles - though I gather the modern improved design can last a very short time indeed; such is progress.

All that said, the cost may not be unreasonable for the work as listed, but seems poor lifespan.


PS - just re-read your post - 2nd hand bike so may have done a fair few miles already - in which case if it's half way decent and you like the bike then I'd spend the money. If it's a cheap or nasty bike the upgrade makes more sense. Although £300 may get you an OK new bike, "if" the bike you have is (say) a £600 pound bike with £200 spent on it would likely be a lot better. The "if" is key though.