6 Common Bike Problems and the Fix

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Giant 2021 TCR

We’ve all been there, out on the road and something happens that we’re not quite prepared for. We’ve outlined some of the most common bike problems and fixes for each one. Whether it’s a squeaky knee or a squeaky pedal, hopefully a couple of these tips will help out.

Punctures

The majority of punctures can be fixed in a few minutes. And with more and more people going tubeless, some punctures fix themselves! Fixing a puncture is often easy enough. You’ll need to open the brakes and remove the wheel first of all. Then using your tyre levers, take one side of the tyre off the rim.

— YOUR GUIDE TO CYCLING KNEE PAIN —

Giant 2021 TCR

Once that’s done you’ll be able to take out the inner tube and inspect it for the puncture. At this point it’s often helpful to run your fingers around the inside of the tyre to make sure the thorn or glass or issue isn’t still stuck inside. After a good inspection and you’re happy the issue is gone, replace the tube, add some air, pop the tyre back on and give it a full inflate with your pump or co2. Worth practicing as this is one of the most common bike problems.

A Rubbing Brake

This can be really annoying, and if you’ve got hydraulic or disc brakes it might be best to wait if you can’t adjust them on the go. But often you’ll be able to use a multi tool to loosen off the brakes before tightening them back up. You’ll know if the brakes are catching by hearing a scraping type noise every few seconds as the wheel spins, or feeling a bit of a lurch as a particular area passes through. It’s worth making sure it’s just that your brakes are a bit tight and not that your wheel is buckled!

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Jumping gears

This is one of the more common bike problems if you’ve got a new bike that you’ve ridden a few times. The cables stretch slightly so you might find that the chain starts to skip around the cassette or take longer than it should to change gear. Often you’ll just need to tighten the cable by screwing the barrel adjuster a few turns anti-clockwise.

Giant 2021 TCR

Snapped Chain

Another simple fix, for this one you’ll need the right quick links and a chain tool. Thread the broken chain back on and move the bike into the smallest chainring and sprocket. With the broken section of the chain hanging at the bottom, use the chain tool to push the rivet through the link that is broken. Fit the quick link, join together and pull the chain tight to make sure it’s connected.

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Broken cleats or Pedals

If you’re out on the road, this can be a difficult one to fix, often resulting in a sheepish train or taxi ride home. So it’s best to make sure your pedals and cleats are well looked after and replace them when they get worn. Cleats are much cheaper to replace than the pedals themselves, and keeping both of these things fresh can reduce your risk of knee injuries!

Aches and pains

Well apart from the fact we’re not getting any younger. If you’re experiencing too many aches and pains it could be time to book yourself in for a new bike fit. This will make sure your knees & hips are well aligned and you’re in the most efficient position. As well as checking components like your saddle to make sure you have a comfy and sustainable set up.

Whatever issues you find out on the road, we hope you get them fixed as soon as possible so you can get back out on the road! If you do need any new components or tools make sure you check out our range!

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