A bike is like a collection of devices for a specific purpose. Like other machines, it can become worn out due to excessive use. It needs regular adjustments or maintenance to keep it running like a well-oiled machine. Without proper maintenance, a bike, whether it's a road bike, a mountain bike or a hybrid bike, can never return to the same peak performance as it did in its best days. To return to its former glory, your favorite bike needs to be serviced at least twice a year. While the average cost for this work is under $100, extensive tune-ups can cost more than $150.

Is it just about performance?

Performance is an important factor that forces regular and professional riders to tune their bikes regularly. At the same time, seasonal riders find it difficult to regularly spend hundreds of euros on their bike and do it every now and then. But more than performance, bike maintenance can save you from a big medical bill if you don't have insurance. Your worn out bike could be a reason for an unfortunate accident that can land you in big trouble. Tuning is therefore a worthwhile investment, provided you are not a do-it-yourselfer and prefer to have it done by experts who know exactly what settings need to be made.

What does it contain?

Depending on your needs, your local bike shop can arrange the tune-up session. While you can thoroughly check your bike's components, basic settings and safety checks are also part of standard tuning. However, most tune-up sessions include the following things: cleaning, checking tire pressure, headset, bottom bracket, gears, shift cables, wheel adjustments, lubrication and basic safety checks.

Basic Tune-Up ($40 to $90)

A major overhaul is ideal for racing bikes used by seasonal riders. Sure, you don't ride your bike all that often and you always keep it brand new thanks to online DIY tutorials. However, a basic safety check and cleaning are always necessary. Most basic tune-up sessions include mandatory cleaning, lubrication and technical adjustments. Depending on your needs, this can be customized but costs less than $40. Consult an expert and have your brakes, torque, handle, wheel and bearings checked for a better result.

Standard Tune-Up ($100 to $160)

Consider the Standard Tuneup option if you want to take it up a notch. The standard tuneup involves thoroughly checking your bikes after a thorough cleaning and polishing. If you have a mountain bike, you should go for this option as a major overhaul falls short when it comes to basic technical issues that can later prove fatal. Removal is usually included in the standard package and an expert can take a test ride to determine the current condition of the bike and adjust accordingly. Of course, a standard tune-up operation is not cheap and would cost you more than $100, which can go up to $160.

Premium Tune Up ($150 to $250)

As the name suggests, a premium tune-up includes all the premium services that a local service center offers. If you haven't tuned your bike for a long time, you can give it a try as it will also overhaul some of your bike's components if necessary. The ball bearings and cables can be affected by excessive driving and lack of maintenance.


Sometimes deep cleaning and lubrication helps, but in worst cases the parts need to be replaced. The shift cables can also be damaged. With this premium tune-up you can have them repaired by professionals. Other important settings and alignment checks are also included in this service. A premium or overhaul tune-up ensures the perfect optimization of your motorcycle. It helps it get back in shape no matter how worn it is. If you get the best service, you can expect to pay a reasonable amount as the cost of the service can range from $150 to $250.

Components that need to be tuned

While services may vary from bike shop to bike shop, the basics remain the same when examining the following components: headset, wheels, bottom bracket, derailleur, cassette and chain, to name a few. The headset is like the head of the bike that helps the bike navigate or steer. A headset that is too tight or too loose can cause severe discomfort while driving, and sometimes it can even cause an accident. Ask the professional to adjust the tax rate according to your needs.


Dirt and grease can affect the steering response of your headset, and the same goes for chains and cassettes. The service professional could take the entire system apart to wash and degrease the cassette and chainring to inspect them for possible damage and reassemble them with proper lubrication.

Your front derailleur and rear derailleur also need to be checked as they contain the gears and shifters. They can get worn out, especially from prolonged use, and you know how important they are when you're driving off-road.

Another nuisance is the improper installation of the brake pads, which either do not touch the rim or continue to touch the rim even when you take your hands off the brakes. The experts at the bike shop adjust the pads correctly and ensure that the brake levers and cables function properly. Don't forget the bottom bracket either, because a basic overhaul also includes a regular safety check of your bike's bottom bracket.


A bike overhaul is like a regular health check of your bike to ensure it is functioning optimally. Many drivers do this themselves because they know how to do the basic work.


While you can also find out about basic tune-ups online to save money, an expert should thoroughly inspect your bike at least twice a year. A small crack in your carbon frame or a loose headset can lead to a serious accident later. A tune-up will restore your bike to its former glory and ensure that you are safe on the road.

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