As an enthusiastic hunter, you're well aware of the significance of maintaining your gear for optimal performance and longevity. Just as your firearms and binoculars require proper care, your eBike needs regular maintenance to ensure a seamless hunting experience. This extensive guide to eBike repair and maintenance will equip you with valuable knowledge and tips to keep your electric bike in prime condition for years to come.
The Importance of eBike Repair for Hunters
Taking your eBike into the woods exposes it to challenging conditions, including mud, water, and debris. These elements can adversely affect the performance and reliability of your eBike. By prioritizing regular maintenance, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and hiccups during your journey to and from your favorite hunting spots.
How Often Should You Service Your eBike?
The frequency of servicing your eBike depends on how often you use it and the type of terrain you ride on. For daily use under normal conditions, it's recommended to have routine service once per year. However, for eBikes that experience heavy use, servicing every six months is ideal.
As a hunter, if you use your eBike seasonally or occasionally, it's still crucial to service it at least once a year, preferably before the hunting season begins. Regular maintenance ensures your eBike is in optimal working condition, preventing any unexpected issues during your hunting trips.
Understanding eBike Repair and Maintenance
Maintaining an eBike isn't much different from regular bike maintenance, but it does require some basic knowledge of mechanical components. For the most part, you can handle many aspects of eBike repair on your own. However, if you encounter issues with complex systems such as the motor or electronics, it is best to seek the help of a specialty shop or professional eBike repair service.
Common eBike Repair and Maintenance Tasks
Most eBike repair tasks are similar to those of traditional bicycles. Here are some common maintenance areas that you can typically address in your home garage:
Brake pads: Check the brake pads regularly for wear and replace them as needed. Worn-out brake pads can lead to reduced braking efficiency and potential accidents.
Brake calipers: Ensure that the brake calipers are clean and free from debris. Dirt and grime can cause the calipers to stick, which may affect braking performance.
Chain and sprocket: Regularly clean and lubricate the chain and sprocket to prevent rust and reduce friction. Inspect the sprocket for worn teeth, and replace it if necessary.
Tires and inner tubes: Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Inspect the tires for cuts, punctures, or signs of wear and replace them when needed. Keep an eye on the inner tubes as well, and replace them if they're damaged or leaking air.
Wheel alignment (trueing): Ensure that your wheels are properly aligned and true to avoid wobbling and uneven tire wear. Wheel trueing requires specialized tools and expertise, so you might need to seek professional help for this task.
It's important to note that certain tasks, like wheel trueing, may require professional assistance. Additionally, annual battery and motor diagnostics are crucial to ensure optimal performance and detect any potential issues. You can also consider having a professional eBike repair service handle other maintenance tasks during the same visit to save time.
Ebike Repair Costs
On average, eBike owners spend around $100 to $150 on parts and materials every year, with professional service fees adding another $150. By performing some of the maintenance tasks yourself, you can save on repair costs. However, it is always a good idea to consult a professional for tasks you are unsure about, as improper maintenance can lead to more expensive repairs.
Suspension components: If your eBike is equipped with suspension, regular maintenance is crucial to keep it functioning smoothly. Inspect the suspension components for signs of wear, clean them, and lubricate them as needed.
Bearings and bushings: Bearings and bushings are essential for smooth operation, so make sure they are clean, well-lubricated, and free of excessive play. Replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
Electrical components: Regularly inspect electrical connections, cables, and components for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Clean and secure any loose connections, and replace damaged parts as needed.
Motor: Keep the motor clean and free from debris, as dirt and grime can cause it to overheat or reduce its efficiency. If you notice any strange noises or reduced performance, consult a professional eBike repair service for diagnostics and possible repairs.
Battery care: Proper battery care is essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of your eBike. Charge the battery according to the manufacturer's recommendations, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Ebike Lifespan and Preventive Maintenance
The average lifespan of an eBike is around 10 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can last much longer. Preventive maintenance, such as cleaning your eBike after each ride, lubricating parts, and storing it properly, can prolong the life of your electric bike.
Make sure to pay attention to every component of your eBike, including hinges on folding models, and treat it with the same care you give your firearms. With diligent maintenance and proper eBike repair, you can enjoy a reliable and efficient electric bike for years to come.
Maintenance Tips for Hunters
Clean your eBike after each hunt: Just like your firearms and optics, it's essential to clean your eBike after every hunt. Mud, water, and debris can accumulate and cause problems if left unchecked. Use a soft brush and mild soap to remove dirt and grime, and dry the bike thoroughly before storing it.
Inspect your eBike before and after each hunt: Check for any loose bolts, damaged components, or signs of wear before and after each hunt. Addressing any issues early on can prevent costly repairs and ensure your eBike is always ready for your next adventure.
Protect your eBike from the elements: Whenever possible, store your eBike indoors or under a protective cover to shield it from rain, snow, and UV damage. This will help preserve its appearance and prolong its lifespan.
Invest in quality accessories: High-quality accessories, such as mudguards, can help protect your eBike from dirt and debris, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. Similarly, a sturdy rack or storage solution can help keep your eBike secure and organized when not in use.
Stay informed about eBike repair and maintenance: Continually educate yourself on the latest eBike repair and maintenance practices. This knowledge will help you identify potential issues early on and ensure your eBike remains in top shape for years to come.
In Conclusion
Proper eBike repair and maintenance are essential for hunters who rely on their electric bikes for transportation during their hunting expeditions. By staying informed about the latest maintenance practices and seeking professional help when needed, you can prolong the life of your eBike and enjoy a reliable, efficient hunting companion for many years. So, treat your eBike with the same care and attention you give to your firearms and other hunting gear, and experience the benefits of a well-maintained electric bike that's always ready for your next hunting adventure. Investing time and effort in eBike repair and maintenance will not only save you money in the long run but also ensure a stress-free and enjoyable outdoor experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – the thrill of the hunt.
A well-maintained bike is a happy bike!
Our mission is to "keep your bike running like new so you always have an awesome ride." Regular preventative maintenance is the key to making that happen. With over 60 years of combined experience our seasoned bike techs do it all.
We offer a wide variety of service packages as well as a la carte options. Click below to find out more.
Master Service, E-Bikes (Recommended Annually)
Basic
- Bike Wash
- Lube Drivetrain
- Wheel True
Adjustments:
- Brakes
- Derailleurs
- Hubs
- Headset
Best Value
Basic Service plus
Install New:
- Brake Cable & Housing
- Brake Bleed
- Shifter Cables & Housing
- Drivetrain Parts Soak
- Precision Wheel True
- Tubeless Tire Refresh
- E-Bike Diagnostic
- Firmware Update
Pro
Best Value plus
- New Brake Pads
- Hub Overhaul
- New Hub Bearings
- Headset Overhaul
- New Headset Bearings
- E-Bike Diagnostic
- Firmware Update
Pro Suspension
Pro, plus
- New Suspension Seals
- New Bushings
- New Pivot Bearings
- New Dropper Post Cable & Housing
- Oil Refresh
- E-Bike Diagnostic
Firmware Update Reverb Overhaul + $180
Cable Brakes
$129
(reg $230)
$379
(reg $484)
$720
(reg $925)
Front Suspension $829 (reg $1,080)
Full Suspension $1,199 (reg $1,564)
Hydraulic Brakes
$129 (no bleed) (reg $230)
$399 (reg $500)
$745 (reg $945)
eShfit Brake
$129 (no bleed) (reg $230)
$399 (reg $500)
$745 (reg $945)
Suspension Service, E-Bikes (Recommended Annually)
Basic
- Replace Seals
- Oil Refresh
- Includes Parts & Labor
Best Value
- Replace Seals
- Oil Refresh
- Clean & Lube Linkage
- Replace Bushings
- Includes Parts & Labor
Pro
- New Suspension Seals
- New Bushings
- New Pivot Bearings
- New Dropper Post Cable & Housing
- Oil Refresh
- E-Bike Diagnostic
- Firmware Update
- Includes Parts & Labor
Reverb Overhaul +$180
Front
$150
N/A
N/A
Rear
$120
$250
$580
Full
$260
$390
$700
Labor Rates - E-Bikes
Brakes
Hub Motor
Mid Drive Motor
Includes & Keep in Minds
Brake Install (Front)
$90 ext
$105 int
INCL: New Cable & Housing
Hydraulic Bleed + Fluid
Rotor Installation & Brake Bedding
Brake Install (Rear)
$110 ext
$125 int
$90 ext
$105 int
INCL: New Cable & Housing
Hydraulic Bleed + Fluid
Rotor Installation & Brake Bedding
Brake Adjust
(FT or RR)
$35
INCL: Spot Wheel/Rotor True
Brake Surface Cleaning
(KIM: may also need new pads)
Brake Cable Install
(ea)*
INCL: New Cable & Housing
Spot Wheel/Rotor True
(KIM: may also need new pads)
Brake Pad or Rotor
Install
FT $45
RR $65
INCL: Brake Adjustment
Spot Wheel/Rotor True
Brake Surface Cleaning
Brake Refresh -
Hydraulic
$110
$95
INCL: Hydraulic Bleed + Fluid
Spot Wheel/Rotor True
New Brake Pads
Shifting/Drivetrain
Hub Motor
Mid Drive Motor
Includes & Keep in Minds
Bottom Bracket Install
$60
$100
INCL: Remove Old BB
Install New BB & Re-Install
Crankset
Bottom Bracket
Adjust
$30
N/A
KIM: Not all BB's are adjustable.
Chain Install
$25
KIM: If worn severely will need to
replace cassette and chainrings.
Cassette Install
$45
$25
INCL: RR Derailleur Adjustment
Chainring Install
$50. 1x
$60, 2/3x
$90 w/
BB
$50, 1x
$60,
2/3x
KIM: Some rings not replaceable.
If chain is worn severely; replace
cassette, chain & chainrings.
Crankset Install
$50. 1x
$60. 2/3x
$90, w/
BB
$50, 1x
$60,
2/3x
KIM: Bottom Bracket Replacement
Derailleur Install
(FT or RR)
$60 ext
$155 int
INCL: New Cable & Housing
Derailleur Hanger Adjustment (FT or RR)
$30
KIM: Cable & Housing Replacement
Drivetrain Parts
Deep Clean Soak
*Road Bike + $50
INCL:
New Bar Tape & Wrap
$150 ext
$165 int
$120 ext
$135 int
INCL: Removal of Drivetrain Parts
Solvent Soak & Deep Clean Scrub
Installation & Adjustment of
Drivetrain
New Cable & Housing
Shift Cable & Housing
Install (ea side)
+ Firmware Update
$45 ext
$60 int
$45 ext
$125 int
INCL: New Cable & Housing
Installation & Shifting Adjustment
Mid Drive Motor Removal
Shift Pod Install
(ea side)
+ Firmware Update
$55 ext
$70 int
$55 ext
$135 int
INCL: Single Shifter Pod Installation
Cable & Housing Routing
Shifting Adjustment
Mid Drive Motor Removal
Road Shift/Brake
Combo Install
(ea side)
+ Firmware Update
$120 ext
$145 int
$120 ext
$200 int
INCL: New Cables & Housing
Drop Bars Include Black Gel Bar
Tape (Deduct $30 for Pair)
Mid Drive Motor Removal
Suspension
Hub Motor
Mid Drive Motor
Includes & Keep in Minds
Dropper Post
Install
(Minus $80 if
internally routed
with hub motor.)
$45 ext
$145 int
$70 ent
$165 int
INCL: Cable & Housing Cutting
Hydraulic Bleed
Installation, Routing, & Adjustment
Internal Includes:
Motor Removal & Firmware Update
Dropper Post
Adjust (External)
$25
$45
INCL: New Cable & Housing
Hydraulic Bleed
Installation & Adjustment
Dropper Post
Rebuild
(Reverb Only)
$220
INCL: Reverb Overhaul Kit
New Seals & Bushings
Fluid Refresh
Dropper Post Full
Rebuild
(Giant Cable)
$230
INCL: Giant Overhaul Kit
New Seals, Keys, Cables, & Housing
New Air Cartridge
Dropper Post
Partial Rebuild
(Giant Cable)
$170
INCL: Giant Service Kit
New Seals, Keys, Cables, & Housing
Fork Overhual
Factory Service
$245
INCL: New Seals, Oil
New Damper & Air Service
Grease & Adjust Front Brake & Headset
Removal, Installation, & Shipping
Fork Install
$100
INCL: Cutting Fork Steerer
Installation of Crown Race
Grease & Adjust Front Brake & Headset
Fork Shock
Refresh Service
$175
INCL: New Wiper Seals
Oil Refresh
Rear Shock
Overhaul Factory
Service
$220
INCL: New Seals & Oil Refresh
Damper & Air Service
Removal, Installation, & Shipping
Rear Shock Install
$45
INCL: Removal & Installation
Rear Shock
Refresh Service
$120
INCL: New Wiper Seals & Oil Refresh
Removal & Installation
Pivot Bearing/
Bushing Kit Install
$350
INCL: New Bearings & Bushings
Removal & Installation
Pivot Refresh
$110
INCL: Clean & Lube Linkage Hardware
Suspension Adjustment
Wheels
Hub Motor
Mid Drive Motor
Includes & Keep in Minds
Flat Prevention
Package
$125
$100
INCL: Installation
FT& RR Tire Liners
Thorn Resistant Inner Tubes
Hub Overhaul FT
$65
INCL: New Bearings
Grease & Adjustments
Hub Overhaul RR
$115
$90
INCL: New Bearings
Grease & Adjustments
Tube Install
$15 FT
$35 RR
$15
INCL: Installation of Inner Tube
Tire Install (Tube
Version) ea
$25 FT
$45 RR
$25
INCL: Installation of Tire
Installation of Inner Tube
Disposal of Old Tire
Tire Install
(Tubeless Ready)
ea
$60
INCL: Installation
New Rim Tape
Sealant Refresh
Tireliner Install (ea)
$15 FT
$35 RR
$15
INCL: Installation of Tireliner
(KIM: Inner Tubes Only)
Tubeless
Refresh (ea)
$20
INCL: Installation via Valve Core
2 oz of Sealant
KIM: If valve core is not removable, full
tire install of $60 is required.
Spoke Install
$60 FT
$90 RR
$70 RR
INCL: Installation
1-2 DT Swiss Stainless Steel Spokes
KIM: If more than 2 spokes are needed,
new wheel is recommended.
Wheel Build
(front)*
$225
INCL: Tire & Rotor Installation
New Rim Tape, Sealant, and Valve (or Tube), Brake Adjustment
Wheel Build (rear)*
$325
$275
INCL: Tire, Cassette, & Rotor Installation
New Rim Tape, Sealant, & Valve (or Tube)
Derailleur & Brake Adjustment
Wheel Install
Front - Tube*
$85
INCL: Tire & Rotor Removal & Installation
New Rim Tape, Sealant, Valve
Brake Adjustment
Wheel Install
Front -
Tubeless*
$120
INCL: INCL: Tire & Rotor Removal &
Installation
New Rim Tape, Sealant, Valve
Brake Adjustment
Wheel Install
Rear - Tube*
$135
$115
INCL: Tire, Tube, & Rotor Removal &
Installation
Derailleur & Brake Adjustment
Wheel Install
Rear - Tubeless
$170
$150
INCL Tire & Rotor Removal & Installation
New Rim Tape, Sealant
Derailleur & Brake Adjustment
*Need full bike for this service, not just the wheel
General Services
Cost
Includes & Keep in Minds
Bike Boxing (eBikes)
$150
INCL: Bike Box & Packing Materials
Packaged Ready to Ship. We do not ship.
Bike Build (multi speed eBike)
$150
INCL: Assembly & Adjustments
(KIM: Does not include break bleed.)
Bike Build Custom
Frame Up
$400
INCL: Installation of All Parts & Adjustments
New Cable & Housing
Tape for Drop Bars
True Wheels
Delivery or Pickup
$50
INCL: Pickup or delivery of any standard bikes
within 30 miles of any BW store
Fitting - Pro Road
$125
INCL: Cleat Installation
Fit Adjustments:
Stem, Seat, Handlebar
Frame strip
$100
INCL: Stripping Frame of Parts
Box for Loose Parts
Wash & Lube
$45
INCL: Degrease,Scrub, and Lube Drivetrain
Frame Wash & Wipe Down
Warranty Processing
Fee for Items not
Purchased from
Bicycle Warehouse
$60
INCL: Warranty Processing
Shipping & Handling (Frames +$35)
KIM: Additional charges for frame warranties
include frame strip & bike build fees.
30 Day Love It
Guarantee
FREE
INCL: Our Work is Guaranteed!
New Bike Scheduled
Service
FREE
INCL: Full Bike Adjustments
Tire Sealant Refresh
eBike Firmware
Update & Diagnostic
$60
INCL: Computer Diagnostic of E-Bike Motor
Firmware Update
*Must have keys and charger with bike.*
General Installations
Cost
Includes & Keep in Minds
eBike Control Unit
$80
INCL: Firmware Update
eBike Sensor
$100
INCL: Removing Motor
Firmware Update
Accessory (ea)
$10
INCL: Misc Components & Accessories
E.g. Light, Lock, Seatpost, Kickstand,
Saddle
Bar Tape
$30
INCL: Removal & Installation
Computer Wireless
$25
INCL: Installation & Calibration
Frame Rack or Babyseat
$45
INCL: Installation
Grip (pair)
$15
INCL: Removal & Installation
Handlebar
(Flat or Riser)
$40
INCL: Removal & Installation
Including Bar, Shifters, Levers, Grips
Handlebar (Drop)
$90
INCL: Removal & Installation
Including Bar, Shifters, Levers, Tape
Black Gel Bar Tape
Handlebar
(Drop Internally Routed or Tri )
$300
INCL: Removal & Installation
Including Bar, Shifters, Levers, Tape
Black Gel Bar Tape
New Cable & Housing (or Hydraulic
Bleed)
Headset Install
$85
INCL: Removal & Installation
Crown Race, Cups and Bearing
Headset Refresh
$20
INCL: Grease & Adjustment
Auto Bike Rack
$60
Auto Bike Rack
Pedals (pair)
$15
INCL: Installation w/ Grease
Shoe Cleats (pair)
$30
INCL: Installation w/ Grease + Adjustment
Stem
$30
INCL: Installation + Torq
Adjustments