A bike shop that is trusted in your local area usually means you have a trustworthy mechanic who can help you with certain repairs.
Even if that is the case, if you need to bring your ride in for repairs, it will take you less time to actually ride and likely cost you more. It is possible to save money and time by learning how to repair your bike at home.
If you don’t feel confident doing the job, you can take your bike with you to the shop. There are two situations where you should take your bike to the shop first.
If you are looking for a solution to a problem that you don’t know how to fix, take your vehicle to the mechanic. Ask the mechanic for the reason behind the problem. They may be able to help you understand it better. The next time you have to do it, you’ll be more prepared.
After you have ridden between 20 and 50 miles on your new bike, go back to the shop. You will need to have a professional adjust the components after you’ve ridden a few miles.
We know it’s hard to haul your bike to a shop for something minor. So we reached out and asked bike mechanics what their questions are. These items of bike repair Edinburgh can be done by you.
Problem: My Chain isn’t shifting correctly and skipping a lot.
What’s the problem?
Your cassette (the gears at your back) and chain should be washed and dried. While you can purchase bike-specific degreasers, chain-cleaning gadgets, and dish soap will also work. After you have applied one drop of lube (in this instance, less is more) to each roller, turn the cranks backwards two to three times. Use a clean rag for one more turn to grip the outer plates on the chain. Continue on until you have wiped away all excess lube. This should be mostly in the chain’s rollers.
Problem: I fixed my flat. Now, the tire is rubbing against one of the brake pad.
What happened? Your wheel is now crooked.
If you have pushed the skewer out to take off your wheel, it is possible that one of two skewersprings fell. These springs help keep your wheel center and can be reinstalled backwards. The narrow side of your spring should be next to your hub. It could increase the axle’s diameter and cause problems with fit.
Tip: It doesn’t take much to get the wheel off. Open the quick-release lever to release the nut. Next, gently pull the skewer from the dropouts. To ensure that the wheel sits correctly, you should keep it on the ground when tightening.
What went wrong?
Low tire pressure could cause a tube or rim to become pinched and lead to what’s commonly known as a pinchflat. You can find the recommended PSI range by looking at the side of your tires. You should inflate the tube to the minimum pressure. If you are a heavier rider (over 220 pounds, including your bike), increase the pressure to the maximum. Check the tire for foreign objects like gravel or glass. Check to make sure your new tube isn’t caught between the tire’s rim.
Problem: My chain keeps popping off. How can I adjust my shifter?
What happened: The pedal was not soft when you switched between chainrings.
If you pedal hard while shifting, especially in hills, the chain will need to work harder because it is already experiencing heavy resistance. When shifting gears, you can relax. While you won’t lose any momentum, avoid panicked shifts last-minute and your chain will move exactly where you want.
If you feel like you are not pedaling hard enough to drop your chain, a professional may be needed to adjust the limit screws on the front derailleur (the piece that moves the chain between rings). While these screws can be adjusted precisely, it is possible to cause damage by turning the screw too far.
Problem: My crank is making a grinding noise. Can you make it quieter?
What went wrong? Cross-chaining is a problem, as well as not cleaning and lubricating your chain enough.
If your chain is grating/rising when you have your biggest chainring in front and the largest sprocket behind (or vice versa), it will be increasing wear and tear on your components, which can lead to higher costs in the end. It’s worth shifting to your smaller, more compact chainring or clicking down two to three gears in back.
If that is not the issue, it might be time for you to clean and lubricate those chains. Make sure to do it after every ride, even if it’s muddy or wet. If none of the above solutions work, you might want to consult a mechanic. The chain could be worn, and you will need to get a new one. Or your derailleurs may need to be adjusted.