Hamer's Cycle Service

06/15/2026

I have an opening for a tune-up, maybe two, this Wednesday afternoon.

Square Bookings Flow

06/15/2026

This parent of an MCA racer and MCA coach himself understands that it's important to get bikes checked and prepped BEFORE the season starts.

06/14/2026

Why rotate between two chains? Imagine a brand new drivetrain. Say you use chain #1 for 500 miles. Then you switch to brand new chain #2 and use it for 500 miles. At this point you put chain #1 back on and ride it for 500 miles. You have put 1,500 miles on the drive train but to the cassette and chain ring, it's more like 1,000 miles of wear (roughly).

06/11/2026

Which one are you choosing?

Vee Tire Huntsman on the left or

CST Big Boat on the right?

06/09/2026

Calling all racers, commuters and daily riders. Are you feeling frustrated from trying to get your bike serviced because it takes so long? Hamers Cycle Service is almost never more than 7 days out and often only 4 days out on appointments. Plus you get to ride your bike while you wait. And with mobile service you get to be a part of the process and see what is being done and ask questions while it's being worked on if you want.

06/03/2026

Saving lives, one brake job at a time.

05/20/2026

I was very impressed with the Rad Power Roadster Trail 1 that I assembled recently. The bike was very stout and rode well. The 3" wide tires are a nice touch.

05/16/2026

I have a lot of spokes in the van but there's no way I can have all of them. Luckily I can cut and roll any 2.0mm spoke down to the length I need.

05/16/2026

Ouch!

05/11/2026

I often hear from customers about how they had a bad experience with getting a bicycle repaired in the past. The common issues are: 1. Took too long 2. Something that was supposed to get done did not get done 3. What was supposed to get done was not done right. 4. Not sure anything was done

Here are some tips to help customer have a more successful outcome when having their bike repaired.

1. Bring your bike in for service in the off season. That’s usually October through February. Bike shops/mechanics tend not to be too busy during this time and most customers are not in a hurry to get their bike back.

2. Write a checklist of what you want done and attach it to the bike. This cuts through the noise and mental filters associated with verbal communication and acts as a reminder.

3. Get to know your mechanic. You don’t need to bring them cookies or invite them over for dinner. But when you pick up your bike, ask if you can speak to the mechanic. If you are working with a mobile mechanic you automatically get to talk to them. Establishing a rapport with your mechanic can help keep things going smoothly. They get to know if you want a detailed estimate every time or if you just want it done right. You get to know that when they say it will take five minutes they actually mean an hour.

4. Communicate things that you are particular about. I once had a customer who had to have his seats rotated two degrees counter clockwise otherwise he would end up with back pain. If you like your brakes really tight, let your mechanic know. If you don’t have the ability to text message, that is good to know.

5. Test ride your bike right when you get it back, before you leave the store or before your mobile mechanic leaves. It is much easier to sort things out right then and there. And then there is less question about whether or not something happened to the bike after you got it back, like the derailleur hanger getting bent in transport.

6. Ask what is going to be done. Customers can't be expected to know what is included in a tune up. But that can lead to assumptions about what is included. For examle, most shops don't include a detailed cleaning in their least expensive tune up package. If you were hoping to see your bike looking showroom ready but when you get it back and it's still got dirt on the frame and the chain is black and gooey, you might feel disappointed.