Whether you have a brand new e-bike, bought a second-hand one, or you’re a regular rider, tunning up your bike is something you should think about eventually.
But how much is a bike tune-up, though?
Well, depending on the kind of tune-up, the prices range from $60 all the way up to $250. In this article, we’ll discuss different types of tune-ups and their prices.
So, be sure to stick around!
Do You Really Need A Bike Tune-Up?
The truth is that most of us will need a tune-up at some point. Even with newer electric bikes, you’ll come to a break-in period where brake cables stretch, spokes become loose, and parts get out of alignment.
For older bikes and bikes that get a lot of use, other parts will slowly start to wear down - and even the chains might get stretched. And on the other hand, bikes that don’t have any issues could seize up or rust if they’re not used regularly.
You can handle some things on your own - but having professionals take care of your bike will go a long way.
A bike tune-up would fix these problems and not only ensure that your electric bike is safe and longer-lasting but give you a smoother ride, as well.
How Much Does A Tune-Up Cost?
With that said, the list below will give you a clearer picture of how much a bike tune-up could cost.
Bike tune-ups vary in features, and therefore, vary in price. It’s best to check with a local bike shop to see what packages they offer and how much it would cost you.
A light tune-up of a new bike will, understandably, cost you much less than a complete overhaul. That’s why most bike shops will offer different kinds of tune-ups at different price points.
Basic Bike Tune-Up
You see, there are bike tune-ups that cost below $40. However, carefully look at what’s included in the package. Why?
Well, e-bike tune-ups at this price point tend to be more of a “check-up” than an actual tune-up.
The bike shop might do some cleaning and lubricate the chain, but they won’t perform anything technical that beginners couldn’t do on their own.
You’re better off paying more for a real tune-up. Basic or regular tune-ups generally start at around $60-$80.
Basic level of bike tune-ups typically include:
- Brakes check and adjustment
- Drivetrain adjustment
- Torque all fastener
- Inflating the tires to the proper pressure
- Spokes adjustment
- Truing the wheels
- Gear and bearings adjustment
- Safety check
Standard Bike Tune-Up
A more in-depth bike tune-up will generally include taking your e-bike apart so they can work on the parts individually.
A standard bike tune-up includes:
- All basic tune-up services
- Drivetrain removed and degreased
- Deep clean and polish
- Professional test ride to check for potential problems
You can expect to pay between $100 and $160 for a standard bike tune-up.
Overhaul Bike Tune-Up
The highest level of a bike tune-up is usually referred to as an overhaul. The bike shop will most likely completely strip your bike, deep clean it, lubricate it, align everything - and then put it back together.
After an overhaul, your bike is going to work as it was intended when you first purchased it.
An overhaul bike tune-up includes:
- All standard bike tune-up services
- Deep clean and lubrication of every part
- New bearings and new calves included
While some expensive broken parts won’t be replaced, your bike will come back to you cleaned, finely tuned, and in the best shape possible.
The price of an overhaul tune-up is usually between $150 and $250, but it might be even higher.
Which Bike Tune-Up Should You Get?
Here’s a basic breakdown of which bike tune-up you should get based on your bike’s condition and their respective prices.
Type of use | Type of tune-up | Price |
New bike | Basic bike tune-up | $60-$80 |
Ridden regularly | Standard bike tune-up | $100-$160 |
Seriously neglected | Complete overhaul | $150-$250+ |
Keep in mind that bike shops offer various services. After I called one of the local bike shops, I found out their basic tune-up package didn’t include spokes tightening.
The list below is a general guideline - but, again, be sure to double-check.
New Bike: If your bike is brand new, a basic tune-up will be just fine. That’s good because you’ll which parts are in good condition. The crucial thing here is to ensure everything is aligned and tightened correctly.
Ridden Regularly: If you cover many miles on your bike and do so regularly, getting a standard bike tune-up annually or semiannually is a good idea.
If you intend to ride your e-bike in winter, I recommend scheduling one tune-up before winter kicks in. By doing so, you’ll ensure your bike is ready for the winter’s extra demands.
Furthermore, I recommend scheduling a second tune-up for spring so that you can make sure it’s ready for the next season.
Seriously Neglected: if you had your bike sitting in a garage or you bought it at a yard sale, a complete tune-up is the best choice. The bike shop can also remove any rust, making your bike look brand new.
How Long Does A Tune-Up Take?
A basic bike tune-up doesn’t take too long; it could be done in as little as 30 minutes. However, that doesn’t mean you can walk into a bike shop and have it done right then and there.
Bike shops are generally pretty busy - especially during the summertime. It’s not uncommon for bike shops to be booked up to two weeks in advance.
Your safest bet is to call several local bike shops and learn their schedule and prices. Typically, they’ll write you down for an appointment. After that, you can drop your e-bike off and pick it up the same day in most cases, but don’t be surprised if it’s the next day.
If parts of your bike need to be replaced, things can take a bit longer. Generally speaking, you won’t be quoted an exact time since they won’t know how much time it’ll take until they start working on your bike.
On that note, if you ride your bike during weekends, try scheduling early in the week. So, even if the bike shop is running over their schedule by a day or two, you’ll still most likely get your bike back in time for your weekend adventures.
Can You Tune-Up Yourself?
E-bike maintenance should generally be a combination of work done by the bike shop and work done by yourself. While it’s not recommended that you do a complete overhaul yourself, there’s plenty you can do on your own to take care of your bike.
I’m aware that, for a beginner, bikes can be pretty intimidating at first. However, you could start with some more straightforward stuff - and learn new things as you go.
Learning how to do bike maintenance on your own is great for two reasons.
The first one is safety. If something goes wrong, you'll know how to fix it right then and there. The second reason is - well, it will save you time and money. And to add to that, it could be a pretty fun and rewarding DIY project!
What Kind Of Bike Maintenance Can You Do Yourself?
First things first, you should lubricate the chain regularly and check the brakes, and, of course, don’t forget to clean your bike. Here’s a great bike-cleaning tip:
Use a set of brushes to get to the parts of your bike that are harder to reach.
Perhaps the most neglected bike’s part is the chainset. Now, I realize that cleaning these more “technical” parts of the e-bike may sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty easy - with the right set of tools, that is.
Also, you should regularly check the pressure in the tires; it affects both the comfort and safety of your ride. If you don’t have a pump, I’d recommend getting one with a gauge. That way, you can top up your tires and check the tire pressure at the same time.
How Often Do You Need A Bike Tune-Up
If you’re riding your bike on a regular basis, a standard tune-up - be it annually or semiannually - is more than enough. I recommend getting one bike tune-up at the beginning of the season and the next one midway through.
That said, if you’re riding off-road, it’s a good idea to get tune-up more often.
Here’s a general guideline of stuff you should check before every ride:
- Check the pressure in tires and add air if needed
- Check tire tread for wear, damage, or debris that can cause a puncture
- Ensure that all quick release clamps are tight
- Lubricate chain if needed
- Make sure breaks are working
- Ensure that the seat is stable and not slipping or tilting
Also, there are things you should do monthly, including:
- Cleaning the bike frame and tires
- Inspection for cracks
- Cleaning the chain and cassette
- Wheel spokes check
- Check the tightness of all bolts
- Lubing the brake, clipless-pedal pivot points, and derailleur
- Lubing the cables
- Binding, wear, or rust check
And every six months, you should:
- Clean and wax the bike’s frame
- Check and, if needed, replace tires
- Check brake pads and replace them if necessary
- Clean the drivetrain
While you don’t necessarily have to follow these exact steps, you can still use them as a general guideline. It’ll keep your bike in good condition for a more extended period - and save you some money in the long run.
Conclusion
If you’re new to all this, you’re going to learn a lot about your bike’s maintenance within the first couple of months. You’ll probably figure out how to do some stuff on your own, too.
But still, I advise scheduling a professional tune-up for your bike every now and then.
Depending on the type of tune-up, it can cost from $60 to $250 - and even more. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to tune up your bike regularly so that you can be sure you can ride it smoothly and safely.