Affordable winter tune up/cleaning?

I'm thinking about getting the winter tune up package at Rapid Transit Cycles (http://www.rapidtransitcycles.com/about/frozen-chosen-details-pg61.htm).  I commute daily 10 miles round trip, and I haven't really done much maintenance on my bike since I got it in October.  I don't know very much about bike maintenance, don't yet have the proper tools for it, and since it's winter and I live in an apartment, there isn't really a good place to do it.  It's definitely pretty grungy, and my chain has been slipping gears some.

But it costs $170.  I get free cleanings/lube after that until the end of March, which seems awesome.  But if I had bought the package it in October, I would have gotten more for my money.

Is this service worth it?  Are there other bike shops that have discounts, since winter business is probably slower?  What do you guys do for winter maintenance?

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 25, 2013 at 6:13am

Rapid Transit is a good place.  I don't remember what is included in their package, so cannot compare with others.  The only other one I actually know about are deals at Rudy's Cycle and Fitness (also a Chainlinker) for tune-ups and overhauls.  The shop is just about at Irving and Central. http://www.rudysbikes.com/

At the very least you can do a quick chain clean and lube yourself.  Trick learned from the sweet natured Doug:  Rubbing alcohol on a rag and run the chain through it to get the gunk off.  (Don't get your fingers caught in the gears!) Put lube of choice on the chain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, wipe off excess.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 25, 2013 at 6:36am

Comrade Cycles also do a winter tune package.

Any shop it is a good deal when you consider that you are getting a tune up and free labor until the end of March.  There is also the whole free wash thing.

Permalink Reply by blair on January 25, 2013 at 6:40am

I will always recommend Rapid Transit.  I'm lucky enough to live just down the street.

Great place.

Permalink Reply by GEORGE VANDERFOR on January 25, 2013 at 8:34am

Try irvs bike shop on 18th and racine or blue city bikes on 33rd and halstead there is also the working bikes coop these would be cheaper i am sure prices for other thing i found way cheaper than rapid

Permalink Reply by JeffB on January 25, 2013 at 9:21am

If you sign up on Living Social, they have a deal for a tune-up at Kozy's that lasts 3 more days; $37 for a $75 tune-up.  Here's the link: http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/6-chicago/deals/538236-bicycle-t...

Here's the details:

What's Included in a Tune-Up?
A tune-up comes with adjustments for brakes, headset, cranks, hubs, and derailleurs. Techs will also lube derailleurs, chain, and brakes; true wheels; and tighten nuts and bolts. After performing a safety inspection, they'll check the tire pressure and wipe-down the bike.

Permalink Reply by Christine (5.0) on January 25, 2013 at 9:22am

Eh.  I bought my bike from Kozy's.  Not the best experience, I don't really want to patronize them again.  But maybe if the price is right :/

JeffB 7.0-16.7 miles said:

If you sign up on Living Social, they have a deal for a tune-up at Kozy's that lasts 3 more days; $37 for a $75 tune-up.  Here's the link: http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/6-chicago/deals/538236-bicycle-t...

Here's the details:

What's Included in a Tune-Up?
A tune-up comes with adjustments for brakes, headset, cranks, hubs, and derailleurs. Techs will also lube derailleurs, chain, and brakes; true wheels; and tighten nuts and bolts. After performing a safety inspection, they'll check the tire pressure and wipe-down the bike.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 25, 2013 at 10:17am

depending on whether you have more time or money (; west town bikes open shop is an option.

Tuesday evening or Saturday open shop; and there is a women's only night too.

You will save money; learn valuable skills; and be able to perform basic tune-up functions

by yourself from the knowledgeable staff at WTB. And you can make donations (in leiu of

paying a private shop) to support ongoing programs (since they are a not-for-profit co-op)

that will be less money in the long run than a private shop.  but in the end Rapid Transit will

do top notch work and stand behind any adjustments / repairs they make because there main

goal is that you are happy with all aspects of your cycling experience. I, myself, like getting

my hands dirty and saving some $$$ (since I have more time than money these days) and have

been to WTB the last two saturdays and the experiences were great both times...

 

just my $.02

 

DB

 

p.s. not sure why; but I would say that a kozy's tune-up would leave me a little nervous.

how old is the bike BTW, and how many miles would you estimate have been ridden since

the last major tune-up ???

Permalink Reply by Christine (5.0) on January 25, 2013 at 10:22am

I suppose I have more money than time right now.  I suppose I'll go with the winter package, because I really like the idea of getting frequent cleanings, and once spring hits check out West Town Bikes.

As for the bike, I got it in mid October.  I don't know the exact number of miles I've ridden, but it's probably somewhere between 1000 and 1200.  Haven't gotten a major tuneup since purchase.

dan brown said:

depending on whether you have more time or money (; west town bikes open shop is an option.

Tuesday evening or Saturday open shop; and there is a women's only night too.

You will save money; learn valuable skills; and be able to perform basic tune-up functions

by yourself from the knowledgeable staff at WTB. And you can make donations (in leiu of

paying a private shop) to support ongoing programs (since they are a not-for-profit co-op)

that will be less money in the long run than a private shop.  but in the end Rapid Transit will

do top notch work and stand behind any adjustments / repairs they make because there main

goal is that you are happy with all aspects of your cycling experience. I, myself, like getting

my hands dirty and saving some $$$ (since I have more time than money these days) and have

been to WTB the last two saturdays and the experiences were great both times...

 

just my $.02

 

DB

 

p.s. not sure why; but I would say that a kozy's tune-up would leave me a little nervous.

how old is the bike BTW, and how many miles would you estimate have been ridden since

the last major tune-up ???

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