Al Petri & Sons Bicycles

Frequently Asked Questions...

How should my bike fit?

What is the difference between a professional bike shop bike and a big box store bike?

How should my helmet fit my head?

Does the law require that I wear a helmet?

How often should I lube my chain?

What type of chain lube should I use on my chain?

What is the average cost of bicycle tune-up?

When is the best time for a bicycle tune-up?

How often should I get a bicycle tune-up?

How much air pressure should I put in my tires?

How often should I air my tires?

How much is my bicycle worth?

Our Answers

How should my bike fit?

To properly fit on a bike you should be tiptoed while sitting on the seat, touching the ground. You should also have a slight bend in your knee at the down stroke of the pedal. While standing over the top tube of the frame you should have about 1" -2" of clearance between yourself and the top tube.

What is the difference between a professional bike shop bike and a big box store bike?

When purchasing a bicycle from us you will receive lots of information about our bicycles from quality bicycle assembly to great bicycle components. You will not receive the same professional service at a department store. Our bikes are assembled by expert mechanics, who have 30 plus years of bicycle assembly and repair experience. Our trained staff will properly size you and help you find a bike to suit your cycling needs. Here is link to a great article you should read on
Buying a bike from a professional bike shop.

How should my helmet fit my head?

Your helmet should fit snug all the way around and you should have it about two finger widths above the eyebrows. Straps should be properly adjusted right under your chin with a v shape around the ears.

Always wear the helmet low in the front to protect the forehead. Never wear the helmet tipped back to expose your forehead.

IMPORTANT: All fitting adjustments MUST be made with the helmet in the proper position. Failure to do so will result in a poor fit. This will allow the helmet to move out of position or come off in an accident.

Always wear the helmet with the chin strap buckle fastened and the strap pulled tight. Make sure the strap is well back against the throat, NOT on the point of the chin. Straps worn on the point of the chin increase the chance of the helmet coming off in an accident. 

The helmet fits correctly when it is held firmly but comfortably in place by the interior fit pads and the fit system.

Check the fit. Grab the helmet with both hands and twist it to the left and to the right. If the helmet fits correctly, the skin on the forehead will move as the helmet moves. If it does not, the helmet is too loose.

Check the straps. Grab the helmet with both hands and try to remove it by rolling the helmet forward and backward as far as you can. Make a serious effort. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you can roll it off the head completely in either direction, by rolling it forward so far that it blocks your vision, or backward far enough to expose the forehead, it doesn’t fit correctly.

Does the law require that I wear a helmet?

We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet each time you ride your bike. Michigan law does not require you to wear a helmet. The Metro parks do require that you do wear one when riding in their parks.

How often should I lube my chain?

We Recommend lubing your chain every two weeks to keep your bike rolling as it should.

What type of chain lube should I use on my chain?

You should use a Teflon or Wax based lube.(DO NOT USE WD-40 or 3 IN 1 OIL! It will collect dirt and dust and corrode your chain and cogs.)

What is the average cost of bicycle tune-up?

There is no set cost for a tune-up. We recommend you bring your bike in for an estimate to see what it needs.

When is the best time for a bicycle tune-up?

We recommend bringing your bike in during the fall and winter months so it is ready to go when it is warm outside.

How often should I get a bicycle tune-up?

You should get a tune-up every year to keep your bike in tip-top shape.

How much air pressure should I put in my tires?

The proper air pressure is labeled on the side wall of your tire. Always check the tire label before airing. Don't just guess, you may put too much air and pop the tube. (tires appear lower in the winter time)

How often should I air my tires?

You should air your tires once a week. Rubber is porous and you will lose about 5 or more psi every week.

How much is my bicycle worth?

It is hard to say without seeing the bike and it's current condition. Bring it in and we will try to give you a roundabout estimate.