Mass produced cheap bikes

The Marathon Plus tyres are lovely.
I'd heard that some people found them too solid, and hard to fit but I'd recommend them.
Thanks for the tip on the chain. I'm always told that the cassette needs to be changed with the chain, so I'll definitely keep an eye on this from now on.

I'm sure I get longer out of my chain and cassette. But on the commuter I do tend to let the whole thing go until death and then replace everything at once. Still seems excessive after only 8 months.

Just get a basic bike tool kit and the Park Tools Big blue book and have a go yourself. All the information is out there, take your time and you will be fine.

single speed/fixed gear
SE Lager

I need a new chain, rear cassette and BB adjustment/re-greasing.

Presumably you mean a new rear hub?

Did they say why the BB was already gone? Are you quite a strong rider?

And yes, as the others said, avoid those cheap shit bikes like the plague. If you're serious about cycling (you sound as if you are), invest some time to learn the basics and you'll hardly have to go to a bike shop again.

Thanks for the link. I'm logging off of here to have a good read of Made Good.

You know you can stay logged in here while browsing Made Good at the same time? ;)