5 Bike Issues Every Rider Faces—and How to Prevent Them

Every bike owner has been there—you’re cruising along, enjoying the ride, when suddenly something is not quite right. Maybe it’s a flat tire, a skipping chain, or the dreaded squeaky brakes. Whatever the issue, bike problems have a way of showing up at the worst possible moment.

As a mobile bike mechanic, I’ve seen it all. But here’s the good news: many of the most common repairs can be avoided with a little bit of preventive maintenance. Let’s go over the top five bike issues I see all the time—and how you can keep them from happening in the first place.

1. The Infamous Flat Tire

The Problem: You’re riding along, and then—psssshhh—your tire gives up on life. Flats are the number one bike issue, caused by everything from glass and thorns to underinflation and worn-out tires.

The Fix: Patching a tube or replacing it entirely isn’t too tricky, but who wants to deal with that mid-ride?

Prevention Tips:

• Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended PSI (check the sidewall of your tire). This is especially true if your tires have tubes as running low on air pressure can cause pinch flats.
• Regularly inspect tires for embedded debris and wear.
• Consider puncture-resistant tires, tire liners, or running tubeless if you ride in an area known for sharp road hazards (hello, sand spurs).

2. Slipped or Skipping Chain

The Problem: You shift gears, and suddenly your chain has a mind of its own—slipping, skipping, or even falling off completely. Not ideal when climbing a hill.

The Fix: A slipped chain can often be popped back into place, but constant skipping means your drivetrain components might be worn or out or in need of adjustment.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep your chain clean and properly lubricated (be sure to wipe off the excess—you don’t want a grease monster collecting dirt).
• Replace your chain before it stretches too much. A chain wear gauge is a cheap way to protect your drivetrain. If you don’t have one, have your mechanic check it during maintenance.
• If shifting feels off, get your derailleur adjusted before it turns into a bigger problem.

3. Squeaky or Weak Brakes

The Problem: You squeeze your brakes, and either (a) nothing much happens, or (b) they let out a sound that could wake the dead. Either way, that’s a safety hazard.

The Fix: Adjusting brake pads, tightening cables, or replacing worn brake pads can bring stopping power back to where it should be.

Prevention Tips:

• Check your brake pads regularly—if they’re worn down or uneven, have them replaced.
• Keep brake surfaces (rims or rotors) clean from dirt and oil buildup. Rubbing alcohol and a clean dry cloth are the best tools for this task.
• If you have disc brakes, check for alignment issues and brake pad contamination. Howling or intermittent, “tick, tick, tick-ing”, are telltale signs of disc brakes in need of attention.

4. Creaky Bottom Bracket or Pedals

The Problem: Every time you pedal, you hear a mysterious creaking noise. It’s like your bike is whispering complaints about your riding habits.

The Fix: Usually, this means something needs to be tightened or lubricated—bottom brackets, crank arms, or pedals.

Prevention Tips:

• Before each ride perform a safety check to see if your crank bolts and pedals are snug (they don’t need to be Hulk-tight, but firm enough to prevent movement).
• If the creaking persists, it might be time to service or replace the bottom bracket.
• Keep everything clean—dirt and grime can make things wear out faster.

5. Misaligned or Wobbly Wheels

The Problem: You’re riding along, but your wheel has a wobble like a bad shopping cart at the grocery store. This can happen from hitting potholes, spokes loosening, or just general wear and tear.

The Fix: A wheel true (adjusting the tension of the spokes to straighten the wheel) can often fix the issue. If the rim is bent, though, it might need replacing.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid riding straight into potholes—your wheels will thank you.
• Check spoke tension regularly by giving them a gentle squeeze (if they feel super loose, your wheel may need to be trued).
• If your wheel takes a hard hit, have it checked to prevent a blowout—or worse, a completely taco’d rim.

Keep Your Bike Happy, and It’ll Keep You Rolling

Most bike problems start small before they turn into big headaches. With regular maintenance and a little TLC, you can prevent these common issues and enjoy smooth, stress-free riding. And if you ever find yourself in a jam, remember—I’m just a call away at Ernie’s Bicycle Repair, keeping Wilmington rolling, one fix at a time!