Tuning That Squeaky Bicycle

Springtime is right around the corner and with the high gas prices it’s not a bad idea to dig the bicycle out. But, the winter months might have left your bicycle in need of a tune-up.

Most bicycles will need your basic tune-up at a local bike shop, said Rich Travis, service manager at Wheel and Sprocket in Fox Point.

There, an expert will check out the tires, cables and housings, among other parts, to ensure the bicycle is safe to hit the pavement and functions. 

• Check out our roundup of bicycle repair shops in the Milwaukee area

“A bike that has been sitting over the winter will lose approximately five pounds of air from the tires,” he said.

He added if your bicycle has been sitting on cement, the floor pulls moisture out of the tires, causing them to dry rot over time.

“The key is when you’re out there, you’re bicycle is safe and you’re having fun and not thinking about it,” he said.

He said 9 out of 10 bicyclists are bicycling with non-functioning parts.

“You’ll see someone riding down the street and their bike is squeaking away,” he said. “And, they’ll think that’s normal, it’s not. Bikes are quiet when they’re tuned, they are efficient and quiet.”

Wheel and Sprocket offers three tune-up packages: The annual for $65, deluxe for $100 and the overhaul for $160. Visit their website for more details on tune-up packages.