Services
Parts: The tremendous parts shortages and supply chain disruptions that developed during 2020 have largely eased. There are still some isolated items that remain in short supply, but there are work-arounds for most of those. I have also expanded the number of parts suppliers that I use. Thus, I am confident that parts availability should not be a problem.
Tune-Ups: Most shops offer, and even push, “Tune-Ups” because it makes them more money, especially if your bike does not need a lot of work. Some shops even put catchy names on their tune-up packages to subliminally suck you in. I decided years ago that a more fair and honest approach was to only fix the parts of the bike that needs fixing, and charge accordingly. If many parts on your bike need work, then we can discuss a “package price” that is fair for both of us.
Knocks, creaks, and clicks: Modern aluminum and carbon fiber bike frames are prone to making noise if the parts are not properly installed, lubed, and torqued. The source of an annoying click or creak is oftentimes as simple as a wheel being loose in the frame, or the seat clamp, stem bolts, or other basic points of attachment being loose. Sometimes it is more complicated with parts like the headsets or crank bearings being loose or needing serviced. I will be happy to chase these noises, at a rate of $60 per hour. If you want to save yourself some money, read my more detailed explanation of these noises elsewhere on this website. There are many good YouTube videos on this topic as well. Tightening wheel quick releases or thru-axles, and many other potential sources of noise, is not rocket science. However, if you have a lot of carbon parts, using a torque wrench and tightening fixing bolts to their specified torques is the only safe way of approaching this task.
Bike Fitting: If you want to ride your bike for more than 30 minutes, a proper fitting bike is essential to your comfort, health, and performance. Riding your bike should not be uncomfortable. An ill-fitting bicycle can not only be uncomfortable, but it can cause long term injuries. I am trained in the Specialized Body Geometry Fit Method developed by the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. I have helped hundreds of cyclists get more comfortable, and powerful, on their bikes. If you are having any kind of comfort issues, we can talk about them and find solutions. Consultations are no charge. Actual fitting work is billed at $60 per hour.
Purchasing a Bike: 2023 is shaping up to be a good year to purchase a bike. New bike inventories have flipped from being almost non-existent the last 2 1/2 years to in some cases, over-stocked. There remain some shortages in high-end bicycle inventories, but overall, bikes are in good supply. I do not sell bicycles, but I am happy to consult with someone who has questions about purchasing a new or used bicycle. I will be happy to have a quick phone conversation with you at no charge. For a longer consultation, best held in person, I charge $25. We can meet at the location of your choosing and talk through your bicycle needs and dreams. I will be happy to inspect a used bike that you are thinking of purchasing. Or if you have purchased a bike and would like for me to inspect, adjust, or assemble it, I will be happy to do so. A basic safety inspection with minor adjustments is $30. Full assembly from a box will typically run $60, but can be more or less depending upon the style and condition of the bicycle.
Squealing Brakes: Howling brakes, in addition to being annoying, can be quite challenging to fix. Often the only solution is to replace the brake pads on rim brakes, and sometimes even the brakes themselves. If your bike has disc brakes I will only guarantee the squeal will go away if both the pads and the rotors are replaced. [read more at tech talk]
Tune-Ups: Most shops offer, and even push, “Tune-Ups” because it makes them more money, especially if your bike does not need a lot of work. Some shops even put catchy names on their tune-up packages to subliminally suck you in. I decided years ago that a more fair and honest approach was to only fix the parts of the bike that needs fixing, and charge accordingly. If many parts on your bike need work, then we can discuss a “package price” that is fair for both of us.
Knocks, creaks, and clicks: Modern aluminum and carbon fiber bike frames are prone to making noise if the parts are not properly installed, lubed, and torqued. The source of an annoying click or creak is oftentimes as simple as a wheel being loose in the frame, or the seat clamp, stem bolts, or other basic points of attachment being loose. Sometimes it is more complicated with parts like the headsets or crank bearings being loose or needing serviced. I will be happy to chase these noises, at a rate of $60 per hour. If you want to save yourself some money, read my more detailed explanation of these noises elsewhere on this website. There are many good YouTube videos on this topic as well. Tightening wheel quick releases or thru-axles, and many other potential sources of noise, is not rocket science. However, if you have a lot of carbon parts, using a torque wrench and tightening fixing bolts to their specified torques is the only safe way of approaching this task.
Bike Fitting: If you want to ride your bike for more than 30 minutes, a proper fitting bike is essential to your comfort, health, and performance. Riding your bike should not be uncomfortable. An ill-fitting bicycle can not only be uncomfortable, but it can cause long term injuries. I am trained in the Specialized Body Geometry Fit Method developed by the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. I have helped hundreds of cyclists get more comfortable, and powerful, on their bikes. If you are having any kind of comfort issues, we can talk about them and find solutions. Consultations are no charge. Actual fitting work is billed at $60 per hour.
Purchasing a Bike: 2023 is shaping up to be a good year to purchase a bike. New bike inventories have flipped from being almost non-existent the last 2 1/2 years to in some cases, over-stocked. There remain some shortages in high-end bicycle inventories, but overall, bikes are in good supply. I do not sell bicycles, but I am happy to consult with someone who has questions about purchasing a new or used bicycle. I will be happy to have a quick phone conversation with you at no charge. For a longer consultation, best held in person, I charge $25. We can meet at the location of your choosing and talk through your bicycle needs and dreams. I will be happy to inspect a used bike that you are thinking of purchasing. Or if you have purchased a bike and would like for me to inspect, adjust, or assemble it, I will be happy to do so. A basic safety inspection with minor adjustments is $30. Full assembly from a box will typically run $60, but can be more or less depending upon the style and condition of the bicycle.
Squealing Brakes: Howling brakes, in addition to being annoying, can be quite challenging to fix. Often the only solution is to replace the brake pads on rim brakes, and sometimes even the brakes themselves. If your bike has disc brakes I will only guarantee the squeal will go away if both the pads and the rotors are replaced. [read more at tech talk]