When Basic Bike Maintenance Needs to Go to the Pros
“I’ve seen it on YouTube, it can’t be that hard!”
When Basic Bike Maintenance Needs to Go to the Pros
“I’ve seen it on YouTube, it can’t be that hard!” Famous last words, right? We’ve all been there, watching a smooth-talking expert effortlessly swap out a derailleur or bleed hydraulic brakes in a three-minute video. It looks so easy. And hey, who doesn’t like to save a few quid by doing it themselves? But let’s face it, bike mechanics on YouTube make it look seamless because they’ve done it hundreds of times, and their failed attempts didn’t make the final cut. Real life? Not so seamless.
Here’s the reality: many bikes roll into our workshop after a “DIY attempt”. Some owners sheepishly admit, “I tried and failed – can you help me?” Others come in pretending nothing happened, but we can sense their inner turmoil as they hand over their Frankenbike. Either way, it’s fine. We’re not judging (much). But we do want to save you the hassle – and sometimes the expense – of trying and failing before bringing it to the pros.
Why YouTube Isn’t the Whole Story
First, let’s address the YouTube elephant in the room. Yes, those videos are helpful, but remember that the people making them are seasoned mechanics who know exactly what they’re doing. They’ve spent hours filming, editing, and perfecting the process to make it look easy. If you’re a first-timer trying to replicate their flawless execution, you might find yourself in over your head. And if you’re buying parts and tools you think you need based on those videos, you could be wasting money on the wrong stuff.
When to Call in the Pros
So, when does basic bike maintenance cross the line into “leave it to the professionals” territory? Here are some key examples:
- Hydraulic Brake Bleeding
- If you’ve ever attempted to bleed hydraulic brakes and ended up with spongy levers or air bubbles galore, you’re not alone. It’s a precise process that requires the right tools and techniques—and one mistake can render your brakes useless. Don’t risk it.
- Electronic Groupsets
- SRAM Red eTap AXS HRD? Shimano Dura-Ace Di2? These aren’t your granddad’s friction shifters. Electronic groupsets are incredible when working correctly but temperamental when tampered with. Without the proper diagnostics or experience, you could make a small issue worse.
- Wheel Truing
- That wobble in your wheel may seem like a quick fix, but unless you’ve got a truing stand and know how to adjust spoke tension evenly, you’re playing a dangerous game. Poorly trued wheels can lead to uneven wear or, worse, a total collapse.
- Bottom Bracket Replacement
- Stripped threads, cross-threading, or improper installation can turn a simple replacement into a costly frame repair. If you don’t have the right tools or a torque wrench, let us take care of it.
The Cost of DIY Gone Wrong
One of the biggest issues we see is customers bringing in bikes after attempting to “fix” something themselves. In many cases, the “fix” has caused additional damage, making the repair more expensive than it would have been initially. Your time is valuable, too – why spend hours tinkering, only to end up frustrated, when you could be out enjoying your bike?
Modern Bikes Are Complex Machines
Let’s not forget that bikes are getting more technical. New drivetrains, hydraulic systems, and carbon frames demand expertise and precision. Even a simple adjustment on a high-end bike can require specialised tools or software. If you’re not keeping up with these advancements, it’s best to leave it to someone who is.
Stick to Riding, Leave the Fixing to Us
If you’ve got the time and genuinely enjoy tinkering, great! But if time is precious and you’d rather be riding than wrenching, don’t hesitate to book your bike in with a professional mechanic. We’ll get it done right the first time, saving you money, stress, and time.
Because really, wouldn’t you rather spend your weekends cycling instead of searching for that “perfect” YouTube tutorial? Leave the fixing to us. We’ve got your back – and your bike.
