How Often Should You Service Your Bike?

Regular servicing keeps your bike safe, reliable, and enjoyable to ride. But how often is "regular"? Here's a practical guide based on how you actually use your bike.

The short answer

Most bikes should be serviced at least once a year. If you ride regularly — commuting, weekend rides, or off-road — you'll benefit from servicing every 3 to 6 months.

But the real answer depends on several factors: how often you ride, where you ride, the conditions you ride in, and how your bike is stored.

Service intervals by rider type

Casual riders (once or twice a week)

If you ride occasionally for leisure — weekend rides, trips to the shops, or fair-weather cycling — an annual service is usually enough.

• Book a service at the start of spring before the riding season
• Check tyre pressures and brakes before each ride
• Keep the chain clean and lubricated

Regular commuters

If you cycle to work most days, your bike takes a beating — rain, road grit, stop-start braking, and daily wear. A service every 6 months is recommended.

• Spring and autumn services keep you covered year-round
• Winter riding accelerates wear on brakes, chain, and cables
• Check chain wear monthly — commuter chains stretch faster

Frequent or off-road riders

Mountain bikers, gravel riders, and anyone riding in mud, dust, or wet conditions should service every 3 to 6 months, depending on intensity.

• Mud and grit destroy drivetrain components quickly
• Suspension forks and shocks need periodic servicing too
• Hydraulic brakes may need bleeding more often
• Clean your bike after every muddy ride to extend component life

Bike been sitting unused?

If your bike has been in the shed or garage for months (or years), get it serviced before riding. Tyres lose pressure, cables seize, brake pads harden, and chains rust — even without being ridden.

Read our full guide: Getting your bike ready after months in the shed →

What happens during a service?

A bike service is a systematic check and adjustment of every component. Here's what's typically included at each level:

View full pricing →

Signs your bike needs a service now

Don't wait for the calendar — if you notice any of these, book a service:

• Gears skipping or not shifting smoothly — cable stretch or worn components
• Brakes squealing or feeling weak — worn pads, contaminated rotors, or cable issues
• Clicking or creaking noises — loose bolts, worn bearings, or dry pivots
• Wobbly wheels — broken or loose spokes, worn bearings
• Chain looks rusty or feels rough — needs cleaning, lubing, or replacing
• Tyres cracked or flat — rubber degrades over time, even without riding

DIY maintenance between services

You don't need to be a mechanic to keep your bike in good shape between services. These simple habits make a big difference:

• Check tyre pressures weekly — under-inflated tyres cause punctures and poor handling
• Lube the chain every 1–2 weeks — or after every wet ride
• Wipe the chain and gears — a quick wipe removes grit before it grinds components
• Check brakes before every ride — squeeze both levers and make sure they bite
• Store your bike indoors — a dry garage or shed extends component life significantly

The bottom line

A well-maintained bike is safer, more enjoyable, and cheaper to run in the long term. A £35 basic service can prevent a £200+ drivetrain replacement down the line.

If you're not sure whether your bike needs a service, give us a call — we're happy to advise over the phone for free.