Where do I get cheaper maintenance?

[vickster]

Where in N London are you? It's a big place. Condor is in Central London surely?

CS do the women only courses. You could look at the LCC site http://lcc.org.uk/?ref=logo

jefmcg took me to a maintenance class in SW London on Saturday which was very good, reckon there's be similar in the wild north too

 

[Claudia]

I'm in 'wonderful' Turnpike Lane

 

[vickster]

http://www.holdsworthcycles.net/cycles-and-bike-repair-turnpike-lane.html
http://www.futurecycletraining.com/
http://finsburycycles.co.uk/
http://www.twowheelsgood.co.uk/
http://www.archwaycycles.co.uk/

Bunch more in N London here http://www.ufindus.com/cycling_and_bike_shops/turnpike_lane

 

[Claudia]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

 

[vickster]

Google is a wonderful thing

 

[MontyVeda]

yep, looks like DIY is the best option indeed but as an apprentice, I keep getting the wrong inner tubes, tyres and so on... hence why I thought it'd be cheaper to hand it over to someone that knows better than me. I'm a total disaster! I mean, I can get on with the DIY but definitely need help to get the right parts for once!!!!!

trial and error is a great teacher.

I think I've finally rammed it in to my tiny mind that my wheels are 26"... inner tube size is conveniently marked on the side of the tyre.

if you're not sure what parts you need, just take your bike to your LBS and says, i need a new one of them, and point at the part. Halfords will probably think you're pointing at the entire bike, a decent LBS will realise you're pointing at the brake blocks, and sell you like for like... or the most expensive equivalent.

of course you can buy online and save some dosh... again, just post a picture and an arrow on here, with "what's this part called? how many different sizes am i likely to find? which size do i need?" ..and some kind soul will advise, hopefully before the thread is skewed in to an argument about clipless pedals, hi-vis or whether the humble bell is highly offensive or not.

 

[Claudia]

it is, indeed! maybe I should just admit I'm too lazy to google things up, these days...

 

[Claudia]

some wise words there, MontyVeda. thank you

 

[vickster]

it is, indeed! maybe I should just admit I'm too lazy to google things up, these days...

Thus you are destined for average service from chain stores or paying over the odds on online purchases...I typed 4 words to get that lot

 

[Claudia]

true. I'll try to use google more often

no, on a serious note - was more to get an idea of other people's previous experiences and suggestions. of course I can look up and go to the one that is not a chain, just down the road but I'll feel much more comfortable having a good feedback beforehand.

 

[vickster]

There are a lot of London riders posting here, might be worth an ask if they don't come here

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sunday-london-ride.47966/page-303

A good sign I reckon with an LBS is if you have to wait a week to get your bike serviced

 

[Claudia]

you're a source of information!! I clearly haven't had a proper look at all the threads... I'm off work tomorrow, might spend a good part of the day doing it.

thanks again

 

[Davidc]

I've done nearly all my own maintenance for longer than I like admitting (measured in decades!), but it took a few years to learn how, and longer to become confident. Last item was wheel maintenance and building!

It's great that you want to learn, but if you're just getting into it I think getting routine checking and servicing done for you is a good idea, for safety and to ensure nothing damaging happens to your bike.

Using a local independent, one you know other people like, is certainly the best option, as has been said. If it costs a bit more than a chain shop would then ask yourself which gives best service, customer care, and overall value.

 

[Claudia]

Ok, I think I've got the answer to my own question now: I get cheaper maintenance at home, done by myself. just need some advice on the right parts and then I'm good to go!

 

[vickster]

I think if you are too lazy to google, it'll take you a while to get round to bike maintenance

That said, I have recently fixed a puncture and changed both tyres, if I can do it, then frankly anyone can!

Otherwise, get your boyfriend to do it all, what else are men for