Clifton CC

Hi

It's going to be winter soon (boooo) but im cycling more now (yay), but I thought that now just before winter really sets in would be a good a time as any to get my bike serviced.

Now I have never had the greatest experience at a couple of bike shops in York, 3 (well 2.5, as it not really a bike shop) come to mind.

So i was wondering where other Clifton Members get their servicing done?

Thanks

David

Had you ever thought of doing it yourself ,David? After all what can it involve?Alternatively I'll do it for a tenner banking on the fact I don't reckon it can take more than an hour (parts extra of course if required). I also accept beer and wine.
With a workstand I do mine in the comfort of my own kitchen!
Its not like getting your car serviced, which plenty of other people probably also think is easy, but its always been a mystery to me under the bonnet!

Another option to consider

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recrea ... l-School-0

Just to echo what Muzzy says. A bike isn't the most complicated engineering item and the confidence you will get looking after your own will repay itself when you have a mechanical miles from home in the middle of winter and you have to bodge it to get home.

Get some swarfega though

Just remember though that you will not be able to properly service a dirty bike so start with a bucket full of hot stardrops....................

I've found these books to be excellent guides to building up and repairing bikes. The only downside is the occasional need for an American-to-English dictionary, and a torque conversion chart from foot-pounds to Newton meters. They can be found in most UK-based bookstores.

To answer your original question: when I can't be bothered, or don't want to buy the necessary tools (e.g. expensive stuff like a headset press) then I go to Cycle Sense in Tadcaster. But most bike shops are training at least one of their mechanics at any one time, so it pays to learn who to talk to at the shop, as much as which shop to choose.

Hi,

Try Cycle Sense in Tadcaster. You can get a bronze, silver or gold service.
They are a great set of people and i have known them for 15 years.

Regards

Simon West

I would also recommend Cycle Sense - I used their Thorparch branch both for the purchase and the servicing of my tricycle. The downside is that it's to far for me to cycle there so I have to pay for them to collect and deliver but their service is far above what I have received in York.

Yes Simon you work there don't you?

I am sure the guys at Tadcaster and elsewhere do a fine job, but my advice would be to invest in the tools and pick the brains of your clubmates.

Another vote for the DIY lobby. Lots of knowledge and experience around in the club. A year or two back Cycle Heaven did a series of evening sessions on bike maintenance for club members - Willy organised it - maybe time for a repeat? Meantime, lots of info online too at http://www.parktool.com/repair/

Another advantage of learning how to do stuff yourself is that you can build your own bikes instead of being stuck with components the manufacturers think you want.