C.K. Bicycle Mechanic

2012-02-20T09:30:00.002-08:00

HELP ME REACH MY GOAL:

OF TUNING MORE BIKES THAN ANY OTHER BIKE MECHANIC IN TEXAS.

Okay, and now a little thought from me...

"Well, I guess things never do stay the same. And, this year, this week, this month has been a major change for me and my business. For example, me and my shops Facebook pages have been deleted. And guess what? Since reducing my internet presence, business has even picked up.

Another example of change, is that instead of helping out at bike rides, which meant I had to close my shop down and loose sales and maybe a customer or three. I have decided, that if there's any surplus cash at years end, I can quickly make a bigger difference in the world, by making direct donation's to worthy causes, that I believe in. Besides, the big multi-location shops have so much of the bike market, that they can easily dispatch three or four vehicles plus employee's (one for every shop they run) at most every ride within the greater region.

So, I guess as I've entered my second year servicing bikes for the general public, I've realized, that I'm only a one person shop, and I'm different. And as such, I have to run my business a bit different to survive,to be profitable, and to be happy."-C.K.

2012-01-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Update Mid January 2012:

First of all, I want to let everyone know that I have re-located my shop, to a more accessible location. As, I am now located one block inside loop 410 off Bandera Road.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic

5900 NW Industrial

Directions: Exit loop 410 @ Bandera Rd, and go inside the loop one block, to Industrial. I'm located on the corner lot of Bandera Rd & Industrial (behind the pink building).

Hours & Days:

Tue-Fri 10-5

Saturday 10-3

210-520-5754

To keep costs affordable: I do not accept credit or debit cards.

Okay, now that everyone knows where I have relocated to, it time to get down to business, and as such, here's three things that make my bike repair shop unique.

1. The main activity that has put my shop on the map locally, has been the $35 Modern Road Bike Tune Lube and Wash Service Package, which includes a full cleaning /degrease of the entire bike. And yes, this service includes all the necessary labor to adjust everything that needs to be adjusted. Another plus about this service package, is that if your bike needs any new parts, the labor to install said parts is included. Lastly, the turnaround time is always the next business day.

2. Custom Wheel Building. Pure and Simple. No nonsense road and mountain bike wheels that are guaranteed for life to stay straight and true. Prices for wheels start at around $90 and include Shimano hubs and Mavic Rims.

3. Custom Bike Builds. I have recently became a big fan of high performance steel frame bikes, and as of the start of 2012, am now offering custom bike builds. And as a commercial bike repair shop, I have a few frame lines to choose from, but nonetheless, I have decided to focus just on Soma Frames. Price wise, high quality Soma frames start around $400.

Well, I guess that's all you need to know for now. If you got any questions, please stop by and ask...

-Carlos Kosienski

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic

Tune Ups/ Bike Wash

2008-10-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Email: ckbicyclemechanic@gmail.com

(All work comes with a full 30-day guarantee.)

210-520-5754

5900 NW Industrial (Back Building) One block inside loop 410 off Bandera Rd.

San Antonio, Texas.

Please read " A note about tune ups on the bottom of this page before ordering a tune up."

***BIKE WASH & DRIVE TRAIN DEGREASE/LUBE PLUS GEAR & BRAKE CHECK/ ADJUSTMENT For modern road bikes..............................................................................$35.00

The bike wash & drive train (Chain, Cranks, Cassette, and a detail cleaning of the derailleurs) degrease/ cleaning comes with a thorough inspection (relube) and a brake and gear adjustment's, which might be all your bike needs. If you decide you want more, you can apply the cost to a more extensive tune up. Cost: $35.00

On the spot. single issue adjustments are available. Please see the full service menu for more info. As always, if you need more than one service- discounts apply. Email me for a price quote.

*Bronze Tune-Up....................................................................$45.00 (On Sale $35)

Brake Adjustments

Shifter and Derailleur Adjustments

Full Lubrication of Chain, Derailleur, and Brakes

Drive train Inspection

True Wheels

Security Check on all Accessories

****Plus derailleur hanger check and alignment [a C.K. Bicycle Mechanic exclusive] (If needed)

CUSTOMER ADVICE: If your bikes got worn out parts, SKIP THE TUNE UPS, and take your bike parts replacement shopping. Don't forget about compatibility issue's!!! I'll be happy to check it out for free if your not sure.- C.K.

A note about tune ups.

Let's face it, most road bikes don't need an extensive tune up. Most road bikes just need to have a single issue improved, such as shifting performance, or have their handlebars re-wrapped, or maybe even something like, having their chain and drive train de-greased, and re -lubed every couple hundred miles.

Other times, the problem might be due to some worn out parts or components ( worn out chain rings are a main cause for poor up shifts to the big chain ring) bad chainline even on new bikes, or something like a compatibility issue- lot's of parts are made proprietary (so you have to stick with the same brand and exact size), and are not mixable. Therefore no amount of tuning or adjusting will solve the problem.

And lastly, if your not exactly sure what wrong with your bike, ordering a tune up is a big waste of money and time. Instead of requesting a tune up, tell the mechanic what symptoms the bike is presenting and let the mechanic try and figure it out- if the problem is not solved, no money should ever change hands.

Personally, I'd run the bike thru a series of tests in the work stand and on the road to pin point exactly what the problem is. So if your ever having problems with your bike, feel free to set up a free inspection and estimate, I'd enjoy the challenge...

24 to 48 Hour Turnaround.

For more info email: ckbicyclemechanic@gmail.com or call me at 210-520-5754 during business hours. If you get my voice mail, don't leave a message, please call back. My voice mail is unreliable. Notice:I Schedule maintenance with the sole goal of being able to ensure each customer gets the full attention they deserve.

Mechanic Service Pricing

2008-09-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

(All work comes with a full 30-day guarantee.)

5900 NW Industrial (Back Building) One block inside loop 410 off Bandera Rd.

San Antonio, Texas.

Tune, Lube & Wash: $35.00 (includes a full cleaning of chain, chain- rings , cassette, and derailleurs, plus gear & brake adjustments . I recommend this service more than any other service, that I offer. This tune up applies to Modern Road Bikes & Some Mountain Bikes.

***ADDITIONAL SERVICES***

(Call or Email for Prices)

Wheel Repairs

Tire/Tube Install Off The Bike

Tire/Tube Install On The Bike

Basic Wheel Truing (external nipples)

Adjust Hub

Overhaul Front Hub (not cartridge bearings)...

Overhaul Rear Hub (not cartridge bearings)...

Mavic "road" Rear Wheel Hub Service (Lube Pawls, Springs, and inside hub shell) Recommended when it gets noisy

Tubular Tire Install

Shifter & Derailleur Repairs

Rear Derailleur Adjustment

Front Derailleur Adjustment

Rear Derailleur Install...(includes adjustments)

Front Derailleur Install... (includes adjustments)

Shifter Cable Install (each)... (includes adjustments)

Road Shifter/Levers Install (pair)... (includes adjustments)

Re-Align Derailleur Hanger (includes Derailleur Adjustment).........$12

Brake Repairs

Brake Adjustment...

Brake Cable Install...

Rim Brake Install (each)...

Brake Pad Install (pair)...

Brake Lever Install...

Fork, Headset & Bar Repairs (Fork/ Headset sizes 1" & 1 1/8". Not 1.5" .)

Adjust Headset...

Overhaul Headset (not cartridge bearings)...

Headset Install Only...

1 1/8" Chris King Headset Installation (I use specific Chris King Adapters )...

Just Cut Steerer Tube ...

Just Install Star Nut...

Fork Install (Includes cutting steerer tube and installing star nut)...

Road Bar Install...

Wrap Handlebars.......................................................$10

Grip Install...

Aero Bar Install...

Stem Install...

Drivetrain Repairs

Clean Drivetrain...

Chain Install...

Cassette Install...

BB30 Press in bottom bracket bearings install...

BB90 Bearings in bottom bracket install...

-Adjust Bottom Bracket (As most bottom brackets are cartridge, and not adjustable, this service is becoming obsolete.)

-Bottom Bracket Install ... (Sometimes, facing and chasing of frame is necessary, and since I don't offer a facing & chasing service yet, I offer bottom bracket service on a limited basis. Ask me for more info.)

-Overhaul Bottom Bracket (As most bottom brackets are cartridge, and not adjustable/overhaulable , this service is becoming obsolete.)

-Chain ring Install (each)... (When it comes to chain rings, stick with exactly the same rings, and sizes. Replace worn one's with identical one's, or you will have shifting problems!!!

Frame Repairs & Thread Repairs

Face Headtube.................. (This service is not yet available,)

Face & Chace Bottom Bracket Threads............ (This service is not yet available.)

Re-Align Derailleur Hanger.......................................$12

Repair "clean up" crank arm (pedal threads on crank arm, not on pedal).

This is done if installing pedals is difficult. Although, if the threads are

too stripped, this chasing/tapping might not work.................................................................................... $15.00 both sides.

Repair "clean up" rear derailleur bolt (frame) threads. This is done if

installing the derailleur is difficult. If the threads are too stripped, this

chasing/tapping might not work. .................$10.00

Misc. Repairs

Pro Bicycle Bulid (road, tri, cyclocross bicycles)...........................$75-$125

Computer Install................................................................$10- 15

2008-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Recomendations

(I.E., My Favorite Stuff)

High Performance Wheelset: Mavic's Ksyrium Elite

Rims for custom building: MAVIC

Cycle Computers: SIGMA

Cycle Computer Magnets: MAVIC

Bike Tools: PARK

Tires (Most Durable) : MAXXIS "Refuse" & MICHELIN "Krylion Carbon".

Chain Lube: PEDROS GO!

Seat Wedge Bag: PEDROS BLOWOUT BAG.

Pedals: MAVIC's Sprint

Socks: MAVIC

Inner Tubes: KENDA

Brake Pads: KOOL STOP.

Rear Light: PLANET BIKE SUPER FLASH

Handlebar Tape: PLANET BIKE.

Tool Case: PARK TOOL.

Chains: 10 speed- KMC DX10SC

Chains: 9 speed- KMC X9.93

Chains: 8 speed-KMC X8.93

Tire Levers: PEDROS.

Rim Tape: VELOX.

Bike Roof Rack "tray's": Rocky Mounts

2008-02-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Now offering custom bike builds utilizing high performance steel frames by Soma.

My Guarantee

2007-04-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

MY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE FOR MAINTENANCE:

If your not 100% satisfied and/or a problem reoccurs or persists, even after a few hard rides, just contact me, I'll check it out and solve the problem for free or I'll refund your money. I offer this guarantee because a satisfied customer is worth more than the cost of any repair job or tune- up.

MY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE FOR PRODUCTS:

Return any item unused within 30 days for a full refund.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic

5900 NW Industrial (Back Building) One block inside loop 410 off Bandera Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78238

Phone: 210-520-5754

Tuesday- Friday 10-5 & Saturday 10-3

Closed on Sunday & Monday

Introduction

2007-04-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

An Introduction of C.K. Bicycle Mechanic. Okay, where should I begin? Maybe with a little history and then I'll move onto some current and future plans. But, first, as I write this, I'm listening to the radio, and as always there's a annoying commercial about some "supposed" lowest price of something. So to start off, let me mention, that I will not be... nor will I ever be the lowest price out there. Okay, now let me get back on track, with some history. Back in 2004 I sought work in a bike shop and soon got hired, where I soon began adjusting gears, brakes, hubs and everything else under the sun. But, that didn't really matter much to me, my skill's and my ever expanding bike mechanic life. Because even before then, I was determined to learn as much as I possibly could and thus, began reading every bike repair manual I could get my hands on, and to tell you the truth, I think I learned more via books than through any other form of learning. Working in a bike shop is great for developing speed, and being able to familiarize oneself with many different things, if those "different things" actually do come into said shop for service. So, after I finished reading every bike repair manual under the sun, that I could find, I then signed up for a two week class at one of the two bike repair schools in America. That was at the Barnett Bicycle Institute, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. That was my first time in Colorado, but it wasn't going to be my last. Colorado would play a large part in forming a foundation for my future bicycle mechanic activities.

Now, fast forward a bit, to 2006 and my first experience working a bike race, it was intense. And then the year, 2007 rolled around and it was even better, as I became a USA Cycling & ACA certified race mechanic. The ACA (American Cycling Association)? Yeah, I was back in Colorado and helping out with the ACA/ ROL Wheel Neutral Race Support for the summer of 2007. When 2008 rolled around I moved back to Texas and even got busier with crit's, road races, time trials, triathlons and even two stage races. I though I couldn't get any busier, but yet, 2009 was even busier with races worked from California to South Carolina. Now, it's 2010 and it looks like I'll be taking a breather from being on the road and focusing more on local events and races, and on growing my business. And throughout 2010 I did....

So, when 2011 rolled around, it was time to take that next step, and move into a commercial space and start operating with regular hours, and start promoting the selling of essential products and services. So, I found a small space about five miles from where I lived and signed a one year lease. I'm still pretty much just a problem solver, as most of my income is coming from labor. But, in the past few days, I've started to promote the selling of more used and possible new cycling books. Hopefully, soon I'll also be adding a few road cycling art pieces to my inventory too. But, it's not easy to find stuff that fits into the shops "Road Bike Stuff" theme. A note on growing my business... When it comes to growing my business, I believe a business should fund itself, and grow one customer at a time. This of course isn't the fastest way, but I'm not big on speed. I prefer quality over quantity, and good things take a while to grow and become established. But, yet I still don't want quality, just for qualities sake. I want to grow in a socially responsible manner. You know, by using environmentally friendly products and practices, and trying to make a positive difference in the world. An example of environmentally friendly practices can be found in the products I stock, sell, and use, such as Pedro's Go! , which is a biodegradable chain lube. Pedro's also make some tire changing levers that are made from recycled materials. Another product, that I'm proud to carry is Planet Bike Handlebar Tape, because Planet Bike gives 25% of it's profit's to bicycle advocacy. Yeah, that's cool. And when it comes to being made in the USA, I decided to carry spacers from Bicycle Research, because they are made in America. And lastly, when utilizing the tools that I use most often, I mainly choose Park Tool's, because they are of the best quality.

Remember, this is just the beginning, and there will be many more interesting things to come in the future.

So, please stay tuned and thanks for you support...

Examples of being an environmentally & socially responsible venture:

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic recycles all recyclable materials. Even though business in San Antonio, don't have recycling pick-up.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic occupies one of the smallest commercial spaces in San Antonio.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic only sells sustainable, biodegradable chain lube.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic only sells seat wedge bags that are made from recycled material.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic only sells tire levers that are made from recycled material.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic sells water bottles that are 100% biodegradable, recyclable & reusable.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic sells handlebar tape, that donates 25% of their profits to bicycle advocacy.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic sells a few used road cycling books and hopes to expand the amount of used books and magazines.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic doesn't accept debit or credit cards, because the big banks follow less than stellar business practices.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic doesn't sell CO2 air cartridges, as most of them end up on the side of the road or in the trash. Mini pumps are more environmentally friendly.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanics values peoples time, and as such won't hire anyone until the business is making enough to pay said help a living wage with full benefits.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic doesn't select inventory based on resell profit margins.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic has located a company that uses old/ used road bike inner tubes, and manufactures them into useful products. And as such, I'm now accepting used inner tubes, that I'll ship out to said company.

C.K. Bicycle Mechanic accepts used greasy (not rusty) bicycle chains, that will be sent out and made into useful items.

2007-04-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

(Road Bike Fittings) $10 to $40

-Cleat Alignment

-Saddle Height

-Saddle Fore/Aft

-Cockpit Adjustment (Drop Bars, Aerobars )

-Troubleshooting

-Recording the cyclist position (Before and After)

Equipment Consulting

-If your planning on buying new parts or accessories for your bike, but aren't sure about compatibility issues, or you just want a second opinion on something having to do with road bikes, feel free to E MAIL me. In the email, let me know as much about your bike as possible, such as brand, year, type of shifters, how many speed, etc.

-Carlos K.

Races/ Events Worked.

2007-04-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

2012 Events Worked

Bike World Alsatian Country Omnium, Castroville, Texas. Lead Driver P 1/2 & Womens, Jrs. February, 2012.

2011 Events Worked

Castroville Bicycle Tour, Castroville, Texas. Neutral (Parking Lot) Support. May, 2011.

Tour De Cure, San Antonio, Texas. Start Line & Rest Stop #5 Mechanic Support. May, 2011.

David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride, McQueeny, Texas. Roving Mechanic. July, 2011

2010 Events Worked

Fayetteville Stage Race, Fayetteville, Texas. Neutral (Parking Lot) Support. March, 2010.

Castroville Bicycle Tour, Castroville, Texas. Neutral (Parking Lot) Support. May, 2010.

Tour De Cure, San Antonio, Texas. Start Line & Rest Stop #5 Mechanic Support. May, 2010.

David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride, McQueeny, Texas. Roving Mechanic. July, 2010.

Mission To Mission Bicycle Tour, San Antonio, Texas. Rest area mechanic. December, 2010.

2009 Events Worked

Alsatian Country Omnium. Castroville, Texas. Neutral Support. February, 2009.

Fayetteville Stage Race. Fayetteville, Texas. Neutral (parking lot) Support. March, 2009.

Team Mechanic. Lip Smackers, Redlands Bicycle Classic. Redlands, California. March, 2009.

Lone Star Tri. Galveston, Texas. Neutral Support w/ Mavic. April, 2009.

Fiesta Road Race. Garden Ridge, Texas. April 2009.

Tour De Cure (Charity Ride). New Braunfels, Texas. May, 2009.

David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride, McQueeny, Texas. July, 2009.

USA Cycling Pro Championships Time Trial, Greenville, South Carolina. Neutral Support w/ Mavic. August, 2009.

USA Cycling Pro Championships Road Race, Greenville, South Carolina. Neutral Support w/ Mavic. August, 2009.

Mission To Mission Charity Ride, San Antonio, TX. Volunteer Mechanic @ Rest Area. December, 2009.

The Incredible Bulk Cyclo Cross & Circuit Road Race, San Marcos, TX. Neutral Support, December, 2009.

2008 Events Worked

Joe Martin Stage Race. Fayetteville, Arkansas. May 8th thru May 11, 2008. Team Race Pro. 2nd Mechanic.

Tour of Arkansas. Arkansas,.May 15th thru May 18th 2008. Team Race Pro. 2nd Mechanic.

Heart of Alsatian Country Crit & Road Race. Castroville, TX. February, 2008.

2008 Lone Star Triathlon Festival. Neutral Support with MAVIC. Galveston Island, TX . April 28-30 2008.

2008 Longhorn Triathlon 70.3 Festival. Neutral Support with MAVIC. Austin, Texas. October 2008.

Hotter N Hell 100 USCF Road Race. Neutral Support with SRAM. Whitchita Falls, Texas. August 2008.

Mission to Mission Charity Ride. San Antonio, Texas. December 2008

2007 Race's Worked

Bob Woodul Race Mechanics Clinic. US Olympic Trainning Center. Colorado Springs, Colorado. January 2007.

Aquired American Cycling Association Race License. Morrision, Colorado. February 2007.

Deer Trail Road Race. Wheel Support w/ the ACA/ ROL Wheel Neutral Support. Deer Trail, Colorado. April 2007.

Wheels of Thunder Classic. Neutral Pit Support. Golden, Colorado. May 2007.

Fort Collins Criterium. Neutral Pit Support. Fort Collins, Colorado. June 2007.

Curtis Park Memorial Criterium. Neutral Pit Support. Denver, Colorado. June 2007.

Mt. Evans Hill Climb. Neutral Support. Idaho Springs, Colorado. July 2007.

2007 Niwot Criterium. Neutral Pit Support. Niwot, Colorado. August 2007.

Parker Twilight Criterium. Neutral Pit Support. Parker, Colorado. September 2007.

2005-10-10T05:42:00.000-07:00

Free Wheel Building With Mavic Rims:

"Guaranteed to stay straight & true for life"

If you buy any Mavic Rim from my shop, along with spokes and spoke nipples, I will build you a 3 cross wheel that will be guaranteed for life to stay straight and true. Remember: This offer only applies to Mavic Rims.

The reason I require the rim to be a Mavic rim, is because I totally believe in Mavic stuff 100%. Plus, and even more important, the folks at Mavic were really good to me, back when I was trying to keep busy as a race mechanic. Yeah, that was before I even had my own shop. And for that, I will forever be grateful. Although, I also worked with a few other companies, during that time, Mavic always stood out as a notch above. And for that, I will always be loyal to that brand, till the end of days as some may say.

Remember: I can get and build with most every rim on the market, but only with Mavic rims bought at my shop, will I be happy to build you a wheel for free...

Stay Loyal & Stay Safe...

-C.K. Bicycle Mechanic

2005-10-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Learn Modern Road Bike Maintenance

If you ever wanted to learn how to dial in your shifting, or basically anything else on your bike, well now is your chance. Because, I'm now offering bike mechanic lessons, that are taught one on one- by appointment only. Instruction will be given on Saturday's beginning at 3:00. To sign up and learn more, just send me an email, with what your interested in learning, and I'll give you a price quote on how much it'll cost. Cost's vary from $20 to $30 and last up to 2 hours.