BICYCLE SUPPORT BY MARK Professional neutral support for all bicycle-related events. Mobile bicycle repairs, assembly, wheel building, group/team/individual race support, more!

SERVICES

• Fully Mobile Repairs and Services
• NEUTRAL SUPPORT - Click here for Cyclocross, Road, Multi-sport, Charity, etc.
• Professional Race-Quality Bicycle Assembly
• General Repair, Maintenance, Service, and Installation
• Tune-ups, Overhauls, and Component Switchovers
• Precision Wheel Building, Tubular Gluing
• Team, Group, and Individual Mechanical Support
• Workshops, Clinics, and Private Mechanical Instruction
• New Bicycle and Other Consultations
• Comprehensive Bicycle Fittings
• Race Preparation

Please see below for detailed descriptions, restrictions, and rates.

SERVICE RATES

Please read the important information about my thoughts on the industry.

NOTE ON SERVICES: While some have seen me work fast in certain situations no service is performed with haste. It takes me about an hour to properly build a wheel from a pile of parts but I can build it in under 15 minutes by cutting out every important step and hacking it together. Yeah, I can easily finish the build on a pre-assembled bike in less than 20 minutes but it won't be a precision machine, it'll be no better than a cheesy department store bike. Most shops require their mechanics to blindly build bikes in this manner. Is this really what you want?

For bike builds, attention to detail and ensuring that all parts are inspected and fixed prior to assembly takes more than 30 minutes. Putting grease and specialty lubes on all relevant parts before assembly is another 15-20 minutes. Facing and chasing the bottom bracket and head tube not only require more than several thousand dollars in specialty tools but another 30 minutes of time. A stock wheelset, up to 45 minutes to ensure they are properly trued and adjusted. Eliminating these steps will save time but they are crucial to the longevity and proper functioning of the bike.

Most people have not had their bike properly assembled, serviced, or speced and they are mandated to a mediocre riding experience: gears don't work, wheels aren't true or they keep unlacing/detensioning, sloppy brakes, weird noises, etc. Until you've ridden a precision machine you'll never know the difference! Do you really want a shop owner who can't even install a cassette dictating how their employees service your bike? No, you deserve a competent, meticulous professional so you won't be concerned about zooming down a mountain pass at 50mph.

There are plenty of good (average) bicycle mechanics. I'm happy to say I'm not a good mechanic. There are fewer great mechanics. Some think I am a great mechanic and I appreciate the compliment. An awesome mechanic is a rare find but that's where I've set my sights. Most people want the best and knowing what questions to ask can save a lot of frustration and time. The tools that a shop possesses will tell part of the story, if they don't have all the tools then avoid them. I have more tools than any shop I've visited except for the (warehouse) museum that Wheelsmith had in their shop in California... and no one has more than that. I even design my own tools and accessories when necessary and send the plans to a machine shop for manufacturing.

The limiting factor for most mechanics' abilities isn't their aptitude (yes, aptitude) but the attitude of the owner. 99%+ of the time, owners do not allow their mechanics the time to get it done properly: profits and quantity before quality. Hence the mechanics' talents are marginalized. They can't do an exemplary job if they don't repeatedly practice it, there's not an on/off switch when that special customer walks through the door or the owner says "this one's important". If every customer doesn't get the same level and quality of service and if that service isn't top-notch all the time, you aren't getting what you deserve.

Mobile services

All services listed below can be brought to you, what a great convenience and time-saving option! This is most effective when used for multiple bikes or groups of people. Teams, clubs, or others wishing to get their bicycles ready for the season would be best served with a service call prior to the start of the season to assemble and test-ride, a day in the middle of the season for repairs and general maintenance, and a day at the end of the season to disassemble and prepare for next year.

COST: listed or hourly rate plus any Other Charges

Race-quality bicycle assembly

All used and new race and high-end bikes deserve nothing less than this ultra-comprehensive assembly (or re-assembly if your bike is already built)! This luxurious spa treatment includes everything that can be done to a bike in a shop setting (wheel building is an additional cost). The level of scrutiny is second-to-none and few bicycle stores or mechanics have the tools, means, or knowledge to thoroughly fine-tune the precision machine your bicycle is designed to be. You will not find a more comprehensive and detailed assembly anywhere, compare for yourself. A detailed report on your bicycle will be provided, too. This process can take up to five hours to complete.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS:

COST: starts at $225 per bike

ELIGIBILITY: new and used bicycles OR a frameset with necessary parts OR a frame/frameset where I'll spec the parts

Consumer-quality bicycle assembly

Though not as comprehensive as the race-quality assembly, it is a detailed assembly that few bicycle stores can match. The main differences between this and the race-quality level are the omission of bearing surface preparation (no facing of bottom bracket or facing/reaming head tube, no thread chasing in bottom bracket), only a partial disassembly of the bike, and limited grease and lube applications. However, the same level of scrutiny and detail applies to those areas that are serviced. You will receive a report on the bicycle as well. This process can take up to three hours to complete.

COST: starts at $125 per bike

ELIGIBILITY: new and used bicycles OR a frameset with necessary parts

General maintenance and repair

Overhauls, tune-ups, safety checks, general repairs, installing accessories or parts, crash inspection, component installation, race preparation, and cleaning would fall into this category. Get a group of friends together to share the costs.

COST: $50/hour, 1 hour minimum

ELIGIBILITY: case-by-case basis

Custom Wheel Building

Ahh, one of man's greatest inventions. Wheelbuilding is an art and science, I want to be DaVinci.

Why would one settle for a microwaved meat-and-potatoes TV dinner when a catered gourmet buffet is available for about the same cost? Same analogy applies for hand-built wheels compared to off-the-shelf wheels. The cookie-cutter approach with stock wheels leaves a yearning palate in many people. Expensive new wheels become obsolete and disposable for many reasons: unserviceable, untruable even when brand new, the company no longer makes parts for them, a $1500 repair is too costly, etc.

The list of off-the-shelf wheels that sharply challenge common sense grows longer each day resulting in wheel technology that has regressed over the past decade. Manufacturers obsessed with marketing hype, light weights, and cutting edge technology present designs that ignore the laws of physics. Ultimately we consumers become the crash test dummies and mechanics play a pivotal role in diagnosing and fixing manufacturers' problems. This is completely unacceptable and disturbing.

Fortunately there are M-A-N-Y other options to combat the stock wheel doldrums. 25+ colors of rims with limited edition powdercoated artistic designs, dozens of rim styles, enough colored nipples and hubs to make a rainbow jealous, and numerous spoke types create a boatload of options that will enhance a bicycle like no other upgrade! Screaming loud or stealthily subtle, your wheels will be a beacon for individuality, completely unique.

Whether building up that power-measuring hub or wanting an honest wheel that will endure the test of time, look no further. Custom wheels don't have to be expensive but need to be speced for an individual's riding style, weight, and expectations. Hand-built new wheels will be brought as close to perfection (trueness, tension, dish, and roundness) as allowed by the individual components using proven technologies. Thread-locking compounds, pre-stressing, and nipple and thread lubricants combined with a meticulous attention to detail ensure a solid product. Don't let marketing hype cloud your judgment, these are the real deal!

Wheels are so important to me that I purchased a Morizumi Spoke Machine which allows me to make the exact length spoke for nearly any wheel at a moment's notice! It will take years - even decades - before the ~$3000 investment pays for itself but I value the solutions it provides: convenience, quality, and timeliness. You will, too. Very few bike shops have a spoke threading machine, even fewer wheelbuilders have one.

IMPORTANT: I guarantee the wheels I spec and build from scratch and offer lifetime truing for all wheels I build. From scratch means I select all the products and methods based on your needs: the lacing pattern, rim selection, hub, nipples, number of holes, and spoke type.

SPECS necessary for my guarantee: metal rims (Mavic wheel products are not recommended, use at your own risk and discretion); stainless steel spokes; at least a 1-cross lacing pattern; brass nipples (alloy nipples are OK except on the drive side rear wheel)

I've seen what works and won't spec something that doesn't meet my standards. If you are determined to have a wheel built outside of the SPECS (i.e., carbon rim) then we need to talk. I am fully capable provided you understand your choices. I can guarantee the wheel will be built as best as possible but cannot guarantee the functionality of products I do not recommend. You'll still get lifetime truing, though.

LIFETIME TRUING: With few exceptions, all wheels I build have a lifetime truing policy. Damage, accidents, misuse, or abuse can end the life of any wheel so you are encouraged to avoid such situations as these are not covered. I would prefer that you report any problems to me. I still consider your wheels "mine" and strive to improve my skills and methods, any issues are important to me.

Wheel building information, links, and other information coming soon!

COST: $45 and up per wheel

NOTE: stock and used wheels can attempt be trued to like-new condition, too

Tubular gluing

Your tubulars will stay glued until it is time for them to be removed...even then they will not come off without a serious fight. Don't risk a disqualification, fine, or crash because your tubular rolls off! I only use the best glue and methods. I will NOT use tubular tape unless stranded in the jungles of Ghana with no other options. Rims will be stripped bare in almost all circumstances before gluing begins.

COST: $20-$35 per tire

Private instruction

Ever wonder how to clean your bike? Adjust the shifting, derailleurs, brakes? Change a cassette, chain, cable, or wrap your handlebar tape? One-on-one instruction with a professional mechanic is the best way to go. Reduced rates for repeat sessions...learn how your bike works so you can be better prepared the next time you visit a bike store or service it yourself.

COST: $55/hour

Workshops, hands-on clinics, demos

You have the helm for this one. Anything to do with a bike is fair game for your well-planned workshop. It can be something as simple as a tire/tube/wheel changing or comprehensive as drivetrain and brake adjustments. Learn to clean your bike, prepare it for shipping, anything you want.

COST: case-by-case basis

Professional fittings

How much time do you spend on your bicycle? Probably a lot more than you spend on your nutrition, bike and component selection, or anything else related to your bike. Wouldn't it be worth the time and money to ensure that you are properly positioned on your bike to maximize your potential? Whether you seek comfort, power, aerodynamics, or a biomechanically efficient position it is imperative to have a fitting based on a scientific approach and not a hodge podge of conjecture and anecdotes. I'm a certified fitter who will get you to a sensible position in only a few hours or tweak your current position in a few minutes.

COST: $50-$100 for basic sizing, $200 for full fitting

Consultations - HUGE range of services, some listed below:

COST: hourly rate

OTHER CHARGES

"Never underestimate the power of denial." - 'American Beauty' motion picture