WHAT DOES FLAT-REPAIR COST, AND WHAT MAINTENANCE NEEDED?

May 3, 2006

    I would like to know how much it would cost to repair a flat rear tire on my bicycle. I have never done any repairs on my own, and I need to bring it to a bike shop.
    Do you have to have any maintenance done on a bike? I ride my bike ocassionally. Thank you very much.

Victoria C.

Victoria:
    Many bike shops in the U.S. charge about $10 to fix a flat tire, front or rear. Some shops charge as little as $5, and some as much as $20. Most don’t actually repair the puncture in the tire’s inner tube; instead they replace the tube completely.
    All bikes need maintenance. At some point (depending on how much you ride) the bike’s chain will need lubrication, as will other moving parts. For a quick guide to the things that most often need maintenance on your bike, and how to check them, see Chapter 2, "Maintenance Basics," of my book, Urban Bikers’ Tricks & Tips.

Mr Bike

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