What a bike service includes, and how often to book one
A bike service is a full check of every part that moves, wears or keeps you safe. We clean the bike, adjust what has drifted, and replace what has worn out. You get it back running like it did when it was new, or we tell you clearly what stands in the way.
What we check and adjust #
| Part | What we do |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Check the pads, cables or fluid, then adjust so they bite early and evenly |
| Gears | Clean and adjust, so every gear changes in one click |
| Wheels | True the rims, check the spokes and the hub bearings |
| Tyres | Check for wear and cuts, and set the pressure |
| Chain and cogs | Measure chain wear, clean and oil |
| Headset and bottom bracket | Check the bearings turn smoothly with no play |
| Every bolt | Tighten to the maker's settings |
What costs extra #
The service price covers the work. Parts are extra. Brake pads, a chain, cables and tyres are the parts that wear out most. We show you the worn part and tell you the price before we fit a new one. You can say no, and you can bring your own parts if you prefer.
Signs a bike service is due #
Most bikes that are ridden every week need a service once a year. A bike that commutes in all weathers may need one every six months. Between services, these signs mean it is time:
- The gears slip, jump or will not reach the biggest cog.
- The brake levers pull further than they used to. Worn brake pads are the usual cause.
- You hear a click or a creak each time you turn the pedals.
- The chain looks rusty or dry however often you oil it. Cleaning and oiling the chain may fix that on its own.
Between services #
Do the quick check before every ride, and keep the chain clean. If the bike is going to sit in a shed for a few months, read how to store a bike first, so it is ready when you are.
How long does a bike service take?
Most services take a day. Drop the bike off in the morning and collect it before we close. If we need to order a part, we call you with the price and how long it should take to arrive. A bike that has stood unused for years may take longer, and we tell you when you bring it in.
Can I wait while you service my bike?
Not for a full service, because it takes most of a day. For small jobs, such as a puncture, a brake adjustment or a new cable, you can often wait. Call first and we will tell you whether we have a mechanic free and roughly how long the job will take.
Sheldon Brown's bicycle technical pages explain each of these parts in more depth.
About the author
Owner and mechanic at Larch Lane Cycles
Experience Qualified bicycle mechanic who has run the workshop since it opened
Ruth opened Larch Lane Cycles to fix the bikes people already own. She writes the repair guides on this blog, and she still does most of the wheel builds herself. Her rule for every post: if you can do it at home with basic tools, she shows you how. If you should not, she says so.