Whether you require an immediate bicycle fix or simply want to keep on top of your bicycle maintenance, taking your bike to a professional repair store is the best route to take.
Whilst it can be tempting to attempt bicycle repairs yourself in a bid to save money, you won’t necessarily have the right tools, knowledge and skill to carry out the job. The other issue with this is that you may then be compromising your safety on the road if repairs aren’t undertaken correctly.
Thankfully, bicycle repair shops offer a vast range of services to suit your needs. Keep reading as we cover what these might include, discussing the benefits of using professional services in more detail along with how we can meet your needs here at Nip Nip.
Services Offered by Bicycle Repair Stores
Brake Repairs
Having properly functioning brakes is essential on any bike, as it’s the brakes that allow you to slow down and stop both in emergencies and or for maintaining general road safety (such as stopping at traffic lights or when approaching a junction).
That’s why any brake issues should be promptly addressed. Common issues may include:
- Brakes sticking: There are various reasons why brakes may stick, with one of the most common being due to ageing and/or rust. When this happens, the bike will likely veer to one side when braking.
- Worn/broken brake pads: As with many components in most vehicles, prolonged use can cause natural wear and tear. Over time, brake pads can become worn and less effective, making them more prone to breakage. You might notice it takes longer to slow down if you have worn brake pads.
- Brake cable issues: A lack of lubrication can allow rust to develop on brake cables, making them weaker. Applying the brake too forcefully can also put additional stress on these cables over time. Excessive damage and stress can ultimately cause brake cables to snap.
Professional repair stores are well adept to address each of these issues, offering brake adjustments, brake servicing, cable fittings, brake pad fittings and more.
Gear Repairs
Being located on the wheels of a bike, hence close to the ground, it’s not uncommon for the drivetrain to become dirty. This, however, can cause premature wear on both the chain and the cassette, as well as increase friction – which would mean you’d have to work harder than should be necessary to peddle!
A worn chain can also cause poor shifting between gears, which may then lead to more serious problems with the derailleur and cogs.
Each of these issues can be addressed through gear repair services, whether that be a simple degreasing, a new chain fitting or a full-on gear replacement.
Wheel Repairs
Wheels are undeniably one of the most essential parts of a bike for obvious reasons. Even the smallest of issues with one of your wheels can significantly impact your bicycle’s driveability.
Whilst something like a flat tyre can easily be fixed at home with a bike pump, anything a bit more complicated isn’t quite as easy a fix. For bike servicers, however, it’s a different story.
From tyre and inner tube replacements after experiencing a puncture to re-tensioning the spikes in a wheel that have relaxed too much, we are adept at addressing various wheel-related issues.
Parts Replacements
Specialist repair shops have the knowledge and connections to source various bicycle parts for different types and brands of bikes, both common and uncommon, at a good rate. They also possess the knowledge to correctly fit these parts into place.
This is ideal if you experience an issue with your bike that can easily be fixed by having a specific part replaced, as the alternative of buying a whole new bike is not only inconvenient but much more expensive.
If you’re an avid rider who uses your bike frequently, then you’ll also find that bicycle repair stores can also fit a number of accessories to your bike that may be useful to you.
For example, if you have a child, then you might want to have a child seat fitted to your bicycle so you can take them out for bike rides with you – a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to driving them around in a car. Or, you may be training as a competitive cyclist, in which case you may benefit from having a bike computer fitted to your handlebars, which can tell you your speed, time and distance.
From mud guards to baskets, there are more accessories where they come from!
Electric Bike Repairs
Electric bikes have been on the rise in recent years, offering the convenience and eco-friendly nature of a bicycle but with less physical effort and with more efficiency.
Naturally, electric bikes require even more expertise than traditional bicycles when it comes to repairs and servicing, which most definitely shouldn’t be attempted at home.
Here at Nip Nip, we’re able to service electric bikes on your behalf, including:
- Diagnostic checks
- Controller replacements
- Motor unit replacements
- And more!
Why Choose a Professional Store for Your Bicycle Repairs?
Knowledge and Expertise
Companies that offer professional repair services often have vast hands-on experience when it comes to repairing and servicing bicycles. This physical capability combined with their technical knowledge means you can rely on them to repair or service your bike to a high working standard, and you can trust that all work will be carried out properly, ensuring your bike is safe to ride.
They will also be able to explain to you exactly what’s wrong with your bike and offer tips on maintaining it to avoid any further issues in the future.
Necessary Tools
There are certain tools and pieces of equipment that may be required during bike servicing that you won’t necessarily find in your everyday toolbox. Stores that offer professional repairs and servicing will have access to these tools and will know how to correctly use them, ensuring a wide range of bike repairs can be undertaken.
Access to Replacement Parts
As we’ve already mentioned, professionals also have access to a wide range of parts that may be required for certain repairs and replacements.
Many of these might not be easy to source yourself, as they might only be manufactured by specialist suppliers, rather than widely produced. Not only that, but buying these parts as an individual or at retail value can work out as being more expensive for you, whereas repair stores often have the knowledge of where to find certain parts and might be able to access them at wholesale prices.
Prolonged Bike Longevity
Ultimately, investing in regular servicing and maintenance for your bike is one of the best ways in which you can prolong its lifespan. Regular servicing is key for identifying any potential and existing issues early, allowing these to be fixed before they develop into more serious problems that have more impact on the health of your bike.
By prioritising regular maintenance alongside professional servicing, you can enjoy smooth, seamless rides with your trusty bicycle for many years to come.
Choose Nip Nip for Comprehensive Bicycle Repairs in London
If you’re based in London and are looking for a reliable and reputable company to carry out repair services on your bike, then we’ve got you covered here at Nip Nip.
As London’s premier bike servicing supplier, we offer a comprehensive range of services at competitive prices. You can choose whether to request individual repairs and services, or make use of our service packages (Bronze, Silver or Gold) – all of which you have the choice to take place at our hub, or using our mobile service or collect and return service.
Whilst bike servicing is our speciality, we’re proud to offer much more! Perhaps you’re interested in learning how to maintain your own bike? In which case, you should check out our bike maintenance courses, where you will learn all the skills you need to carry out basic maintenance on your bike between major services.
If it’s not bike repairs you’re interested in, but a whole new bike, then we can help with that, too! We supply a range of brand new bikes for sale, and can even help with bike fits!
Get in Touch
Whatever your bike requirements are, here at Nip Nip, we’re committed to meeting your needs to the best of our ability. To learn more about what we can do for you, or to enquire about our services, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.