FAQ - Sprocket & Hubs

Sprocket & Hubs

Being mobile means, we can come and collect the bike and drop it off when it's done!

No need to worry about how to get the bike to a shop or how to dismantle it so it fits in your car... we will drive to your house, do a quick diagnosis of the bike with you to confirm what work will need doing, then bring it back to the workshop. The bike will then be serviced and returned to you (usually within 48 hours).

Depending on the weather and type of repair/service; sometimes the work can be carried out on the spot at your location. Customers within the PA8 catchment will benefit from a free diagnosis. Customers out with the PA8 catchment area but within our operating area will need to pay a £10 diagnosis fee at the time of booking. This will be deducted from a final bill should you proceed with a repair. You are welcome to bring you’re bike to the workshop in Erskine by arrangement for a free diagnosis.

How do I pay?

On completion the preferred payment method is bank transfer within 7 days.
Sprocket & Hubs, Sort Code 87-37-75, Account 00005113
The £10 diagnosis fee for customers out with PA8 needs to be paid in advance by bank transfer.
We do not accept cash in all but the most exceptional circumstances. No internet etc.

What area do you cover?

The following postcodes make up the radius we cover: PA8, PA7, PA6, PA4. PA11. G60
Areas outside of this (e.g. Kilmacolm have proven to be un-economical due to the driving distance)

My bike is cheap so I don't want to spend too much on it, can you help?

Sometimes we might have used parts that can save you a bit of money, but the time it takes to repair and service the bike is still the same. Unfortunately, it's sometimes a case of 'buy cheap buy twice', and because bikes are mostly made up of consumable parts there comes a time when replacing all the parts can be just as much as buying another cheap bike. If you tell us your budget, we can advise what is possible within that and recommend what to do next.

Why is there a £10 minimum for a diagnosis at my home address?

The time it takes to view and diagnose a bike is part of the working day, involves fuel costing and needs to be factored in to the price of each diagnosis out with PA8. We offer a free diagnosis at our workshop in Erskine.

When can I come to you to receive a free diagnosis or drop my bike off for repair?

You can bring your bike to the workshop on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by arrangement. We can offer you a 1-hour window slot during the day.

Why do you not offer tiered service packages like other bike repair businesses?

We prefer the simplicity of an hourly rate for Labour excluding costs of parts. We feel it is more transparent and offers better value to the customer.

How often should I service my bike?

The simplest answer is every 2000-2500 miles. This is the average lifespan of a chain, as beyond that it can quickly wear out the cassette and chainrings and start 'slipping' which means you have to replace all of them. Most cassettes can get 3 chains of use before they need to replaced, and chainrings even longer depending on the type and quality. During 2000 miles other parts of the bike will have worn or need adjusting (brake pads), so it's a good time to get a thorough service and is the best use of time vs cost. The time it takes to do 2000 miles is different for everyone, so sometimes cables and wires can go rusty and grime builds up before the chain is worn, which is why you'll often hear 2000 miles or 18 months for example. Newer bikes, fair weather bikes and bikes that get stored indoors will only need a Once Over (aka Basic, Bronze, Safety Check) every 6 months - 1 year, until things like the chain, cables and wheel trues need doing. In reality, bikes can deteriorate in some way after every ride! So, it's a balance of how smooth you want to keep the bike riding, how reliable you need it to be and how much you can spend on it.
There are lots of 'bike vs car costs' comparisons on the internet if you need to justify buying a nice bike for commuting ;)

Do you service Ebikes?

Yes, BUT only the mechanical aspect and at our discretion. It must be a UK Legally compliant Bicycle!

Do you service electronic shifting?

Not currently.