An important part of owning a bicycle is being able to fix it up when something goes wrong. If a tire goes loose, you need to be able to tighten it. You’ll also need to routinely oil key components to keep it moving smoothly as part of your bicycle maintenance.
However, not everyone is equipped with the right tools or experience to do proper bicycle repair. Not only do bicycle repair shops do this kind of work for a living, but they’ll undoubtedly get it fixed faster than you could at home.
Here are a few tips before you take your ride to the local bicycle repair shops.
1. Use a Bicycle Tire Repair Kit Beforehand
Three major things to check as part of your bicycle maintenance are air pressure, functioning brakes, and a lubricated chain. They all dictate whether you’ll have a safe ride, and knowing how to deal with them will also save you a trip to the bicycle repair shop.
If you do hit up your local shop, pick up a bicycle tire repair kit. A mobile bicycle repair kit will come in especially handy if you’re out riding in the woods when you pop a tire or something comes loose. You can patch it up enough for you to make it to a repair shop.
2. Get a Skilled Mechanic to Repair Your Bike!
Dedicated riders put a lot of work and time into their bikes. As such, they don’t want to leave repairs to a shop that hasn’t proven itself or comes across as unprofessional. In fact, some riders go well out of their way to get certain mechanics to take care of their bicycles.
Certification is not a requirement to work as a bike mechanic, but you should definitely find one that is certified. A certification program trains students to perform the best work in their field and utilizes a rigorous testing procedure.
3. Look For Friendly and Convenient Service
Good customer service is an essential part of any industry, and that goes the same for bicycle repair. The repair and tune-up process should be fast and reliable. You also want to find a repair shop that communicates well and is willing to inform you on how to best take care of your ride.
Part of that is transparency regarding prices. Customers should know exactly what they’re paying for and how much it costs.
Not only does knowing the prices help you avoid getting ripped off, but it can also inform you of repairs you can do at home to save money on your next visit.
Professional Bicycle Maintenance and Repair
Whether you’re a long-time cyclist or a newbie, you’ll eventually need to rely on a repair shop for routine bicycle maintenance. They can spot issues you never noticed and provide better care with their equipment.
Bicycle Experience caters to all bicycle enthusiasts and staff employees who also love to ride. We offer bike repair, custom builds, and all kinds of bike accessories. Stop by our shop in Colorado Springs or give us a call if you have any questions.