CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Recommendations for bike servicing

(24 posts)
  • Started 5 years ago by Trixie
  • Latest reply from LaidBack
  • This topic is not resolved

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  1. Trixie
    Member

    My hybrid is at least 2nd hand and I have no idea when/if she last had a service so I'd like to treat her and get her tip top.

    Things I know need tweaked: front derailleur is crunchy (likely just filth), brakes need bled and I probably need new pads too.

    Do I go for just a regular service or the big strip-down and rebuild one? I have a vague worry that rebuilding might throw up new, bedding-in niggles afterwards or I'd just go all-in. I don't want to have to keep popping back. Is that even a thing or is it just in my head?

    Also, tell me about your go-to, no-nonsense repair/service place. I'm female and a cycle novice which I realise leaves me open to overselling. I've been looking at Grease Monkey for convenience but am open to suggestions.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  2. paulmilne
    Member

    You can't go far wrong at the Edinburgh Bicycle Coop.

    Go for the highest level of service you can afford, no matter where you eventually go. You'll really be able to tell the difference. EBC offer 3 levels of service, from bolt-tightening/brake adjusting to complete strip down/regrease/etc.

    If you go for a major service/rebuilt, I'd ask them to throw in an additional visit after a few weeks to do any necessary readjustments. Any reputable outfit should agree to this.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  3. acsimpson
    Member

    Where are you based? There are good workshops all over the city.

    I use HartCyclery (of this forum) for my servicing needs. He has service levels and add on repairs on his site so you can work out what will offer you best value.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  4. Ed1
    Member

    I think Just repairs in Juniper green is good for fixing things and not over selling

    Posted 5 years ago #

  5. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Hannah at the Cycle Service is reputed to be the best mechanic in Edinburgh, and obviously unlikely to engage in gendered sneering.

    The Bike Station is cheap. I can't vouch for the quality of the technicians personally at the moment.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  6. Trixie
    Member

    Noted on the service. I realised that I'd enjoy my current bike running perfectly much more than I'd enjoy a shiny, brand new bike (and the stress of retaining possession of something shiny and new in a city of magpies), so I'm fine with the cost of a top to toe service.

    She's stabled in the SW of town, I'm in the SE.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  7. Frenchy
    Member

    I can also recommend The Cycle Service. On more than one occasion, they've suggested considerably cheaper options to what I initially asked for, which makes me trust them. It might just be a very clever Machiavellian ruse to gain my trust so that they can fleece me later, but it doesn't appear to be so.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  8. Trixie
    Member

    I'll phone around this week. I like the sound of Cycle Service and they're easy enough for me to get to and from by bike or bus.

    I need to work out what add-ons I need. I might as well get the suspension serviced and have new tyres fitted while I'm about it. (I was going to do the tyres myself but it seems like a foolish waste of time and swear words in the circumstances).

    I'm quite the unscrupulous mechanic's dream.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  9. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I might as well get the suspension serviced

    Most hybrids have Suntour units that are not really serviceable.

    I've serviced a few, but I'm an extremist. Had to make the tools to do it first.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  10. Trixie
    Member

    Yeah it's Suntour.

    You just gave me my trip-up enquiry when getting quotes. :)

    Posted 5 years ago #

  11. Blueth
    Member

    I'd do the tyres yourself then you know what you may be up against when you have to do it out on the road.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  12. Edinburgh Cycle Training
    Member

    The Cycle Service and Eastside Bikes are equidistant for me so I share my service / parts money between them.

    Very happy with both of them.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  13. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Another +1 for The Cycle Service, and +1 for Eastside Bikes.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  14. Diarmid
    Member

    Pedals on Bruntsfield Place have been excellent with our bikes

    Posted 5 years ago #

  15. chrisfl
    Member

    I was also going to second Pedals.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  16. GDR
    Member

    I will third Pedals. Used them since they opened several years ago for all bike servicing and bike builds and they are excellent

    Posted 5 years ago #

  17. dk1
    Member

    If in Midlothian then Fraser Waters @ The Happy Cog (http://www.thehappycog.co.uk/). Has always done a great job for me, especially given my poor record of maintenance and cleaning...

    Have used Harts before and Graeme did a great job but a bit out of the way for me. Not so keen on Grease Monkeys.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  18. the canuck
    Member

    i've used the place on Leith Walk, and the Bike Smith on Causewayside and been happy with both. edinburgh coop seems like a good place too, although i've only bought 'stuff' there.
    it tends to depends on where i'm working that week.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  19. crowriver
    Member

    Eastside Bikes are great. No complaints from me. Prices very reasonable too.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  20. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Not so keen on Grease Monkeys.

    They do have Adam, formerly of The Bike Chain, with them now, so GMC have gone up somewhat in my estimation. I've done some business with them this year and they're OK, maybe a little more relaxed than I'd like though.

    I haven't patronised EBC's workshop for years, ever since getting such a load of Rule 2 mansplaining that I went home with my face a mixture of anger and astonishment.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  21. LaidBack
    Member

    The Bicycle Works should deserve a mention, surely?
    Open 8 to 8 mon to fri. Sat and Sunday opening too.
    They do get very busy though...

    Posted 5 years ago #

  22. unhurt
    Member

    They had a "shop is full" sign up this AM. But as I was in for parts, I left fulfilled.

    Posted 5 years ago #

  23. Nelly
    Member

    Another mention for the Bicycle Works on Argyle Place - approx 3 minute walk for me, so if I cant fix myself they always get the work.

    Always good, quick, and very reasonable.

    @unhurt, I was also in for parts today - I was slightly unsure but they were, as always, helpful.

    **edit - @laidback when I was there, looked like one of your trikes outside

    Posted 5 years ago #

  24. LaidBack
    Member

    @Nelly - yes, a sold ICE Adventure e-trike. Shimano Steps + Di2 Alfine 8 speed hub + Son / B+M lights. £poa.

    Not the reason Bicycle Works is 'full' though!

    Posted 5 years ago #

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