Summer’s open roads are calling—but nothing kills momentum faster than a surprise breakdown. A proper tune‑up not only prevents mechanical failures but also enhances handling, braking, and rider safety. Regular preventative care helps you avoid:
- Squeaky, poorly adjusted brakes
- Gear-slipping or grinding drivetrains
- Flat tires and slow valve leaks
- Risky components like loose bolts or worn chain links
United Sport & Cycle has been Edmonton’s go-to bike shop for over 90 years, consistently named the city’s favourite and trusted for expert tune‑ups and repairs.
What Tune‑Up Services Are Offered
1. Level 1 Adjustment
- Costs: $164.99 (+$39.99 for e-bikes)
- Includes: Basic drivetrain lubrication, brake adjustment, minor tweaks
- Recommended: Every 25 riding hours
2. Free Bike Assessment
- Drop in store or book their convenient Pick-Up & Delivery service ($25 one‑way/$35 round‑trip)
- Technicians provide a no‑charge inspection and service recommendations.
3. Individual Services
- Options include brake pad replacement, cable routing, wheel truing, and suspension service
Convenient Pick‑Up & Delivery Service
No car? No problem. United offers pick-up and delivery across Greater Edmonton (Ardrossan, Beaumont, Devon, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Stony Plain). Pick‑up windows are Mon‑Sat between 11 AM–4 PM; expect ~7 business days for full service during peak summer. This service offers unbeatable convenience—just toss your bike out and let them handle the rest.
DIY Makes Sense Too: Top Pick Tools & Products
Want to tackle some tune‑up tasks yourself? United’s selection of tools, books, and lubricants ensures summer-ready hardware and hassle-free rides.
Reference Materials
- Park Tool BBB‑4 Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair – 4th Edition, $45.99: Industry-standard repair manual with detailed instructions for everything from basic adjustments to full overhauls.
Maintenance Tools
- Park Tool PCS‑9.3 Portable Bike Repair Stand, $383.99: Folds compactly, clamps any frame size, and lets you work at waist height—ideal for detailed cleaning and tuning at home.
- Multi-tools: options like the OneUp EDC Lite ($49.99) and Topeak Hexus X ($47.99) equip you to handle roadside fixes
Cleaning & Lubrication
- Muc‑Off 5‑Piece Brush Set: Cleans chainrings, frames, and hard-to-reach spots—perfect before lubing
Inflation & Pumps
- Tiny Bike Pump Pro 120 PSI: USB-rechargeable high-pressure pump, compact yet powerful.
- Tiny Bike Pump Ultra‑Mini 100 PSI: Even smaller pocket pump—ideal for road and gravel riding.
Together, these tools let you handle rides, spot-fixes, and deeper DIY maintenance with confidence.
Summer Tune‑Up Checklist
| Task | DIY? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Clean drivetrain & degrease chainrings | ✅ | Use brush set, then dry thoroughly |
| Lubricate chain | ✅ | Wipe excess after lubing |
| Check tire pressure & inflate | ✅ | Know your psi (road ~80–120, MTB ~30–50) |
| Inspect brake pads/cables | ✅ | Replace pads if <3mm thickness |
| Adjust shifting | ✅ | Use rear derailleur barrel to fine-tune |
| Tighten bolts/stems/seatpost | ✅ | Use torque wrench, Don’t overtighten! |
| True wheels | ❌ | Heads are pros—bring to store |
| Tune-ups (Level 1/2) | ❌ | Leave to techs for precise adjustments |
When to Call the Pros
Level 1 covers bens of routine issues, but certain problems need professional attention:
- Shifters that skip or grind under load?
- Misaligned or weak braking
- Wobbling wheels, heavy suspension service
- Electric feed and battery checks for e-bikes
United’s techs offer full guarantees, free inspections, and expert advice whether in-store or via pickup service
Tune‑Up Frequency: What Experts Recommend
- Light recreational riders: Every 100–150 km or monthly
- Regular commuters: Every 50–100 km / bi‑monthly
- Heavy use/intensive riders: After each weekend ride or weekly
Bonus: fresh chain lube and tire pressure check before any long summer ride save headaches on gravel, trail or pavement.
Summer-Proof Your Ride: Prevention Beats Repair
- Rinse off road salt & dust after rides
- Keep chain lubricated and wiped clean
- Park indoors to prevent sun damage
- Monitor wear items—tires, cables, chains
- Book a mid-season Level 1 tune‑up to stay ahead
Combining DIY care with professional service creates a fail-safe summer routine—helping you avoid roadside woes and mechanical breakdowns.
United Sport & Cycle: Summer Partner for Riders
- Open: Mon–Wed 11–6, Thu 11–7:30, Fri 11–6, Sat 10–5; Sun closed. 7620 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton
- Services: Drop-in or pick-up delivery ($25–35) with free assessment
- Products: Park Tool stands, repair books, Muc‑Off & WD‑40 lubes, pumps—all in‑store & online
Final Lap: Enjoy Worry‑Free Adventures
Whether you’re prepping for a casual summer ride, commuting across town, logging gravel miles, or hitting the trails, a well-maintained bike is critical. With United Sport & Cycle’s tune‑up packages, friendly pros, pickup convenience, and top-quality DIY gear, you’re fully equipped for a smooth, safe, and fun summer on two wheels.
Ride now, worry less—and let the summer adventures begin!
