Common Bike Maintenance Mistakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoid Them and Optimize Performance
Common Bike Maintenance Mistakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoid Them and Optimize Performance
Bicycle maintenance is crucial for ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and safety. However, even the simplest tasks can become frustrating challenges if not executed correctly. This article analyzes 15 common home bike maintenance mistakes and provides practical guidance on how to avoid them, reducing the need for professional interventions and enhancing the riding experience.
1. Incorrect Initial Derailleur Limit Screw Adjustment
A frequent error is immediately adjusting the rear derailleur limit screws when encountering shifting problems. Limit screws have the specific function of preventing the chain from shifting beyond the largest or smallest cog, thereby keeping it from going into the spokes or the driveside chainstay. If set correctly and without a bent derailleur hanger, these screws theoretically shouldn't need adjustment. The first thing to check for suboptimal shifting should be cable tension. It's also advisable to inspect the condition of the cables and outers for any fraying, kinks, or tears.
2. Improper Chain Care Neglect
The chain is a critical component of the drivetrain, and its proper maintenance is essential. A dirty chain accelerates the wear of all other drivetrain components (cogs, chainrings, and derailleur). Regular chain cleaning, using a specific chain degreaser and appropriate chain lubricant, ensures smoother operation and extends the lifespan of the chain itself and the entire system.
3. Incorrect Chain Length or Orientation
Chain installation requires precision. A chain that is too short can prevent engagement with the largest cassette cog, causing excessive tension that might lead to chain breakage or, in the worst case, damage to the rear derailleur. Conversely, a chain that is too long can cause sagging or drooping when using smaller cassette cogs, leading to imprecise shifting and potential contact with the driveside chainstay. Some chains are designed to be installed in a specific direction; paying close attention to the orientation, especially of the quick link, is crucial to prevent shifting issues and the risk of chain breakage.
4. Loose or Incorrectly Oriented Quick-Release Skewers
Wheel quick-release skewers are often installed suboptimally. It's a common mistake to overtighten them, leave them too loose, or position them incorrectly. A quick-release skewer shouldn't require Herculean effort to close – it should have enough tension to leave a slight imprint in the palm of your hand. Regarding orientation, the quick-release lever should always be positioned on the non-driveside of the bike (with rare exceptions for some thru-axle disc brake frames where the lever installs from the driveside). The front lever should be positioned slightly past the fork blade in the direction of the drivetrain, while the rear one should bisect the non-driveside chainstay and seatstay. Incorrect positioning (e.g., pointing forward or downward at the front, or towards the floor/back at the rear) increases the risk of accidental opening if you hit an obstacle or if another rider's wheel gets caught in the skewer. Also, never position the skewer against the fork or frame, as this will make opening it very difficult in the future.
5. Riding with a Poorly Adjusted Headset
A loose headset can lead to various problems. If you can feel play or knocking when you apply the front brake and rock the fork back and forth, your headset is loose. At best, this translates to poor steering; at worst, a knocking headset can cause severe damage to your fork steerer tube, particularly if it's carbon. Carbon fiber cannot withstand abrasion, and over time, a loose headset bearing can start to wear away at the material, potentially causing catastrophic failure.
6. Incorrect Tire Pressure
Riding with under- or over-inflated tires is another common error. Too high a pressure will make you feel every road or trail vibration, leading to discomfort; too low a pressure increases the risk of punctures, compromises handling, and results in a sluggish ride. The suggested pressure range is usually printed on the tire sidewall. It's a good idea to invest in a quality bike pump with a gauge for precise inflation and to check tire pressure before every ride. Online tools like tire pressure calculators (e.g., Silca's) can provide helpful guidance.
7. Incorrect Bolt Torquing
Modern bicycles are subject to tight tolerances, and the bolts securing various components need to be fastened correctly. If a bolt is too loose or too tight, you run the risk of failure. Using a torque wrench is essential for adjusting bolt torque, especially when working on carbon fiber components or clamping surfaces. Carbon fiber, in particular, is sensitive to overtightening and will fracture if over-torqued. It's also crucial to ensure all fasteners are adequately prepared with grease, threadlocker, or anti-seize, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Removing Pedals with the Outer Chainring Exposed
When fitting, removing, or changing bike pedals, it's a good idea to have the chain on the biggest chainring. Having the chain cover the sharp teeth of the chainring can help prevent painful, knuckle-skinning experiences.
9. Neglecting Pedal Thread Greasing or Overtightening
Sticking with pedals, make sure you apply some anti-seize to the pedal threads prior to installation. If you don't grease them, you'll likely find it impossible to remove them in the future because they can seize in place. It's also critical not to overtighten pedals, as the act of pedaling effectively tightens them.
10. Ignoring Your Seatpost
A seized seatpost can spell all sorts of trouble. It's an easy component to forget about, given you rarely need to adjust it once you've correctly set your saddle height. In the worst-case scenario, you'll need to enlist the specialist services of a seatpost removal company (yes, these actually exist). It's best to remove the seatpost twice a year and clean it. If the seatpost and frame are metal, make sure you apply some anti-seize during installation. If any of the components are carbon fiber, you'll need to use carbon fiber grip paste instead.
11. Resting a Bike on Its Driveside
If the bike is leaned on the driveside, there's an increased likelihood of the derailleur hanger bending. The derailleur hanger is a sacrificial part between the frame's dropout and the rear derailleur, designed to bend or break to save your frame. A bent derailleur hanger can lead to poor and inaccurate shifting, with the chain potentially derailing into the spokes or driveside chainstay.
12. Not Replacing Bar Tape
Regularly replacing your handlebar tape may not seem like an important maintenance job, but if you ride frequently or you're into indoor cycling, it's wise to do this once or twice a year. If your handlebar is metal, the salt in your sweat can lead to oxidation. In extreme cases, it's not unheard of to witness handlebars failing due to corrosion. By periodically removing your old bar tape, you can inspect your handlebar and avoid the thoroughly unpleasant task of unraveling crusty old tape.
13. Riding Without Bar End Plugs
Whether you have a drop handlebar or a flat mountain bike handlebar, riding with bar end plugs is highly recommended. These are a safety feature, not simply cosmetic. If you were to fall while cycling, an unplugged handlebar end could act as a "cookie cutter" into your sternum, or worse. If your bar end plug falls out regularly, you could try applying some double-sided tape on its inside. Alternatively, you can upgrade to one that clamps in place with an expanding bung.
14. Neglecting Suspension Servicing
Suspension requires regular servicing to perform in tip-top condition. The components that make up the fork or shock are always moving when you ride, and the oils and seals should be kept fresh and clean. Servicing suspension stops any grit and grime that's made its way into your shock or fork from causing damage. Suspension manufacturers provide recommended specific service intervals; it's well worth noting these to ensure you give your suspension the necessary TLC. Proper suspension tuning can also help you eke out extra performance from your fork and shock.
15. Using Poor-Quality Tools
The age-old adage "Buy cheap, buy twice" couldn't be truer in the world of bicycle tools. A worn or poor-quality tool could lead to rounding a bolt, marring an interface, or even breaking a component or the tool itself. Higher-quality tools are manufactured to tighter tolerances, ensuring a snug and precise fit for the relevant job at hand.
Conclusion:
Avoiding these common bike maintenance mistakes can significantly impact your bicycle's durability, performance, and safety. Adopting correct maintenance practices and investing in appropriate tools not only prolongs the lifespan of your components but also allows you to fully enjoy every ride, reducing unexpected interruptions and workshop expenses.