Pre-race bike check and pre-event tune-up in Orange County
Racing, riding a gran fondo or a big event? Book a pre-race check at Veloaded Cyclery in Santa Ana one to two weeks out, so worn parts and soft brakes show up on the stand, not on race morning.
Call now for same-week service: (657) 744-9442. See this week's open drop-off days.
Quick answers: pre-race checks
- Where can I get a pre-race bike check in Orange County?
- At Veloaded Cyclery, 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704. The pre-race check is a safety and performance check before race day or a big event, on road, triathlon, gravel and mountain bikes of any brand. Call (657) 744-9442.
- When should I book it?
- One to two weeks before the event, so there's time to replace anything worn and ride the bike before race day. Tell us the event date when you book.
- Will I know the cost first?
- Yes. Prices aren't published online; we go through the work and price with you first, and any parts we recommend are quoted before we fit them.
What a pre-race check covers
- Chain and drivetrain: chain wear measured, drivetrain cleaned and lubed so it shifts cleanly under race load
- Shifting: mechanical indexing, or electronic limits and battery health on Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS and Campagnolo (electronic shifting service)
- Brakes: pad wear checked for your course's descents; a soft hydraulic lever means a bleed
- Wheels and tires: wheels true, beads seated, no sidewall cuts, tubeless sealant fresh (tubeless setup)
- Bolts and cockpit: stem, bar and seatpost torqued to the manufacturer's spec, which matters on carbon parts
- Safety check of the frame, fork and wheels before you race on them
The exact checklist is confirmed with you at drop-off. If the check turns up something bigger, such as worn parts or shifting that won't hold an adjustment, we show you and quote it before doing any work; a tune-up or full service may be the better fit.
Timing: one to two weeks out
A race, gran fondo or big group event is not the time to discover a frayed cable. Book one to two weeks before, so new parts can bed in and you can ride the bike before the start. Firmware updates for electronic shifting are best done before a training block, not the night before an event. Same-week race panic is avoidable if you book early.
Don't change your position in race week
Bars straight, hoods even, saddle height unchanged from training. A new position in race week is a bad idea unless you planned it. If you want a new position, book a professional bike fit with Ed well before the event.
Triathlon and time-trial bikes
We check tri and TT bikes too, including integrated cockpits and aero setups. See triathlon bike service.
Race morning
Repeat a two-minute check before you start: tire pressure for the day's temperature, brakes, chain, quick releases or thru-axles, and charged batteries. Our pre-ride and pre-race checklist has the full list.
Riding in from outside Orange County?
Plan one visit for drop-off and pick-up, or ship the bike: call (657) 744-9442 or email veloadedcyclery@gmail.com first to arrange it and get a service ticket, then ship to the shop and ask about return shipping details (ship your bike).
Call first: (657) 744-9442 is the shop's only public number. Call during shop hours (Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 10 AM–5 PM, closed Sunday) to book a drop-off this week, or request a time online after hours. Open today? · Hablamos español.
Questions riders ask
What's the difference between a pre-race check and a tune-up?
The pre-race check is a safety and performance check focused on race day. A tune-up goes through adjustment and cleaning more broadly. If the check finds worn parts or shifting that won't hold, we tell you and quote the extra work first.
How far before my race should I bring the bike in?
One to two weeks before the event. That leaves time to replace parts and ride the bike before race day.
Can you check my Di2 or AXS before the event?
Yes. Charge the batteries and bring the charger (and any spare AXS battery). Don't leave firmware updates for the night before.
Do you check triathlon and time-trial bikes?
Yes. See triathlon bike service.
Will you change my position before the race?
Not unless you ask and plan for it. Race week is a bad time for a new position. Book a bike fit well before the event instead.
What does a pre-race check cost?
We don't publish prices. We go through the work and price with you before anything starts, and parts are quoted separately.
Can I book a pre-race check this week?
Request a drop-off day Monday to Saturday on book this week, or call (657) 744-9442.
Can I book in Spanish?
Yes. Staff speak English and Spanish. Reservar en español.