How to Tell When Your Bike Needs a Tune Up

Regular bike maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your bike. While it can be easy to neglect, especially if you don’t ride your bike often, the reality is that even the occasional rider can benefit from regular bike tune ups. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the key signs that your bike needs a tune up, as well as how often you should be getting a bike tune up, especially here in Victoria, BC. 

Understanding the Importance of Regular Bike Maintenance

Like any mode of transportation, your bike requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to run smoothly. Bikes have a lot of moving parts, and they’re also exposed to the elements, making them susceptible to rust and corrosion. 

By investing in regular bike maintenance, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. The cost of a regular bike tune up is a fraction of the cost of having to replace parts or having to invest in a brand-new bike. 

Not only that, but it’s also a safety issue. Just like you wouldn’t drive a car with a faulty brake, you shouldn’t be riding a bike with a faulty brake or any other issue for that matter. 

By getting a bike tune up, you can have peace of mind knowing that your bike is in top condition, allowing you to enjoy your ride, whether you use your bike for your daily commute, a weekend cycle with friends, or hitting the mountain bike trails. 

Key Signs Your Bike Needs a Tune Up

There are a few key indicators that your bike is due for a tune up. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend bringing your bike in for a professional tune up. 

Unusual Noises: What They Mean for Your Bike

Unusual noises are a common indicator that your bike is in need of some maintenance. While it’s not always a sign of a serious issue, it’s always a good idea to bring your bike in for a tune up if you notice any unusual noises.

Some common causes of unusual bike noises include a loose chain, a rubbing derailleur, or a dry chain. While these issues can often be easily fixed at home, if you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, you should bring your bike in to see a professional. Our bike maintenance services include everything from basic adjustments to a complete overhaul. 

Difficulty in Gear Shifting: A Common Indicator

Another common indicator that your bike is in need of a tune up is difficulty in gear shifting. If you find that your bike is having a hard time shifting gears, your bike’s derailleur is likely in need of an adjustment. 

Your bike’s derailleur is the part of your bike that moves the chain from one gear to another. If your derailleur is not properly adjusted, it can have a hard time moving the chain from one gear to another, resulting in difficulty in gear shifting. 

While it’s not as noticeable in newer bikes, if you find that you’re having a hard time shifting gears, it’s a good idea to bring your bike in for evaluation. 

Brake Performance: Ensuring Your Safety

Perhaps the most important indicator that your bike is in need of a tune up is brake performance. While it’s easy to ignore unusual noises or even difficulty in gear shifting, you should never ignore a decrease in your bike’s brake performance. 

Whether you have rim brakes or disc brakes, your brake system requires regular maintenance to ensure its performance. The last thing you want is to be riding your bike and realize that your brakes aren’t working. 

If you notice that your bike’s brake performance has decreased, you should bring your bike in for a tune up as soon as possible. It could be a sign that your brake pads are worn and in need of a replacement, or that your brake system is in need of a brake bleed or cable replacement. 

How Often Should You Get a Bike Tune Up?

The frequency at which you should get a bike tune up can vary. A good rule of thumb is to get a bike tune up once a year. However, the reality is that the frequency at which you should get a bike tune up can be influenced by a number of factors, namely how often you ride your bike and the type of riding that you do. 

Seasonal Considerations for Bike Maintenance

In addition to the type of riding that you do, it’s also important to consider the season. Here in Victoria, BC, we recommend getting a bike tune up at the end of the summer. As the weather begins to change and we head into the fall and winter months, it’s a good idea to get a bike tune up to ensure that your bike is ready for the wet and cold weather. 

Even if you don’t ride your bike often, the seasonal changes make it a good idea to get a bike tune up. The last thing you want is to have your bike in a garage for months, only to pull it out and realize that it’s not in rideable condition. 

By getting a bike tune up in the fall, you can have peace of mind knowing that your bike is ready for whatever the season throws at it. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road cyclist, or a mountain biker, regular bike maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your bike. 

Mountain Bike Tune Up: Special Considerations

When it comes to how often you should get a mountain bike tune up, the same general rule applies. We recommend getting a mountain bike tune up once a year. However, the reality is that the frequency at which you should get a mountain bike tune up can be influenced by a number of factors. 

Trail Impact and Its Effects on Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are designed to be ridden hard. However, with that, it’s important to note that the more you ride your mountain bike, the more frequently you should be investing in bike maintenance. The trails that you ride on can have a huge impact on your bike. Whether you’re hitting the mountain bike trails in Victoria, BC, or you’re touring around the lower mainland, it’s important to remember that trail impact can have a huge effect on your bike. 

From the vibrations caused by riding on rough trails to the mud and water exposure caused by riding in the rain, it’s no surprise that mountain bikes require more frequent maintenance. 

So, while we still recommend getting a mountain bike tune up once a year, it’s a good idea to be more attentive to the condition of your mountain bike. If you’re someone who rides your mountain bike often, especially if you’re someone who rides your mountain bike hard, then you should also be more attentive to the signs that your bike needs a tune up. 

Get Your Bike Tuned Up at Brentwood Cycle in Victoria

At Brentwood Cycle, we understand the importance of regular bike maintenance. Our team of experienced bike mechanics is here to help you keep your bike in top condition. Whether you have a flat tire, your bike needs a tune up, or you’re looking for some expert advice, you can trust our team to get the job done right. 

Over the past 40 years we’ve built a reputation for our exceptional service and our team’s expertise. When it comes to getting your bike tuned up, you shouldn’t trust just anyone. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards in everything that we do, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your bike is in good hands. 

Understanding Bike Tune Up Price: What to Expect

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “how much does a bike tune up cost?”. The truth is that the cost of a bike tune up can vary. At Brentwood Cycle, we offer a few different bike tune up options to suit your needs and your budget. 

The Cost of a Tune Up at Brentwood Cycle

At Brentwood Cycle, our bike tune up prices start at $120. Our standard tune up package is a great option for someone who is looking for a budget-friendly tune up. Our standard tune up includes a safety inspection, drivetrain and brake adjustments, and a general cleaning. It’s a great option for someone who rides their bike occasionally and is looking for a simple tune up to ensure that their bike is safe to ride. 

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive tune up, we also offer a full pro tune up package for $300. Our full pro tune up attends to all bearing areas of the bike, drivetrain, and suspension, with the addition of a full bike clean. 

Conclusion

As we’ve mentioned throughout this blog, the frequency at which you should get a bike tune up can vary. However, a good rule of thumb is to get a bike tune up once a year. By investing in regular bike maintenance, you can ensure that your bike continues to perform, and that it is safe to ride. 

At Brentwood Cycle, our team of experienced bike mechanics is here to help you keep your bike in top condition. From standard tune ups to complete overhauls, you can trust our team to deliver exceptional service, every time. Book your bike tune up today and ensure that your bike is ready for your next adventure!