With regular maintenance and servicing, you can keep your bike running as smooth as the day you bought it. Whatever your experience level in cycling is, we would recommend getting your bike serviced by a Giant authorised retailer, as they have all the expertise, knowledge and tools needed to keep you rolling on the road or trails.
Bike Servicing
Keep your ride in top shape
Basic Safety Check
A basic safety check should be carried out on your bicycle once every 7-14 days, or before any long ride is undertaken. This health check takes into account the major moving parts in an 'M' shape, starting from the front wheel and moving backwards. When tightening any bolts, please refer to the correct torque setting - it will either be highlighted on the component, or in your owner's manual/handbook. We highly recommend using a torque wrench when adjusting any bolts.
Once you've performed the check a few times, you should be able to run over a full bike within 5 minutes and will start to become second nature before taking your bike out for a spin. If you find a problem during your checks, contact your nearest retailer to get booked in for a bike service or repair.
Many retailers will offer this service for free, so if you are unsure about any of the safety check steps, find your nearest Giant retailer and get in touch to arrange your safety check.
Step 1 - Wheels & Hubs
Check it is securely fitted via the quick release skewer or the thru-axle bolt. If the wheel is loose, then ensure it is tightened while the bike is sat on the ground to confirm the wheel is sat correctly in the dropouts. Check the hub is in good condition by rocking the wheel side to side, checking if there is any play or unnatural movement. Then give the wheel a spin - if there's any grinding or the hub isn't spinning freely, then it could be time to replace the bearings.
Step 2- Tyres
Check the tyre pressure is at the correct level using a floor pump. Secondly, perform a visual inspection of the tyre to check for any thorns, cuts, debris etc and consider replacing the tyre if any damage is found. Thirdly, inspect the tyre is seated correctly around the rim - tyre manufacturers usually include a safety line on the tyre, so its quick and easy to perform a visual inspection.
Step 3 - Brakes
While the wheel is spinning from step 1, you can check the brakes are working properly. Give the brake lever a squeeze - if there is excessive force required to get the wheel to stop, or the braking feels spongy, the cable tension may need inspecting. Another thing to check is the wheel runs freely through the brake calipers - listen out for rubbing against the brake pads. If there is, it will need adjusting.
Step 4 - Headset
Check if there is any rocking or clicking in the headset. Perform this check by firmly grasping the head tube with one hand and applying the front brake with the other hand. This will steady the front of the bike so that you can shake the headset to establish any rocking or clicking in the bearings. If there is movement ensure the headset and stem are tight but don’t go too far as you will restrict handlebar movement.
Step 5 - Stem / Bars
Check that your front wheel and stem do not move independently of each other and that your clamp bolts are tight. Also check that the stem is completely in line with your front wheel.
Step 6 - Frame
Check for any damage, cracks or rust to the frame. This check requires focus on the area where the frame connects to the head-tube and around the bottom bracket.
Step 7 - Pedals & Chain
Make sure the pedals are attached securely but move freely. Check the bike chain has been cleaned and make sure you regularly lube your chain with oil, watch out for any signs of chain rust. Check the chain-rings for missing or worn teeth.
Step 8 - Saddle
Check that the saddle is secure on the seat post, does the seat-post move when applying pressure? Is your saddle aligned to the correct height? Make sure that you haven’t exceeded the max torque limit.
FAQ's
Am I entitled to a free bike service?
A free first service is not offered as standard when purchasing through click and collect. Some retailers may offer this, however it is purely on a store by store basis. If a free first service is important, please check with the store directly about their servicing policy before completing a purchase. Use our retailer finder page above to get the store’s contact details.
How much does a bike service cost?
The cost of a bike service can vary, depending on how much work needs doing to your bicycle. Stores generally have a tiered approach, with a standard service covering the basic functions, up to a full strip down service where every part of the bike is checked, cleaned and adjusted. The main cost from a service comes from the labour charge, so work that requires more of the mechanics time will cost more. At Giant, we only work with independent bike retailers. This means that each one has their own service pricing policy, therefore it's difficult to put an exact figure on it. Some stores also run promotions and offers at various times, so it’s always worth speaking with your local bike retailer before booking your bike in.
How often does a bike need servicing?
It is recommended that you should take your bike in for a service check roughly around 3 months of owning the bike, just to see if there are any manufacturing defects. After this period it is recommended that you take your bike in for a minor service check every 12 months. However this does depend on how much you use the bike. If you’re riding your bike frequently you may not want to wait a year, especially mountain bikes that go through more wear and tear on downhill tracks.
I don’t require a full service, can I just get one part of my bike looked at?
Yes - If your bike has a specific issue, then the retailer will be able to focus on that particular part instead of undertaking a full service. Please speak to your local retailer and they will be able to advise further.
I haven’t got a Giant bike, can your retailers still service my bike?
Yes, the majority of our retailers can service any bikes, including non-Giant products. If you contact your local retailer, they can provide more information about servicing your particular bike brand.
How can I maintain my bike at home?
Bike maintenance at home is equally as important as getting it serviced each year. Make sure to clean your bike regularly with soapy water, wipe the bike chain using a rag to remove any excess dirt. Make sure that your chain is well lubricated, however do not overuse the lubricant, you do not want to attract any more dirt to the chain. Finally we advise performing the basic safety check above before each journey, focusing on the tyres, brakes and the chain in particular. Beyond this, how much of the maintenance you do yourself will come down to your experience, your confidence and also what tools you have available. Replacing certain parts for example a cassette or a bottom bracket need specialist tools and in these cases along with a few others it’s worth getting your local retailer to complete the work.
How long does a bicycle service usually take?
For the more basic bicycle servicing, it should only take a short amount of time. However, if your bike needs more advanced repairs, your bike may be kept for numerous days as the mechanics may need to use specialist tools on the bike repairs, making it more time consuming.
