The Rodfather
E-bike and mountain-bike mechanic in Wellington
By appointment only.
Forty years working on bikes, an early e-bike adopter, and still slightly obsessive about making bikes ride better.
Mechanical servicing, e-bike diagnostics, suspension setup, bike setup and riding tuition.
Your bike should work with you, not argue with you
A bike can be technically perfect and still feel wrong.
I always look beyond the obvious problem and consider the whole bike, the rider, the terrain and the way the bike is actually being used.
Sometimes the answer is a repair. Sometimes it is the right tyre pressure, a suspension adjustment, a better handlebar position or a small change that makes the whole bike feel more natural.
The objective is simple, make your bike safer, smoother and more enjoyable to ride.
What The RODFATHER can help with
Mechanical servicing and repairs
Brakes, gears, drivetrains, bearings, wheels, tyres and general repairs.
E-bike diagnostics
Help with error messages, motor cut-outs, rattles, speed sensors, cables, connectors and displays.
Suspension setup
Sag, air pressure, rebound, compression and rider-specific suspension setup.
Bike setup
Handlebar height, reach, controls, saddle position, grips, pedals, tyres and rider position.
Riding tuition
Practical, bike-specific advice to help you ride with more confidence and control.
Hands-on e-bike experience
My first e-bike was a Specialized Levo in 2019. Since then, I have personally owned:
Specialized Levo (x3)
Specialized Kenevo
Specialized Kenevo SL
Transition Relay
Teewing Turboforce
Velduro Rogue
Norco Sight VLT High Pivot
I have worked on almost every brand of e-Bike available in New Zealand with practical experience with Bosch, Brose/Specialized, Avinox and Fazua motor systems.
If your bike is not listed, ask anyway.
The rodfather does not just fix bikes. He makes them ride better.
I may look young but I have spent four decades working on bikes, riding them, racing them, testing them, teaching people to ride them and occasionally finding out what happens when setup goes badly.
I do not believe every problem requires an expensive replacement part or an elaborate service package.
I always start with the likely cause, checks the basics properly and works towards the simplest solution that genuinely improves the bike.
A great bike with the wrong tyres, tyre pressure or riding position can feel terrible. A modest bike with the right setup can feel remarkably good.
Questions I frequently get asked
How often should I have my e-bike serviced?
My rule of thumb is every 20 riding hours.
For someone riding once or twice a week, that might mean approximately every two months. Wet riding, steep terrain and heavy use may justify more frequent checks.
A basic service checks torque, bearings, pivots, seals, chain wear, sprocket wear and lubrication before small problems become expensive ones.
Can You work on my e-bike brand or motor?
Yes, I have experience working on most e-bike brands and motors. I have particular experience with Specialized, Bosch, Brose/Specialized, Avinox and Fazua systems.
The important distinction is that the motor itself may not be internally repairable. For example, some older Brose motors can be rebuilt, while other systems are generally replaced through the manufacturer or an authorised service network.
Contact me via the booking form and I can talk to you what can realistically be diagnosed or repaired before proceeding.
What happens during an e-bike diagnostic?
An error code does not always explain the underlying problem.
The fault may involve a speed sensor, motor cable, display cable, connector, battery connection or a mechanical component inside the motor.
My approach is to combine the error information with experience and practical testing. The aim is to identify the most likely cause first, rather than replacing several expensive parts without knowing which one has failed.
Why does my e-bike feel harsh, rattle or cut out?
Those symptoms can come from several different causes.
Harshness may be caused by suspension settings, dry seals, unsuitable tyres or excessive tyre pressure. Rattles often come from motor components, loose cables or a battery mount. Cut-outs can involve overheating, a speed sensor, a motor cable or another electrical fault.
The right answer depends on when and how the problem occurs.
20 Questions with the Rodfather
Rod’s Wheelworks Guide