5 Common Bike Problems You Can Diagnose Before Visiting a Workshop
Before you rush to your local shop, many common bike issues have tell-tale signs you can spot yourself. Here is how to diagnose the most frequent mechanical headaches.
1.Squeaky Brakes
Few things are more annoying than a high-pitched squeal every time you pull the lever. This is usually caused by contaminated pads or glazed brake surfaces. Check if there is oil or grease on the rims or rotors.
2.Skipping Gears
If your chain jumps between cogs while you're pedaling, it's often a sign of cable stretch. Most new bikes go through a "break-in" period where the shift cables settle into their housing.
3.The Infamous "Clicking" Sound
Rhythmic clicking can be hard to track down. It might be a loose pedal, a dry bottom bracket, or even just a cable end hitting your crank arm. Focus on when the sound happens—is it only when you're pedaling hard?
4.Soft Tires / Slow Leaks
A tire that goes flat overnight but feels okay for a short ride has a "slow leak." This is often a tiny piece of glass or wire embedded in the rubber that you can't see at first glance.
5.Loose Chain or Drivetrain Grime
A noisy, crunchy-sounding drivetrain is screaming for maintenance. Grime acts like sandpaper on your expensive components, wearing them down prematurely.
