Bike overhaul

716 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by jroden, Jan 8, 2008

Yo Sake

Discussion Starter · Jan 7, 2008

If you remember, I purchased 6-yr old tri bike from a tri club friend last fall. She had 6 ironman (plus of course all the training) on it. It was maintained well (clean plus cable, chain and such had been replaced often) and rides very well. During a fitting, a LBS fitter suggested for a complete overhaul. It will be about $250 at this store (please don't tell me I should learn how to do this myself..) Is it worth it? When he removed some spacers, he showed me how much grease/sweat or whatever accumlated between them as a reason/proof for this overhaul. I am not planning to buy any more bike for some time and I would like to do the right thing to prolong this bike's life. 
Also, what he suggested was to shorten the grip of the aerobars so that I can shift without moving up my hands from a riding position. My friend (who is about my size) was obviously riding this way. It would cost another $$ to do this. Is this important to get it done? 
Thanks!

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VictorN

· #2 · Jan 7, 2008

The quick test is to see if anything grinds or is too loose. For example, take off a wheel, hold the hub with your fingers and give the wheel a spin. If you feel any grinding or if there is any play in the hub, than you probably do need an overhaul. You can conduct similar experiments with other moving parts. 
However, if your friend rode this bike for six years without an overhaul, it probably needs one given the kind of mileage she most likely put on it. 
Victor

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VictorN

· #5 · Jan 7, 2008

I think that it really hard for any of us to answer that question. Will it be good for your bike? Definitely! Is it worth the $s for you? Only you can answer that question. If you are swimming in cash, then no question, do it. If funds are tight, then perhaps you set a more modest budget. Then go to the bike shop and say "I have $### to spend on bike maintenance. What do you recommend I do with that money." That way you stick within a specific budget and you get the important work done first. For me, I wouldn't spend $200 on an overhaul, but that is because I'd do it myself. Victor

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