How often should bike be serviced?
James Craig
Published Jan 17, 2026
After this initial service, we recommend a major service each 12 months with a minor check up at each change of season. It's a reasonable guideline, but it really does depend on how much you ride, and what kinds of conditions you're riding in. Heavy use, rain, mud and dust all mean more frequent servicing.
How do I know if my bike needs a service?
5 signs your bike needs a service
- Unusual sounds from the bicycle.
- Your gear shifts are not smooth.
- The brakes are not slowing you down.
- your bike is very dirty and greasy.
- there are signs of rust.
What is proper maintenance of your bike?
Check for chain, cassette, and chainring wear and replace worn parts as needed. Overhaul the pedals to check the bearings and add fresh grease (this can be tricky!). Look over the bike chain. Add chain lube if it looks dry.
How many km should I service my road bike?
3000km is fine for your road bike. I've done more than 1000km in seven days. You are doing relatively little kms on it, so I wouldn't be concerned. Just look over it regularly or if you notice any unusual noises or if something isn't quite working perfectly then look more closely.
Can I service my own bike?
The majority of bike owners take it to a bike shop. The other option is to fix it yourself. This may be a daunting thought to some, but there are so many of the typical common repairs that are fairly simple to fix yourself. It's surprising how much a good set of tools can fix.
15 related questions foundWhen should I get first bike tune up?
After the first 300 miles is a good time to take it in and get a tune up. After that it should stay adjusted for longer periods. Most local bike shops will give you one free tuneup.
Should I use WD-40 on my bike?
Can I use WD-40 on my bike chain? Yes, WD-40 can be used and will not damage your bike chain. It is primarily a cleaner, but also a light lubricant that will last best in dry conditions. It's not the best lubricant for riding in wet conditions, because it will come off quickly.
How often should I lube my bike chain?
Bicycle Tutor recommends cleaning and lubricating your bike's drive chain at least once every month to maintain optimal performance and protection. The chain and drivetrain are typically the dirtiest parts of your bike, and this dirt is bad news for bike longevity and performance.
What does a bicycle service include?
They may include replacing cables and/or cable housing, bar tape, brake pads, actually truing the wheels (this can be a more time consuming job and may not be included in a basic tune-up), and perhaps even a bike wash.
How long should it take to service a bike?
Once they are on it a service can take anything from 45 minutes to a day - depending on the problems discovered and the complexity of your bike. As a rule of thumb, about 2 hours is a reasonable average. If you depend on it for your daily commute, many Protyre garages let you book a motorbike service for a weekend.
How long does it take to service a bike?
One to two days, in most cases.
Can I use WD-40 on my bike chain?
Can I use WD-40 to lube my bicycle chain? No. You should never use WD40 as chain lubricant since WD-40 is NOT a true lubricant. WD40 is primarily a solvent or rust dissolver.
How often should I get my bike tuned up?
No matter how often you ride you should give your bike a tune-up at least once a year.
Is it bad to hose down your bike?
Yes, pressurized water can damage your bicycle, specifically by washing the grease out of bearing areas. Note, this is pressurized water. Using a garden hose without a sprayer is unlikely to do damage. Using a garden hose with a shower type sprayer is unlikely to cause damage.
How do I know if my bike chain needs lube?
Over-lubing can also be detrimental, as excess lube attracts dirt, forming a gritty paste which grinds down chain components and other drivetrain bits. Appearance, time, or distance are not as reliable as sound (grinding, creaking, squeaking, squealing) as an indicator for when a chain needs to be lubed.
How do I know if I need a new bike chain?
Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12″ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16″ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.
Can you use olive oil on bike chain?
However, olive oil can never be as effective in lubricating the chain as a specialized, store bought chain lube. Moreover, other than the greasing effect only lasting temporarily, olive oil has dirt drawing attributes that could harm the performance of your bike chain in the long run and spending money on a new chain.
What is the best lubricant for a bicycle chain?
Best bike chain lubes
- Smoove Lube. The Energizer Bunny of chain lube. ...
- Rock N Roll Gold. Workhorse all-rounder chain lube. ...
- Silca Super Secret Chain Lube. It's like hot wax but in an easy to apply drip bottle. ...
- Green Oil Wet Lube. ...
- Finish Line Wet. ...
- CeramicSpeed UFO Drip Ceramic lube. ...
- Tru Tension All Weather. ...
- Molten Speedwax.
Do you oil a bike chain?
To apply bike chain lube, deposit a drop on the top of each link as you slowly backpedal for a few revolutions, so the lube has a chance to work its way in. Wipe off excess lube—if you don't, it can attract more dirt to your chain. Use a light, waterproof lube such as Boeshield T-9 Waterproof Lubricant.
Is your first bike service free?
I've got my initial bike service soon (the store calls it the 6-week service). It's all free anyway so I'm happy about that.
Is a bike tune up worth it?
Therefore, it is crucial for your safety that all of its systems are working properly, can hold up to the forces they will be subjected to, and that the whole thing can stop securely, dependably and safely. A $150 tune-up turns a beloved old bike into a dependable vehicle.
Do new bikes need tuning?
Also, keep in mind that most bikes with traditional cable systems will need a tune-up after the first few weeks of riding. New cables stretch, which they do mostly within the first few weeks.
How often should I clean my gravel bike?
Remember that a gravel bile must be thoroughly washed only when strictly necessary, that is, when it's very dirty, with residue of mud and dirt. It is however good practice to remove dust and dirt after every ride with a cloth, followed by some degreasing and lubrication.
Should you degrease a new bike chain?
A new chain usually feels sticky at first. These are residues of the high-performance grease used during assembly. Remove this grease with a thin-bodied oil or cleaner (no aggressive grease solvents!), lightly oil the rollers and remove excess oil with a cloth. We recommend never to degrease the chain completely.