Frequently Asked Questions
These are just a few of the questions we’re often asked at the Oak Ridge Bicycle Center. Have a questions you didn’t see on this page… Bring your questions to us! With over 40 years in the bike business, chances are we’ve heard them all before. Our job is to answer all your questions, and point you in the right direction. Try us.
How much will you charge for a “Tune-Up” on my bike?
Every bike brought to Oak Ridge Bicycle for repair is looked at individually. We don’t charge a standard, typical rate because that may include labor that your bike doesn’t need. Every spring, we see bikes brought in for a “tune-up” that only need their tires aired up. But the next one brought in may need major repair work, not a “tune-up”. Flat rate tune-up charges are generally good for bike shops, but not always so good for our customers. We’ll do the work that you need, and not charge for the work you don’t. Estimates, advice, and conversation are always free.
Why do your bikes cost more than the ones at Big-Box stores?
For many years, the bicycle industry has been divided into 2 completely different categories: real bikes vs. disposable bikes. Bikes that will function properly and reliably vs. toy bikes. Bikes that can run for years with only routine service vs. flashy horror stories. From designers and importers all the way down to store assembly guys, everyone in this industry knows exactly what the disposable bikes are, but they sell in large numbers, so their importers are quite successful. The problem is that nobody rides them very long, due to their tendency to self-destruct. Bike shops could sell these bikes, too, but the vast majority won’t even consider it. It would be impossible for me to sell these bikes at Oak Ridge Bicycle Center knowing what I know about them, and most dealers would agree. Wouldn’t you rather have a bike that runs, fits, feels good, and can last a lifetime? That’s what we want to sell at the Oak Ridge Bicycle Center.
What size bicycle do I need?
All of our adult bicycles come in several different frame sizes. If you’re 6’6 and your riding partner is only 5’2, you can both ride the same model, with the same size wheels and the same components, yet the frame size itself will be based on your height, and your inseam measurements. If you call us and ask about sizing, I’ll ask your height, but your inseam number is more important. The taller frames are longer front to back, too. People don’t come in the same increments size-wise, as bicycles do, and sometimes you’ll fall between 2 sizes. That’s OK, a test ride or two will help you decide what’s best for you, along with our advice and instructions on making your bike as comfortable as possible. Sizing is an inexact science at times, as are people. Fit theories and methods can be confusing, and often contradict each other. Are you confused yet? You don’t have to be. Oak Ridge Bicycle Center will point you in the right direction.
Can/will you repair the bike I bought from the Big-Box store?
A national poll of bicycle dealers from a few years back found that a majority of dealers won’t even attempt to repair these bikes anymore. That’s a huge change from how bike shops used to operate. It’s very frustrating for bicycle mechanics to try to repair these bikes properly, given the quality of their components. No one enjoys telling their customer how much it’ll take to make their disposable bike function properly, if that’s even possible. We’ll be glad to look at your bike, and advise you accordingly. If we can fix it to your and our satisfaction, it’s all good. Let us look at it. We want it to be safe and reliable. We think you do, too.
What is difference between men’s and women’s bikes?
Traditionally, women’s bikes had a low-slant, or diagonal top tube sloping down towards the rear. Originally, this was a design that made riding a bicycle while wearing a dress or skirt a little more modest. Not much of a consideration these days, as I’ve only had 2 women test ride a bike while wearing a dress in the 37+ years I’ve been at the Oak Ridge Bicycle Center. Some women’s bikes will have a top tube like the traditional men’s bike, but will be proportioned differently. Smaller women will typically need shorter distances front to rear in order to be comfortable. Handlebars may need to be more narrow for the female rider. Here at Oak Ridge Bicycle Center, we’ll often see women who do not need a woman’s specific design, and are more comfortable on the so-called men’s frame. Everybody is a little different from everyone else. Man or woman, we’ll make sure you ride into the sunset on the proper type and size for you.