should I have a bike tear down before IM

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2012-05-29 10:29 AM

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Regular
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Akron
Subject: should I have a bike tear down before IM

What type of maintenance do you do for your bike before Ironman? I know a tune up would be needed , but should I have them take all the cables out and replace them all? The bike has about 6-7000 miles on it.

2012-05-29 10:41 AM
in reply to: #4233217

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Veteran
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Arden Hills, MN
Subject: RE: should I have a bike tear down before IM

Personally, I just ask my LBS to do a tune up/thorough checkover of the bike about 1 month prior to any big race.  I try and make sure it's far enough out that I can get in 1-2 long rides prior to the race to make sure everything is in working order after the tune up.  

I trust them to tell me if anything major needs to be done above/beyond the basic tuneup. 

2012-05-29 10:09 PM
in reply to: #4233251

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Master
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Muskego, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: should I have a bike tear down before IM
^^^^same as above. I usually bring mine I to the shop three weeks out. Gives me a chance to do my last big week and taper to make sure everything checks out.
2012-05-30 1:27 PM
in reply to: #4233217

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Extreme Veteran
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Fort Worth, TX
Subject: RE: should I have a bike tear down before IM
Same as DB. Your LBS will let you know if the cables/chain are shot. I just have a full tune-up and go from there. I did throw a new chain on my bike just prior to IM Texas, as my old one was stretched. Be sure you have good tires, also. You never know what you will encounter on an IM course, so having good tread is vital. You've got too much invested in the race to have 1/2 worn tires.
2012-06-01 3:04 PM
in reply to: #4233217

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Subject: RE: should I have a bike tear down before IM

I'll beg to differ slightly from other posters.  I do all my own bike maintenance and I would highly suggest, given the amount of miles on your bike, that a cable change is in order.  I'm doing LP this year (next month now - gulp) and just finished a complete shifter and brake cable swap out.  I am anal about cleaning and lubeing my bike and I was appalled what shape my original ones were in.  Also removed and cleaned and re-lubed the bottom bracket and did same for the headset assembly.  I'm glad I did it and will have peace of mind knowing that a fully serviceable bike won't be an issue on race day - one less thing to worry about.

 

Learn to love your bike and how it works...there is a ton of info on the internet and doing it yourself makes it very affordable and fun.

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