Rolling Smoothly: Easy Bicycle Repairs you can do in your Flat to enjoy the Singapore Parks better

If you're an avid cyclist, you know that even the best-maintained bikes can experience problems. But with a little knowledge and the right tools, you can troubleshoot and fix many common bike problems yourself. In this guide, we'll cover some of the most common bike problems and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix them.

Chain Skipping or Slipping

Image credit: Turn Cranks

If your chain is skipping or slipping, it could be due to a worn chain, worn cassette, or misaligned derailleur. To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the chain for wear and replacing it if necessary. If that doesn't fix the problem, check the cassette and derailleur alignment. You may need to adjust or replace these components to get your chain working smoothly again.

Worn chains and cassettes can be a result of regular use and mileage, so it's important to replace them as needed. Misaligned derailleurs can be caused by bumps or drops, so be sure to check your derailleur alignment regularly to prevent chain skipping.

Brakes Not Working

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If your brakes aren't working properly, there could be a number of causes. Worn brake pads, loose cables, or contaminated pads can all cause issues with braking. To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the brake pads for wear and replacing them if necessary. If that doesn't fix the problem, check the cables for tightness and adjust as needed. It's important to have working brakes for your safety, so seek professional help if needed.

Contaminated brake pads can be caused by oil or dirt on the pads or rims. If you suspect this is the cause of your brake issues, clean the pads and rims thoroughly with a rag and rubbing alcohol.

Gears Not Shifting Properly

If your gears aren't shifting smoothly, it could be due to a misaligned derailleur, worn cable, or bent derailleur hanger.

To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the derailleur alignment and adjusting as needed. If that doesn't fix the problem, check the cables and replace if necessary.

Properly functioning gears are important for a comfortable and efficient ride.

Cable wear can be caused by regular use and shifting. Be sure to replace cables as needed to ensure proper gear shifting.

Derailleur hanger alignment can be affected by bumps or drops, so be sure to check your derailleur hanger regularly.

Flat Tires

Image credit: Simple Bike Insurance

Flat tires are a common issue for cyclists. They can be caused by punctures, worn tires, or damaged rims.

To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the tire pressure and inflating the tire as needed. If the tire still goes flat, check for punctures or damage to the tire or rim and replace if necessary.

Keeping your tires properly inflated and in good condition can help prevent flats.

Punctures can be caused by debris on the road or trail. To prevent 

punctures, be sure to keep your tires properly inflated and avoid riding over sharp objects.

If you do get a puncture, patch kits are available to help you fix the problem on the go. For more serious damage, it may be necessary to replace the tire or rim.

Loose or Noisy Bottom Bracket

The bottom bracket is the part of the bike where the cranks are attached to the frame. Over time, it can become loose or develop noise. To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the bolts that hold the bottom bracket in place. Tighten any loose bolts and check for noise. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the bottom bracket.

To replace the bottom bracket, you'll need to remove the crank arms and the bottom bracket cups. Use a bottom bracket tool to remove the cups, then clean and grease the threads before installing the new bottom bracket. Tighten the cups to the recommended torque settings and reinstall the crank arms.

Checkout our article on English vs Italian Bottom Brackets to learn more about the type you have!

Loose or Wobbly Headset

The headset is the part of the bike that connects the fork to the frame. Over time, it can become loose or develop wobbling. To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the stem and handlebar alignment. If they are straight, then check the headset for looseness. Tighten any loose headset bolts and check for wobbling. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the headset.

To replace the headset, you'll need to remove the fork from the frame. Use a headset tool to remove the old headset cups and clean the frame and fork before installing the new cups. Grease the threads and tighten the cups to the recommended torque settings. Reinstall the fork and test for wobbling.

Check out our article on threadless or threaded headsets to learn more about your headset!

Squeaky Brakes

If your brakes are making a squeaking noise, it could be due to a number of factors. Dirty or contaminated brake pads, misaligned brake pads, or worn brake pads can all cause squeaking. To troubleshoot the issue, start by cleaning the brake pads and rims with a rag and rubbing alcohol. This can remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the noise.

If cleaning the pads and rims doesn't solve the issue, check the alignment of the brake pads. They should be positioned evenly on the rim and not touching the tire. Adjust the pads as needed to ensure proper alignment. If the pads are worn, they may need to be replaced. Be sure to replace them with the correct type of pads for your bike's brakes.

If none of these steps solve the issue, it's possible that the brake calipers or cables may need to be replaced. Seek professional help if you're unsure about how to fix the issue or if it's more serious than you can handle. Squeaky brakes can be a safety issue, so it's important to have them working properly for your rides.

Loose or Worn Pedals

If your pedals feel loose or wobbly, it could be due to worn pedal bearings or a loose pedal axle. To troubleshoot the issue, start by checking the pedal bearings by spinning the pedal and feeling for any grinding or roughness. If the bearings are worn, the pedals will need to be replaced. If the bearings are fine, check the pedal axle for tightness. Tighten the axle to the recommended torque settings and check for any wobbling. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the pedals.

To replace the pedals, use a pedal wrench to remove the old pedals and clean the threads on the crank arms. Apply grease to the threads of the new pedals and tighten them to the recommended torque settings. Test for any wobbling or looseness.

Regular maintenance and check-ups can help prevent loose or worn pedals from occurring. Remember to seek professional help if you're unsure about how to fix a problem or if the issue is more serious than you can handle.

You can repair your bike at home! If not we're here to help.

Knowing how to troubleshoot common bike problems can save you time and money, and can help you have a safer and more enjoyable ride. We've covered some of the most common bike problems and provided step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix them. Remember to seek professional help when needed and always ride safely. With these tips, you'll be able to tackle common bike problems with confidence and get back on the road or trail in no time. Keep your bike well-maintained and perform regular check-ups to prevent future issues. Happy cycling!