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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
I'm doing a weeks worth in London, so I was planning to take the bike
down to Liverpool Street by train early Monday morning (or Sunday possibly, if I get a weekly) and then cycle over to South Kensington. Anyway, back to the point, I haven't used my MTB in a couple of years, and never before that have I done any maintenance really (can't remember how long I've had it now, 5-6 years now maybe?). Except of course for the painfully obvious like putting air in the tyres. So should I get it checked over by a professional, and would this cost much? Or are there any good guides on-line or books I can check out? Thanks for any tips! Ian |
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
"Ian B." wrote in message eenews.net... I'm doing a weeks worth in London, so I was planning to take the bike down to Liverpool Street by train early Monday morning (or Sunday possibly, if I get a weekly) and then cycle over to South Kensington. Anyway, back to the point, I haven't used my MTB in a couple of years, and never before that have I done any maintenance really (can't remember how long I've had it now, 5-6 years now maybe?). Except of course for the painfully obvious like putting air in the tyres. So should I get it checked over by a professional, and would this cost much? Or are there any good guides on-line or books I can check out? Thanks for any tips! Ian Ian, glad to share the knowledge I would suggest getting the bike looked over by a professional. You may have a big bill due to the bike being uncared for for a while. I'm guessing that your chain and cogs have gone rusty? However, this sort of work is also beyond a local bike shop's (LBS) area. It's too much work cleaning when they can replace. So take an honest look at your bike and let us know where you can see obvious trouble. Alternatively, WD40 the whole bloody thing, find out what jumps, skips, hops and get them fixed/replaced. The main thing is to just get out there and enjoy it. A bad bike will produce a bad ride. A cared for bike is a pain to look after! Just find a nice happy compromise! South Kensington? You have a decent lock, an ugly bike and/or secure parking? Finally; train, monday morning? Check whether your train network allows bike in the rush hour. |
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
elyob wrote:
"Ian B." wrote in message eenews.net... I'm doing a weeks worth in London, so I was planning to take the bike down to Liverpool Street by train early Monday morning (or Sunday possibly, if I get a weekly) and then cycle over to South Kensington. Anyway, back to the point, I haven't used my MTB in a couple of years, and never before that have I done any maintenance really (can't remember how long I've had it now, 5-6 years now maybe?). Except of course for the painfully obvious like putting air in the tyres. So should I get it checked over by a professional, and would this cost much? Or are there any good guides on-line or books I can check out? Thanks for any tips! Ian Ian, glad to share the knowledge I would suggest getting the bike looked over by a professional. You may have a big bill due to the bike being uncared for for a while. I'm guessing that your chain and cogs have gone rusty? However, this sort of work is also beyond a local bike shop's (LBS) area. It's too much work cleaning when they can replace. So take an honest look at your bike and let us know where you can see obvious trouble. Alternatively, WD40 the whole bloody thing, find out what jumps, skips, hops and get them fixed/replaced. The main thing is to just get out there and enjoy it. A bad bike will produce a bad ride. A cared for bike is a pain to look after! Just find a nice happy compromise! South Kensington? You have a decent lock, an ugly bike and/or secure parking? Finally; train, monday morning? Check whether your train network allows bike in the rush hour. Cheers for the info. Train Monday morning is ok if I arrive at Liverpool Street before 7 (eek!), and I get on at the second stop on the line so should be ok. A decent lock is on the shopping list, the parking is a bit secure, covered by CCTV and off the main road (it's at Imperial College BTW). Or I could find out about the really secure parking, but that's a big hassle and a longer walk. I'm still not convinced I will cycle, I'm a bit unsure about the route from Liverpool street to South Ken, but even if I don't I need to get my bike sorted for numerous other plans. Do you know how much it might cost to get it checked out minus the cost of repairs? If it needs anything doing to it then I don't mind the extra costs so much, I was just wondering if it might be expensive for someone to say 'that's all fine'. |
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
In article .net, Ian
B. wrote: Do you know how much it might cost to get it checked out minus the cost of repairs? If it needs anything doing to it then I don't mind the extra costs so much, I was just wondering if it might be expensive for someone to say 'that's all fine'. My local bike shop does a general service for about £25 - I always thought that was reasonable since I am completely incapable (for which read "never learnt how due to complete lack of interest in doing such") of doing it myself. I am guessing (wildly, of course) that that is about average. |
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
"Ian B." wrote:
A decent lock is on the shopping list, the parking is a bit secure, covered by CCTV and off the main road (it's at Imperial College BTW). 95% it'll be fine there Or I could find out about the really secure parking, but that's a big hassle and a longer walk. I'm still not convinced I will cycle, I'm a bit unsure about the route from Liverpool street to South Ken, downhill to the river - right at the river - right at big ben - straight through the parks but even if I don't I need to get my bike sorted for numerous other plans. looks like you want someone to talk you out of/into it Do you know how much it might cost to get it checked out minus the cost of repairs? If it needs anything doing to it then I don't mind the extra costs so much, I was just wondering if it might be expensive for someone to say 'that's all fine'. there's always something to do if you look for it / as long as it goes it's all fine |
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
BIG_ONE wrote:
"Ian B." wrote: downhill to the river - right at the river - right at big ben - straight through the parks If you have anymore detailed info on the routes (well, for the liverpool street -- parks bit) that would be appreciated, especially one one quite roads or generally newbie cycle friendly. but even if I don't I need to get my bike sorted for numerous other plans. looks like you want someone to talk you out of/into it Ha ha, spot on really, I'm a bit indecisive by nature. With the events of today it seems more tempting, so I'll probably bite the bullet and go for it, see how it goes! |
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Blowing the cobwebs off my MTB
Sara wrote:
In article .net, Ian B. wrote: Do you know how much it might cost to get it checked out minus the cost of repairs? If it needs anything doing to it then I don't mind the extra costs so much, I was just wondering if it might be expensive for someone to say 'that's all fine'. My local bike shop does a general service for about £25 - I always thought that was reasonable since I am completely incapable (for which read "never learnt how due to complete lack of interest in doing such") of doing it myself. I am guessing (wildly, of course) that that is about average. Seems about right, if Cycle King is anything to go by http://www.cycleking.co.uk/. |
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