Doing Your Own Bicycle Repairs

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around and get exercise. Over time though, parts wear out or get damaged and need repair. While it’s often best to take major issues to a professional bike mechanic, there are many repairs and tune-ups you can easily do yourself at home. Learning some basic bike maintenance skills will save you money and keep your bike running smoothly.

Here are some common bike repairs you can tackle on your own:
Fixing a flat tire – All you need is a bike tire patch kit, tire levers, and a bike pump. Learn how to find the puncture, remove the tube, apply the patch, and re-install the tube.
Adjusting brakes – Brakes can get loose or go out of alignment over time. You can adjust cable tension and re-center the brake pads to restore proper braking.
Lubricating the chain – Keep your chain running smoothly by cleaning it and applying new bike chain lube. This prevents rust and reduces friction.
Tightening loose bolts – Check for any loose nuts or bolts on things like the handlebars, brakes, gears, and more. Tighten them up with the proper sized wrench or Allen key.
Adjusting derailleurs – The front and rear derailleurs are what move the chain between gears. If shifting isn’t smooth, you can tweak the limit screws and cable tension to improve shifting.

Cleaning and re-lubricating derailleurs/gears – Use a degreaser and brush to clean out old, dirty grease. Apply new bike-specific lubricant.
Doing minor repairs like these on your own will save you from having to go to a bike shop for every little issue. With some basic tools and a repair stand, you’ll be able to keep your bike running like new