http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Annual service costs? en Thu, 11 Jun 2026 02:31:07 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55535 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:12:16 +0000 wingpig 55535@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>HMMM. I'll maybe try one on the front when my current Armadillo wears out. Armadilloes only last seven or eight months on the rear before wearing down to the fabric. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55519 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:57:00 +0000 Morningsider 55519@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>wingpig - the tyres are Continental Gatorskins, now approaching legendary status on CCE I think. I've only changed them once in about 6 years, covering 2000 miles plus a year in all weathers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55501 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:37:27 +0000 Dave 55501@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Two difficulties are non-wear replacements (upgradeitis) and use of the bike for non-commuting duties (which, as well as adding to the mileage, also makes upgrading seem falsely attractive, for the purposes of the discussion).</p> <p>I'm lucky enough to have a commute-only bike, although the service history is short (currently £0 for the first quarter however...)</p> <p>I'd expect to replace the tyres at most annually (sub £30) and the chain annually (around £5). </p> <p>I'm still on the same bottle of chain oil I've had for the last few years, but say "some lube" and a couple of inner tubes and a patch kit too (max £10). </p> <p>I'd also re-cable annually, as I only have two cables that's sub-£20 too.</p> <p>I don't expect the wheels ever to wear out, but I got ~10,000 miles off the last 1/8th drivetrain I had (without it looking worn) so that would be at most quadrennially at current mileage- £3 for a new sprocket, say £20 for a new ring.</p> <p>That comes to around £70pa. Obviously there may be crash damage or something, but ditto a car.</p> <p>At 23.4p/mile marginal cost only, I could drive for 300 miles instead, or 8.6% of the year. If the car didn't depreciate and didn't need to be taxed or insured or MOT'd! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55493 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:53:06 +0000 Instography 55493@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't want to know. I especially don't want the missus to know. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55483 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:02:47 +0000 chdot 55483@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Does anyone calculate their cost of cycling?"</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1391" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1391</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55482 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:01:20 +0000 chdot 55482@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"How much money (and time) does cycling to work actually save you?"</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3380" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3380</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201&page=2#post-55481 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:58:11 +0000 chdot 55481@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The True Cost of Commuting"</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4142" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4142</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55480 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:52:16 +0000 gembo 55480@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes my old gaffer did not go in for shock absorbers. Car parked on slope to give it a chance of starting too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55479 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:48:08 +0000 wingpig 55479@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My wife's car recently demanded new front shock absorbers which cost about as much as my bike-service charges for last year minus the new tyres. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55478 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:46:52 +0000 gembo 55478@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@IMK - generally Yes you are correct. Relative cost to running a car is low. However, my old gaffer ran an ancient fiat punto on little fuel and fixed in lock-up near the canal. Took us both all round Edinburgh. He claimed his essential car users allowance and may therefore have been making money out of it. Chapeau. So there can be exceptions. I hadn't considered this until now always assuming my bike was cheaper than a car. Now I will say most cars. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55476 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:30:10 +0000 Its_Me_Knees 55476@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Gembo <em>It is expensive to commute well on a bicycle either financially or in terms of your own time.</em></p> <p>I take it that's referring to the absolute cost of commuting by bike. The cost relative to running a car on the same commute must surely be cheap, isn't it..(he asked hopefully, having not dared look at what he'd spent over the last year on bike related stuff...)? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55475 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:29:21 +0000 ruggtomcat 55475@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>just put mine in for its first service today, its gonna get a new cassette and chain at least, fingers crossed for the rest...</p> <p>I actually said 'look after my baby' as I left the shop #fail </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55474 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:27:04 +0000 chdot 55474@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I was thinking a few weeks ago that someone should make an App (iPhone/Android...) for tracking bike maintenance."</p> <p>What would you actually want it to do that an expenses app won't handle?</p> <p>There are lots of app some free - but most are "lite" with payment required for inputting more items or for extra functions. </p> <p>Found this today -</p> <p><a href="http://lemon.com/download" rel="nofollow">http://lemon.com/download</a></p> <p>All main mobile platforms. You can photograph receipts (they are OCRed) or manually input info. Keeps photos on-line. Can send reports too. </p> <p>Upgrade options for extra functions but free version looks useful. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55473 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:23:50 +0000 alibali 55473@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@LivD</p> <p>If you want to track such stuff on the go and want to avoid the data sink that is paper and pencil, you could install Google Docs (free on a Droid) and use its spreadsheet or use the Web App spreadsheets from Google or Microsoft (free on anything with a browser).</p> <p>Might be a market for a cycle specific app though, there are lots for cars/motor bikes/planes etc but they all seem to major on scheduling tasks. Sounds like cyclists mostly fix things as they break or stop working well... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55470 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:54:05 +0000 Nelly 55470@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I 'thought' I spent next to nothing, but its just kidding myself. Even on my 'zero maintenance' SS commuter, 2xgatorskins, bar tape, new BB, new chain last 12 months.</p> <p>Sure I spend more on lycra, lights and stuff.</p> <p>That said, I am of the view that each bike will be gradually rebuilt as time goes on - only serious issues (bb shell will last another year max on SS ) necessitate purchasing new frames etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55463 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:33:35 +0000 crowriver 55463@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>fleaBay makes it all too easy to see what you've been spending over the past 60 days.....sans post and packing, mind you. Can get scary if you've been having a parts/accessories upgrade frenzy! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55460 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:15:07 +0000 gembo 55460@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They can do that quite easily. Can lead to more civility in the intercourse. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55459 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:12:41 +0000 wingpig 55459@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote><em>"Apps and spreadsheets good but may tell you what you don't want to know."</em></blockquote></p> <p>What I would really never ever want to see is a printout of everything logged against my name from EBC's till system. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55454 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:53:27 +0000 crowriver 55454@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Anyone know of any appropriate app (or has the Skillz to make one?!)</em></p> <p>Hmm. Maybe a clipboard, hung on a nail in the garage/shed/hall, with paper log sheets for each bike? Column entries: date, repair, cost, notes.</p> <p>Everything can be hand written in pen/pencil, or one could run up a template in Word/Pages and print off as many as one requires. </p> <p>Attach a pencil/biro on string to clipboard with sticky tape.</p> <p>Voila! One 'app'. Skills required: P3 reading and writing level approximately. :-D</p> <p>If this is too simple, collating the data into a spreadsheet on a computer will aid analysis of costs, peak times, etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55453 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:51:14 +0000 ExcitableBoy 55453@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As Anth says this is interesting I wish I'd kept a tally from New Year.<br /> I'm very much a keep it going til it will go no more and then try and replace it myself. However, I have spent quite a bit this year so far on extra lights - just 'cos I fancied them, cables, brake pads etc (so they're there when I need them), new gloves, spokes x2, and spoke key (old one didn't fit) - but main outlay was a new bike for my daughter, who managed to triple what she'd have had spent on her birthday present, by asking for a new bike. Due to be collected on Saturday, which is almost as exciting as a new bike for myself.<br /> While I now seem to have 4+ bikes on the go, the BadBoy does many more miles than the rest. I have now had it for two years. It has done approx. 7000+ miles and all I've done is oiled the chain, regreased the jockey wheels, replaced the brake pads, and one or two new inner-tubes. [That said, it will soon need a new chain, rear cassette and 2 tyres]. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55452 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:49:13 +0000 gembo 55452@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What is the point of twitter? If it generates enough heat it can become a thread? Anytime I go into local bike shop I am looking at 100 pound multiples probably 600 last year but was expensive year. Apps and spreadsheets good but may tell you what you don't want to know. It is expensive to commute well on a bicycle either financially or in terms of your own time. My view tho is that it is money well spent. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55451 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:34:51 +0000 LivM 55451@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was thinking a few weeks ago that someone should make an App (iPhone/Android...) for tracking bike maintenance. I have two bikes and I am completely useless at remembering when I bought that tyre, or when my last puncture was, or when I last changed my brake blocks. Anyone know of any appropriate app (or has the Skillz to make one?!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55449 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:02:24 +0000 DaveC 55449@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@wingpig. I can see how shopping at Rose bikes could get you the parts for ~£50 but I don't have the knowledge or skills to build a wheel from scratch and I don't have a spare £50 at the moment to buy the parts. Plus the thread on Dave's self build class appears to be dragging on with no date set, last time I looked. Though that said I'd still love to learn how to do it and all being well a rebuild for practice would only be the cost of a set of new spokes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55445 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:48:11 +0000 crowriver 55445@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Chain/Cassette replaced every 3 to 4 months.</em></p> <p>That's pretty frequent! You must be putting a lot of miles in!</p> <p>Oh I forgot to add this year's first essential replacement: a new front dynamo lamp for the folder to swap for the one that snapped off its mount when I fell off. 17 quid.</p> <p>Next is probably servicing the bearings on the Raleigh Pioneer.</p> <p>Luckily/unluckily I don't really have expensive bikes so when components need replacing it's usually quite reasonable. Fanciest bike is probably the Kona Ute, which for many cyclists would be a contradiction in terms I'm sure! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55444 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:33 +0000 Baldcyclist 55444@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh dear, what have I done...<br /> I've decided to keep a spreadsheet this year of what I spend on bikes - more out of interest, than justification or anything like that.</p> <p>Last Year I don't really know what I spent on servicing etc, only the big ticket things:<br /> 2011:<br /> SRAM Force groupset: £640 fitted<br /> Mavic open pro wheels on hope hubs : £300<br /> Replace broken (Cervelo specific) seatpost £175</p> <p>Those are things I remember, on top of that I go through...<br /> Conti Gatorskins x 2 every 9 months<br /> Tubes whenever they go (I don't patch), 4 - 6 per year?<br /> Chain/Cassette replaced every 3 to 4 months.<br /> What ever other stuff/tools etc...</p> <p>In fairness though, aside from chain/cassette, the groupset and wheels will last a number of years, so last year was just especially expensive.</p> <p>This year so far (from spread sheet):<br /> Front mech service: £5<br /> New bar tape: £12<br /> Chain tool thingmy: £8<br /> Second hand pedals for new bike: £30</p> <p>Unfortunately this year will be expensive too, as I am getting a new bike which will only be used as a commuter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55441 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:48:19 +0000 kaputnik 55441@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm very happy with the Tiagra freehub on my Openpros. Beyond that price bracket I get the distinct impression I'd only be paying to shave some grams off the weight of the thing or to increase claims of lowered rolling resistance or something. Not really what I need to be spending money on for a commuting / all-purpose sorta bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55440 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:46:59 +0000 crowriver 55440@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh this is a tough one. I have a bit of upgrade-itis on my bikes so it is difficult to specify essential maintenance/replacement costs over the past year. I'd separate out getting a 2nd hand (or new) bike to the state of upgrade/sidegrade you are comfortable with (for the moment at least) with essential safety/preventative maintenance.</p> <p>My spend is usually just tubes, lube, grease, blocks, cables if needed. Had to replace the cantis on my Raleigh Pioneer as the spring retainer shells got cracked somehow: not expensive. Put the hybrid in for a service at Eastside last summer before going cycle camping: wheel truing, plus all the safety checks, cable adjusting etc. Again not expensive.</p> <p>Can't decide whether to service all the bearings on my Raleigh Pioneer myself (do I have the time/skills?) or put it into the shop. Between 50 and 70 quid depending on whether I ask them to just service some stuff or essentially strip, clean, lube/grease and rebuild the whole bike.</p> <p>@DaveC, Spa Cycles will hand build you a dynamo hub front wheel with choice of several rims from £75 upwards inclusive of all hardware. Not bad! Oh I see you've already noticed! :-) Check their Dynamo lighting section, the dynamo wheel builds are in there. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55438 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:40:37 +0000 wingpig 55438@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>@kaputnik</em> The chain, cassette and chainrings ground each other into little pieces which got lost down the drain when I thought I was just washing off muck.</p> <p><em>@Morningsider</em> I assume you're counting the replacement of a single brake pad as one brake-pad replacement-event? Also what are these tyres which can last 3/4 years?</p> <p><em>@DaveC</em> for about £50 I built my rear wheel with a Tiagra freehub, DT spokes (DB, SS) and a Mavic CXP23 rim. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55437 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:40:32 +0000 DaveC 55437@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Wow Spa are very competetive... £75 for Rigida Sputnik/Snyper or Exal L17 on a Deore M530 Hub. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5201#post-55435 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:39:06 +0000 Roibeard 55435@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm with Morningsider in simply buying wheels, usually after catastrophic failure! That said, I've never had a good enough hub to make the rebuild worthwhile. (Changed with the Pino purchase, but that has disc "breaks" so no rim wear.)</p> <p>That means I do have a few hubs around that could perhaps be rebuilt as part of the postulated wheel building course!</p> <p>Oh, and I'm with Anth that things only get serviced if they need it, and usually by myself. Nothing deluxe, just the occasional oil or recable, but I have replaced the ball bearings on two bits of the Norco commuter in the last 18 months - never needed that in the entire life of the EBC hack prior to that!</p> <p>Robert </p>