What Does a Bike Service Include?
Published
Local Bike Mechanic — James Thornton, Staffordshire Moorlands & Cheshire East
If you've never had your bike serviced — or you're not sure what you're paying for — here's a clear breakdown of what happens at each service level.
Why service levels exist
Not every bike needs the same attention. A bike ridden once a week on dry roads needs less work than a daily commuter or a mountain bike caked in mud. Service levels let you choose the right amount of work for your bike's condition and your budget.
Basic Service — £35
A safety-focused check and tune-up. Ideal for bikes that are ridden occasionally and kept in reasonable condition. Takes around 30–45 minutes.
- Safety check: brakes, gears, wheels, tyres, headset, and frame inspected
- Brake adjustment: pads aligned, cable tension set, lever feel checked
- Gear adjustment: front and rear derailleurs indexed, cable tension set
- Tyre check: pressure set, tread and sidewalls inspected for damage
- Chain lubrication: chain cleaned and lubed
- Bolt check: all critical bolts checked and tightened to spec
- Wheel check: quick-releases or thru-axles checked, wheels spun for trueness
Intermediate Service — £65
A deeper service for bikes that are ridden regularly or haven't been serviced in a while. Takes around 1–1.5 hours.
- Everything in the basic service
- Chain wear check: measured with a chain checker — replaced if worn
- Wheel truing: spokes tensioned and wheels straightened
- Headset check: bearings checked for play and smooth rotation
- Bottom bracket check: checked for play and grinding
- Cable inspection: gear and brake cables checked for fraying, kinks, and corrosion
- Drivetrain clean: chain, cassette, chainrings, and jockey wheels degreased and cleaned
- Hub check: wheel hubs checked for play
Major Service — £130
A full strip-down and rebuild. Recommended annually for regular riders, or for bikes that have been neglected. Takes 2–3 hours.
- Complete disassembly: every component removed from the frame
- Frame inspection: checked for cracks, dents, and alignment
- All bearings serviced: headset, bottom bracket, and hubs cleaned, inspected, and repacked with fresh grease
- Cables and housing replaced: if worn or corroded
- Full drivetrain assessment: chain, cassette, and chainrings measured for wear
- Wheels fully trued: spokes tensioned, rims checked for wear
- Brakes fully serviced: pads checked/replaced, cables or hydraulic system checked
- Every bolt torqued: to manufacturer specifications
- Full clean: frame, wheels, and all components
- Test ride: everything checked under real riding conditions
What's not included?
Service prices cover labour. If parts need replacing (brake pads, chain, cables, tyres, etc.), these are charged at cost and always discussed with you before we proceed. No surprises.
Which service do I need?
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bike feels fine, just want a check-up | Basic (£35) |
| Regular rider, 6-monthly service | Intermediate (£65) |
| Bike hasn't been serviced in over a year | Intermediate or Major |
| Bike has been sitting unused for months | Intermediate (£65) |
| Want everything checked and refreshed | Major (£130) |
Not sure? Give us a call — we're happy to advise over the phone for free.
Book a service
Smaller jobs completed at your door. Bigger services carried out in our workshop, with collect & return from your home.