Home | Shop Talk | Background | Instruction

Shop Talk | Tune vs. Service

Bikes these days don't really need "tunes" or "tune-ups". They're pretty amazing and the new technology doesn't just fall out of adjustment once it is properly set up.

What is a "Tune"?

A tune is merely making your bike work with the equipment you have. Some shops use it to identify more problems and then go from there. This can get really expensive. I'm wary of this method, having done it for years in shops where I was simply a mechanic. I've worked in shops where the base tune price varied from $60 on up to $110. Then we add replacement of certain parts which is additional labor.

What does Insight Bike Works do Differently?

Insight Bike doesn't offer a Tune, but offers instruction so you better understand what's going on. The process that would make more sense is to find what is and is not functioning and then determine why, having a diagnostic fee. By isolating problem items and approaching the bike as a whole, the technician can make the necessary repairs. Often, if one thing is out of sync, it can affect a host of other parts on the bike. The seasoned shop will be able to identify that one thing.

So many times, the bike only needs a few adjustments. But by searching out a tune up, riders end up with adjustments made on parts that should have been replaced. My advice, don't go searching for a tune. Let's start calling for a diagnostic, a full service, or a fork service, or something like that.

Communication with you about what is going on with your bike is essential. You shouldn't have any surprises. Often, during a repair another issue might be uncovered. Expect a call from your shop about those as they arise.

Have them put together an estimate for you that includes preventative maintenance. Generally, preventative maintenance includes bleeding brakes and servicing suspension. If folks are keeping the budget tight, this is generally where there's flexibility. Some parts, like blown out cassettes and chains, those have to be changed out if you plan to ride the bike at all. So getting an estimate for work will help you decide what exactly you need or want to have done on your bike.

Conclusion

Hopefully you'll grow to like the idea of having specific service done rather than tunes. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Trails

-- Insight --