Bike Tuning
Pedal Passion, Brisbane's Premier Destination for Custom Built Bikes.
Peak Performance and Longevity
Tuning service is best suitable for bikes which are regularly serviced and just needed a tweak to help bring the shifting or brake back to optimum performance due to cable stretch, parts wearing in or out, or minor accident such as a bike fell onto the ground and bent the hanger.
Front and rear hanger inspection and adjustment
Front and rear hanger inspection and adjustment
Limits adjustment
Limits adjustment
Indexing and B Gap adjustment
Indexing and B Gap adjustment
Derailleurs fitting adjustment
Derailleurs fitting adjustment
Drivetrain components wear and tear inspection
Drivetrain components wear and tear inspection
Ongoing Maintenance
Ongoing Maintenance Service
Riders Frequently Ask
How often should I get my gears professionally tuned for optimal performance?
Professional gear tuning is one of those maintenance items that dramatically improves ride quality but is often neglected until shifting becomes problematic. Regular professional tuning ensures crisp, precise shifting and extends drivetrain component life. The optimal frequency depends on riding conditions, mileage, and how sensitive you are to drivetrain performance.
General Tuning Frequency Guidelines
Regular Riders (100-150km per week):
- Professional tune every 4-6 months or every 2,000-3,000km
- More frequent in challenging conditions
- Less frequent if you're less sensitive to minor shifting issues
High Mileage Riders (150+km per week):
- Professional tune every 3-4 months or every 2,000-2,500km
- Components wear faster with higher mileage
- Performance degradation more noticeable with high mileage
Occasional Riders (less than 100km per week):
- Professional tune every 6-12 months or every 1,500-2,500km
- Time-based interval more relevant than mileage
- Annual tune usually adequate
What are some signs your bike needs tuning?
Shifting Performance Issues:
- Hesitant or slow shifting, particularly under load
- Chain skips or jumps between gears
- Difficulty shifting into certain gears
- Inconsistent shifting—sometimes smooth, sometimes not
Auditory/Visual Indicators:
- Chain rubs on front derailleur cage
- Excessive chain noise in certain gear combinations
- Visible chain wear or stretch
- Cassette or chainring teeth showing wear patterns
Feel and Sensation:
- Rough feeling when shifting
- Chain feels "notchy" or imprecise
- Pedalling feels rough in certain gears
- Reduced drivetrain efficiency
The improvement in ride quality from properly tuned gears is significant. Many riders adapt to gradually declining performance and don't realise how much their shifting has degraded until they experience a professionally tuned drivetrain. Regular professional tuning ensures your bike always performs at its best.
What are some benefits of tune at Pedal Passion vs DIY?
DIY Capabilities:
- Basic cable tension adjustment
- Simple indexing for minor issues
- Limit screw adjustment
- Basic derailleur positioning
Limitations of DIY:
- derailleur hanger alignment requires specialised tools
- Complex indexing issues may be beyond home skill level
- Electronic drivetrain diagnostics require specific equipment
- Comprehensive inspection may miss subtle issues
When Professional Tuning Is Essential:
Complex Issues:
- Shifting problems that don't resolve with basic adjustments
- Drivetrain upgrades or major component changes
- Electronic drivetrain troubleshooting
- Bikes that haven't been professionally serviced in years
Special Situations:
- Before major events or important rides
- After crashes or incidents that may have affected drivetrain
- When purchasing used bikes
- Seasonal transitions for serious riders