What you are about to read is great information about keeping your two-wheeled friend working well for you. BUT, WE HAVE AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
For a limited time, we are offering a Spring Bike Stuff Special: In the spirit of getting your bike ready to ride, get a 15% discount on bike accessories, parts, tools, and supplies! Online? Yes! Curbside pickup? Totally! Head over to our online bike catalog at newmoonski.com and use coupon code tune15 or just give us a call and we’ll set you up. This is a perfect opportunity for the DIY bike mechanic or cyclist in your life to save a few bucks and start the season right. Remember, use coupon code tune15.
Now, for your reading enjoyment…
One of the best things you can do for yourself right now is to get out of your house and ride your bike. Getting some exercise, soaking up the sunshine while still keeping your distance from others is healthy and necessary for our well-being.
Let us help you start enjoying your bike this springtime! New Moon has been designated as an essential business. That means we are open and able to service your bike via curbside pick up and drop off. Conversations & payments will be done over the phone, email or online. Bikes will be returned to you sanitized for your protection and ready to ride!
TUNE IT UP!
A basic tune-up covers the most common and basic adjustments and required lubrication. A tech will clean your bike, re-lube components, and do a safety check of all the hardware – bolts, tires, tubes, etc. They will also work their magic with the working systems of the bike – brakes and drivetrain. These key adjustments are what most riders notice most after a tune-up. Gear shifting and brake function often degrade slowly through the course of a season or many seasons, and cyclists are often shocked at how much better a bike works after a tune. In some cases new cabling, brake pads, or drive components like a chain or a cassette are needed to get everything working smoothly. If any additional parts or repairs are needed, the customer will be notified if they wish.
Cyclists are often surprised by the mechanics’ recommendations – specifically new chains and new tires. Chains wear out with use, becoming “stretched” over time. That, in turn, wears the teeth more quickly on the rear cogs or the front chainrings. At that point, the worn chain is accelerating wear on the rest of the drivetrain and potentially ruining otherwise good parts. Big or strong riders will stretch a chain much more quickly than lighter or gentler riders. Our area’s mountain bike trails invariably have a sand component in the soil. Sand is an efficient abrasive, and, yup, that will wear your chain out, too. For the road bikers, sand is found on road shoulders, often in abundance. One ride on a wet shoulder, and, you guessed it, ‘crunch crunch’ – sand in the chain.
Our service department is equipped with special instruments to check for chain wear.
We also offer special chain cleaners and wax-based lubricants that help keep your drivetrain grit-free and running smoothly. Keep that chain clean between tune-ups and you can actually save some money in the long run!
Now for tires… Tires are the real unsung hero of the modern bicycle. Often just paper-thin, these are ultimately responsible for getting you out and back safely, not to mention quickly if you’re into that.
Bike tires can and do weather with exposure to the sun and the atmosphere. Most rubber compounds will ‘dry out’ and crack or split over time leaving the fabric casing deeper in the tire vulnerable to cuts and punctures. Then there’s wear & tear, just like your car tires. Instead of getting upset about wearing out a bike tire, be glad you’re lucky enough that you ride often and did just that. Tire wear and weathering can be subtle. We’re happy to help you evaluate the condition of your tires and will find a perfect replacement for your riding style and needs.
Now, no more excuses. Clean it up, tune it up, and ride on, friends!
