Post-Winter Bike Service: What Usually Needs Replacing

After riding through a UK winter — rain, road salt, cold, and short days — some parts of your bike will need attention. Here's what we most commonly replace in spring services.

Chain (very common)

A chain used through winter in wet and gritty conditions stretches faster than a summer chain. Salt accelerates corrosion of the inner plates. We replace chains on the majority of bikes that have been ridden regularly through winter.

Cost: £10–£25 for the chain plus fitting. Replacing on time prevents cassette wear.

Brake cables and housing (common)

Cables corrode inside the housing over winter. By spring, gear changes often feel sluggish and brakes are less responsive. New cables and housing transformed a bike's feel more than almost any other single job.

Cost: £20–£40 for a full cable replacement plus fitting.

Brake pads (common)

Wet winter riding wears brake pads faster, and road grit embeds in the compound. Pads that looked fine in October are often worn by March, especially on rim brake bikes.

Cost: £10–£30 per pair plus fitting.

Bar tape (road bikes — common)

Bar tape absorbs sweat and moisture from winter gloves and looks dirty and worn by spring. Many road cyclists replace tape annually in spring as a matter of course.

Cost: £10–£20 for tape plus fitting.

Cassette (less common, depends on chain replacement history)

If chain wear has been neglected for more than one season, the cassette will have worn to match and will skip with a new chain. We advise on cassette condition during the chain replacement check.

Cost: £25–£80 depending on specification.

Jockey wheels (less common)

The small jockey wheels in the rear derailleur wear over time and run less smoothly. Worth checking on bikes with high mileage.

What doesn't usually need replacing

• Tyres — unless visibly cracked or worn smooth
• Bottom bracket — unless noticeably rough or loose
• Headset — usually fine unless there's play

A good mechanic will tell you exactly what needs doing and what can wait — and won't sell you parts you don't need.