Winter is the new season of bicycle service
The bicycle boom didn't end with the first wave of coronavirus epidemic, the service expects a huge attack in the spring of 2021. Based on the last year's experiences we can give you only one good advice: bring your bike for any repairs, or parts replacement now, in the winter!
In 2020, in the restrictions because of Covid situation many bike shops were not prepared for the April-May attack. In K2 the bike service tried to adapt to the needs beyond strenght with additional mechanic bike stands, but it still happened that we were able to undertake the installation work for more than one week.
Even in "peacetime" we used to suggest that typical spring service works should be done during the winter, but now it's exponentially true. We can safely state that when cycling season comes in March you should expect for long time waiting in any bike repair shops in the country, even at us.
You are much better off if you bring in your bike if it stands in front of a general service, or it has to be prepared for the season, or you want to replace the drive, possibly it needs a new cable, or centering, if you need the setting of the brake or the derailleur system. Did you put your bike away without any services in November? Now don't risk you may have to wait weeks in April!
We tried to stock up from the typical consumable and wearing parts used for general services, but even in that respect you can only go for sure now. Supply chains in the bicycle trade continue to falter. In the spring it can happens that the bike services will be charged and there may be a shortage of parts. The easiest things like brake pads or casettes can be run out of stock.
Think about it and don't risk, prepare your bike for the 2021 season now!