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When Does Your Bicycle Need a Service?

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Regular bicycle servicing helps keep your bike safe, reliable, and running smoothly. As a general guide, your bicycle should be serviced every 6 months to 1 year, depending on how often it is used, the type of riding you do, and the conditions it is ridden in.

Regular maintenance can also prevent expensive repairs. Your chain should be cleaned and lubricated frequently, and chain wear should be checked regularly. Many bike shops can check chain wear for free, and catching it early can help prevent unnecessary damage to your cassette and sprockets.

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Signs Your Bicycle May Need a Service

Slow or Poor Gear Changes

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If your gears are slow to change, skipping, or not running smoothly, this could indicate that your drivetrain needs adjustment or maintenance.

Ignoring gear problems can lead to increased wear on your chain, cassette, and derailleur.

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Grinding Brakes

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Grinding noises from your brakes can be a sign that your brake pads are worn or contaminated.

Continuing to ride with worn brake pads can cause damage to your rims or brake discs and reduce braking performance.

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Movement in the Headset or Handlebars

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If you feel movement around the handlebars or headset, your bike may need adjustment.

A simple check is to hold the front brake and gently rock the bike forwards and backwards. Any knocking or movement could indicate a loose headset.

If left untreated, this can cause further wear and possible damage to your frame and components.

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Wheel Alignment Problems

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If your wheel moves from side to side when spinning, it may need to be re-trued.

A poorly aligned wheel can affect handling, braking performance, and may cause additional stress on spokes and wheel components.

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Clicking Noise When Pedalling

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A clicking noise while pedalling can be a sign of several issues, including problems with the bottom bracket, drivetrain, pedals, or crank area.

A professional inspection can identify the cause and prevent further damage.

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Regular Servicing Saves Money

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Keeping your bicycle maintained helps improve performance, extends the life of components, and reduces the chance of costly repairs.

If you notice any of these warning signs, contact BicycleRepair2U for professional bicycle servicing and repairs in Poole.