The most common bicycle problems – and how to fix them

Whether on your daily commute or a weekend bike ride, nothing is more annoying than a bike that doesn't run smoothly. Problems like a squeaking chain, grinding brakes , or sticky gears are particularly common. Here, we'll show you the most common bicycle problems, their causes, and how you can fix them yourself—or when you might prefer to visit a repair shop.

Squeaking or rusty chain

Do you hear chain noises when pedaling , does your bike run unevenly or have you noticed visibly rusty spots on the chain?

Causes could be insufficient lubrication, dirt and moisture or signs of aging .

What helps? Quick tips:

• Clean your chain with a cloth (do not use water, but rather a special chain cleaner)
• Apply the appropriate chain oil – but be sparing and don't use too much. Too much chain oil attracts dirt and spreads undesirably on the bike.
• After oiling, let the chain spin a few times and wipe off any excess oil

When should you go to the workshop?

If the chain is very stretched or worn, it must be replaced – this is best done by a specialist workshop with a chain measuring device and specialist knowledge.

Here you can find bicycle repair shops near you.

Gearshift jams or shifts imprecisely

Have you noticed the following symptoms? Gears jump , are difficult to engage, or respond slowly.

Possible causes:

• Shift cables are stretched or rusty
• Front derailleur or rear derailleur is adjusted
• Derailleur is not adjusted correctly

What you can do yourself:

• Visual inspection: Is the derailleur hanger bent? Are the cables positioned correctly?
• Fine adjustment on the switching unit (with twist grip or trigger)

However, it is better to go to the workshop at:

• E-bike gears , because software fine-tuning may be necessary here
• Internal hub gears , as these are complex and require special tools and expertise for correct adjustment and maintenance
• Suspected bent components

Here you can find bicycle repair shops near you.

Brakes drag or squeak

Does your bike make unusual noises when braking , do you notice a reduced braking effect or does the braking feel like it is grinding ?

This could be based on the following:

• Rim or disc brakes are not centered
• Brake pads are worn or glazed
• There is moisture or dirt on the brake discs

Measures you can try yourself for now:

• Check the brake pads: if the pad wears less than 1 mm, they should be replaced
• Centering the brake caliper – be careful with hydraulic brakes! Even small errors can lead to loss of power or leaks.
• Clean the brake surfaces with isopropanol

Workshop note:

Squeaking is often a sign of faulty assembly or pad problems – a bicycle repair shop will professionally check this and adjust the brake system precisely.

Here you can find bicycle repair shops near you.

Air loss in the tire

Do you have a flat tire or soft tube despite inflating it?

Here are the possible causes:

• Leakage at the valve
• Hose defective (e.g. due to glass splinters, thorns)
• Tire casing porous

What can you do?

• Remove the hose and check for holes. You can find them by placing it in a water bath, for example.
• In case of valve problems: insert a new valve insert if necessary
• Replace the defective tube or repair it yourself using a repair kit

The advantage of going to a workshop:

This can also check whether the rim tape and the tire are really sitting correctly – as a layperson, it is easy to overlook small details that can cause problems later.

Cracking in the bottom bracket or frame

Does your bike make cracking noises when pedaling , especially under load?

This could be for

• a loose bottom bracket or pedals,
• worn bottom brackets or
• too much play in the cranks or frame

speak.

These noises are often difficult to locate and require specialized tools for diagnosis. It's best to visit a specialist workshop that can properly check all bearings and repair them accordingly.

Here you can find bicycle repair shops near you.

Many bicycle problems can be avoided or fixed yourself with a little know-how and proper bike care . However, for more persistent cases or safety-related issues, a specialist workshop is the better choice—not only for your safety, but also for the lifespan of your bike.

Our tip:

Have your bike inspected at least once a year at a local workshop – ideally in spring or before a longer tour.

At reparadius.de you can find bicycle repair shops in Germany, Austria and Switzerland using specific search filters on an interactive map.