Having been back out on my bike a couple of times recently, after hearing a few creaks and groans that weren't produced by myself, I fear that I'm going to have to read up about 'maintenance' as apart from oiling the chain and giving the whole thing a wash every few months (whether it needed it or not!) Ive not done a thing to it at all. I kept on hearing about brake pads that ran out every couple of rides but seem to be fine after a year - I guess I'm not going fast enough to wear them out.

I suspect that any part that I touch will end up with the same result as schmenke, is it more or less cost effective to take it into a bike shop?