Essential Guide to Common Bicycle Repairs: Fixing Your Bike Like a Pro

Essential Guide to Common Bicycle Repairs: Fixing Your Bike Like a Pro

When it comes to fixing bikes, a certain level of technical skill is required. Many riders, despite the hassle, often prefer to visit a repair shop for any issues with their bicycle. However, what they may not realize is that in many cases, a simple fix—like tightening a screw or applying some oil—is all that's needed. To empower cyclists, we've compiled a list of 16 common bicycle faults and their solutions, enabling you to confidently tackle repairs and possibly save on repair shop visits.

Common Bicycle Faults and Solutions

1. Clicking Sound While Pedaling

Cause & Suggestion: This could be due to looseness at the crank, axle, or pedal connections. If it's a loose crank bolt, tighten it. If the sound persists, remove it, apply grease to the axle, and reinstall.
 
 

2. Gear Cable Rubbing Against Frame

Solution: Use anti-friction silicone tape or a protective layer, like Rhino skin tape, at the contact points to prevent paint damage.
 
 

3. Rusty Freewheel

Solution: For minor rust, applying lubricant consistently can help prevent further rusting, as riding will also gradually wear off rust from the chain.
 
 

4. Sharp Noise from Rear Derailleur

Cause & Solutions:
If you've had a crash, check if the hanger is bent; if it's severely misaligned, consider replacing it.Clean the pulleys using a degreaser, followed by proper lubrication.If the outer edge of the pulleys is excessively worn, it's time to replace them.
 
 

5. Noisy Chain

Cause & Solutions: A dry chain leads to friction. Add chain oil or lubricant and wipe off any excess oil.
 
 

6. Chain Skipping Gears

Cause & Solutions: Debris like mud or leaves might be clogging between gear cogs. Remove any foreign materials. If that's not the issue, the cogs may be worn out, necessitating a chain and freewheel replacement.
 
 

7. Weak V-Brake

Cause & Solutions: This can happen due to a loose brake cable or heavily worn brake track. Tighten the cable using the adjustment screw (usually found near the brake lever) to better align the brake pads with the rim.
 
 

8. Squealing Brakes

Cause & Solutions:Quality issues with the brake pads might cause squeaking—upgrade to higher-quality or softer pads.Misalignment of the pads may require adjustment.Remove any aluminum shavings from the pads that could be causing friction.
 
 

9. Turning Disc Rotor with Disc Bolt

Cause & Solution: Use a flathead screwdriver or a specialized disc bolt tool to firmly hold the bolt in place while unscrewing.
 
 

10. Pedal Coming Off

Cause & Solution: Check the thread on the crank arm for damage first. If intact, reinstall the pedal and tightly secure it with an appropriate tool.
 
 

11. Crank Arm Falling Off

Cause & Solution: Loose bolts are the primary cause. Regularly inspect and tighten bolts with a hex key to ensure they remain secure during rides.
 
 

12. Ripped Tire

Cause & Solution: Uneven terrain can cause tire rips. Assess if the tear is on the sidewall (replace immediately) or the surface (up to 0.5 cm can be patched temporarily).
 
 

13. Punctured Tire

Solution: Remove any puncturing object immediately and assess the inner tube. For minor punctures, use your patch kit or consider replacing the inner tube if there are multiple punctures.
 
 

14. Inner Tube Reflating After Repair

Cause & Solution: Misaligned rim tape or foreign objects left in the tire can lead to a flat. Check the integrity of the inner tube and remove any obstructions.
 
 

15. Frequent Flat Tires

Cause & Solutions: This might be due to low tire pressure or riding speed. Maintain tire pressure between 120-140 psi. Adjust your speed on rough terrains to prevent flats.
 
 

16. Puncture Patch Not Sticking

Cause & Solution: Insufficient preparation on the inner tube's surface or inadequate adhesive application can cause this. Ensure thorough cleaning and proper glue application before placing the patch.

Conclusion: Repairing Your Bike

Navigating common bicycle issues can seem daunting, but many repairs can be handled with basic tools and knowledge. By learning how to identify and resolve these common faults, you can save yourself time and money, allowing you to enjoy riding without interruptions. Empower yourself to do the repairs yourself and enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining your bicycle like a pro!
 
Whether you're looking to fix your bike yourself or just trying to understand the mechanics behind common issues, this guide provides you with the information you need to become a more knowledgeable cyclist.