New Bike Resources
WORLD OF BIKES ADVANTAGES
10% OFF
As you get a new bike and start riding. you’ll realize some accessories will make your riding more enjoyable. That is why we offer 10% off and free installation of bike accessories at the day of purchase!
Free 30-day check up
We’d like to check over your new bike back after you get a few miles on it. Even after a professional assembly, everything settles in after a few rides. A good sign that it’s time to bring the bike back is when the gears are not shifting as smoothly anymore.
Fit & Performance Guarantee
We do everything possible to get you on the right bike the first time, but just in case we don’t, all new bikes come with our fit and performance guarantee.
Provided the bike comes back in the same condition it left in, we’ll be happy to exchange the bike for something else. Excessively worn, damaged or dirty bikes may be subject to a restocking fee or refusal.
5-day guarantee on current model year bikes.
3-day guarantee on sale bikes
Kids Trade Up Program
We realize that kids grow fast and you might be reluctant to spend money on a bike they will grow out of in a few years. That’s why we developed the Kids Trade Up Program!
Within 3 years any new kids bike purchased from WoB can be Traded Up for up to a 50% credit toward the next bigger bike.
Applies to balance bikes all the way through 24” wheel bikes.
24” bikes can be traded for their first adult bike!
Any damaged parts or excessive wear will be deducted off the trade-in value.
Local Clubs & Orgs
Local bike clubs and organizations are a big part of what makes owning a bike in Iowa City feel special. They keep group rides, skills clinics, and social events going year‑round, which makes it easy to meet other riders and discover new routes. Many of these groups also work behind the scenes with the city and local businesses to support better bike infrastructure, safety education, and community events. When you join a ride or volunteer at an event, you’re not just getting some exercise—you’re helping keep Iowa City’s bike culture strong, welcoming, and fun.
BASIC BICYCLE MAINTENANCE
Brakes
Brake pads and disc rotors should be replaced before they begin to make noise. If your brake lever throw has increased or brake pad thickness has decreased, it may mean it’s time to replace pads. We’ll happily take a look for you. Our mechanics know the specific thickness of rotors and pads at which they need replacement. Hydraulic disc brakes should have the fluid changed every year (this process is called “bleeding” the brakes).
Drive Trains
Chains, cassettes and chainrings all wear down over time, but at different rates. Be sure to lube your chain regularly and thoroughly clean it occasionally. Always re-lube a chain after riding in the rain or snow. Generally, if chains are replaced appropriately, you should expect to replace three chains for each cassette. Many variables, including lubrication, how much moisture and dirt it is subjected to and power output of the rider will determine how often a chain needs to be replaced. Beyond damaging the rest of the drivetrain, a worn out chain will cause shifting problems. A chain-checker tool is handy to monitor chain wear, but we’re also happy to check it for you.
Tires
All tires wear down with use. How fast they go depends on where you ride, conditions, and tire quality. On pavement, rear tires usually wear out about twice as fast as fronts. Replace a tire once the center looks flat or “squared off” (often around 1,000–3,000 miles).
For mountain and gravel bikes, watch for:
Center knobs worn low or rounded
Side knobs torn or missing
how your bike handles, especially off‑road.
Tires are very personal to your bike and riding style.
Road tires: Trade‑off between comfort/grip and durability/puncture protection.
Mountain/gravel tires: Balance fast‑rolling tread for climbs with bigger knobs for control on descents.
We’re always happy to help you choose a tire that matches where and how you ride—just stop by and ask.
Tubed Tires
Inside each tire is an air‑filled inner tube that supports the tire, smooths out bumps, and keeps your bike rolling comfortably.
Most inner tubes use one of two valve styles: Schrader or Presta.
Schrader: Same style as a car tire valve—short, wider, and spring‑loaded. Common on kids’ bikes, hybrids, and many casual bikes. Works with most basic pumps and gas‑station air.
Presta: Slimmer, all‑metal valve with a small locknut at the tip that you “open” before pumping. Designed for bicycles, especially road, gravel, and many mountain bikes, and works well with narrow rims and higher pressures.
If it looks like a car tire valve, it’s Schrader. If it’s skinny with a little nut at the top, it’s Presta.
Tubeless Tires
On a tubeless setup, there’s no separate inner tube inside the tire. Instead, the tire itself seals tightly against a special tubeless‑ready rim, and liquid sealant inside the tire helps keep everything airtight. This is different from a traditional tire, where an inner tube sits between the rim and tire to hold the air.
Go tubeless, We highly recommend setting your new bike tubeless if it’s equipped to do so.
Here’s why:
Removing the tubes will decrease the weight of the wheel system making the bike ride more lively.
Tubeless allows for a wider range of tire pressure. Lower pressure allows the tire to deform to imperfections of the road or trail, giving better ride quality and traction, without the risk of pinch flats.
The sealant inside provides increased flat protection by sealing small punctures.
If you decide to go tubeless, we recommend refreshing the sealant 2-3 times a year to ensure you’re getting the proper benefits.
Service Center
Some parts of your bike are designed to wear down with proper use and we hope you ride enough to see them go! Keep an eye on these parts and visit our service center when repairs and tuning are needed.