I checked the pressure as that was my initial thought and they are fine. I've just got back from a 15mileish ride to test the tyres proper and I noticed the bike was easier to push after I'd ridden it, what's that a symptom of?
Chain also feels fine from just wiggling it on it's side stand, what do you mean by spacers? Where? He changed the back brake pads and cleaned the calipers at same time, I've notice there's no rubbing on the back brake anymore so I don't think it could be that, and I can't hear any rubbing on the front brake but I don't have a front stand to test the front wheel.
From what I can tell it's been left out in the rain (I left it overnight as the tyres didn't arrive til late), but prior to taking it in I cleaned and waxed the chain so I didn't think it could that the chain had lost it's lubricant, maybe I'll give the chain another spray.