Hibernation Prevention Project! Overhaul Strengthening Month!!

　
What's up!
It's Jass!
　
These days the cold is getting even more severe. How is everyone doing?
As mentioned in Shige-chan’s blog post the other day, "Winter is the season for riding bikes," I hope you'll continue to ride your bikes and feel that human energy.
　
Now, that being said, it’s cold... and the opportunities to ride inevitably decrease...
"I know! This is the perfect time to bring it in for an overhaul!"
　
Many of you are likely thinking that. In fact, thanks to you all, we’ve been receiving a lot of overhaul requests since mid-January.
　
"If I bring it in for an overhaul in February, it’ll take 2 or 3 weeks to finish, and by the time it gets warmer in March or April, I’ll be able to ride a shiny, restored bike!"
　
"That sounds just right!"...
　
Think again!!!!
　
I won't let you do that!!
　
I want you to ride your bikes precisely when it's cold!!
　
So, we are declaring this February as Overhaul Intensification Month and launching a campaign!!
　

　
To begin with, what is an overhaul?
　
Let me explain the overhaul service we offer at Circles once more.
　
Just as cars have a mandatory vehicle inspection, periodic inspection and maintenance are vital for bicycles. In a Circles overhaul, we check every part of your bike, disassemble all the components, and clean the dirt off the frame and parts. For steel frames, we thoroughly apply anti-rust treatment inside the frame, and we dismantle and service components like the derailleurs and hubs as much as possible. We reassemble the bike while checking and regreasing each part, and replace the brake and shift cables to restore smooth movement, ensuring a comfortable ride.
　
At Circles, we recommend durable products that can be used for a long time, but to keep those bikes running for years, maintenance once every year or two is essential. The more a bike is used for daily routines like commuting to work or school, the more it needs thorough care.
　
How long has it been since you bought your current bike? Do you hear any strange noises or feel like something isn't quite right? Before it's too late, let's get that maintenance done! Circles will provide full support to ensure you can enjoy a comfortable ride again!
　　
Now, I’d like to introduce an overhaul we just finished for a customer.
　
　
This is the bike we received.
To use the owner's own words, it’s "lame, so I don't ride it much" (lol). Setting aside whether it's actually lame or not, it doesn't look that dirty at first glance.
　
　
Looking closer, you can see dirt around the cantilever brakes and wear on the brake shoes. Also, when pulling the levers, they feel heavy, likely due to rust on the cables.
　
　
The chain is pitch black with dirt and rust.
　
　
At this point, the sprocket is also dirty...
The staff in charge will confirm such dirt and parts that need replacement with the customer, and explain everything before we take in the bike.
　
　
Right, let's start the work by disassembling the entire bike!
　
We check the frame thoroughly here too. Very rarely, we might find "cracks" or a bent frame. Problems that you wouldn't notice without taking it apart can sometimes be found, so we highly recommend regular overhauls.
　
　
This is the bottom bracket shell, where the bottom bracket is installed; it's at the center of the frame and a place where water easily accumulates. Since rust can be severe or grease might be lacking, this is a vital part of the overhaul. In some cases, we use specialized tools to re-tap the BB threads or face the BB shell to ensure parts can be installed more securely (extra charge applies).
　
By the way, for any bike purchased at Circles, we perform proper facing, tapping, and anti-rust treatment during assembly, but we check these again when you bring it in for an overhaul.
　
　
We were also asked to remove stickers applied in a fit of youth.
　
　
And then we polish, polish, and keep on polishing. As a side note, be careful because matte frames will get glossy if you wax them. (I’ve experienced this with my own matte frame... it became shiny...)
　
　
Next is the hub overhaul.
It's no exaggeration to say this is the core of the bike; rotating parts are often dirtier on the inside than what you can see on the outside.
　
　
And then we polish, polish, and keep on polishing.
　
　
We apply fresh grease and adjust the bearings to ensure it turns smoothly.
　
　
For the drivetrain, we thoroughly remove the dirt and then carefully lubricate the moving parts.
　
　
We assemble the polished and regreased parts.
We also install any consumables or custom parts that were requested simultaneously.
　
　
We are replacing the chain this time too.
　
　
All that's left is to run the cables and wrap the bar tape neatly to finish it off.
The color of the logo and the bar tape matched perfectly, giving it a clean look.
　
　
Finally, we check the riding position upon delivery.
Depending on changes in how you ride or setting adjustments, the position might differ from when you brought it in, so we check this carefully. An incorrect position is not only uncomfortable but could also lead to physical pain, so we’ll provide you with expert advice.
　
We carry out our overhaul work with care, thoroughly and speedily, so even in the cold season, get out and about with your newly polished companion.
　
You might even feel the arrival of spring already!
　
We look forward to hearing from you!!
　
* For examples of our overhauls and a look at our work process, please be sure to check here!