What to Do if Your Bicycle Breaks Down

Regular bicycle maintenance is the best way to keep your bicycle running smoothly but sometimes despite your best efforts, breakdowns happen. This guide tells you everything you need to know as being prepared as well as having the right bicycle insurance can make all the difference. With comprehensive cover in place, you'll enjoy peace of mind knowing you're always protected.

Common Causes of Bicycle Breakdowns

Understanding common causes will allow you to diagnose problems quickly and reduce the chances of them happening again.

Mechanical Wear and Tear

Over time bike parts naturally wear down from use. This could mean:

• Flat or damaged tyres whether it's a puncture due to a sharp object, worn tread or low tyre pressure.
• Worn brake pads reducing your braking power or causing squealing noises.
• Stretched or broken chains which can slip off or snap under pressure leading to insufficient pedalling.
• Worn drivetrain components - the cassette, chainrings and derailleurs degrade over time.
• Loose bolts or fasteners which can affect the handlebars, saddle and wheels.

Component Failures

Sometimes a single part fails and can cause a breakdown.

• Gear shifting issues; both misaligned derailleurs and worn cables can cause poor shifting.
• Broken spokes leading to wheel instability or wobbling.
• A cracked frame often the result of crashes or long-term stress on your bike. This is more common in aluminum and carbon frames.
• Pedal or crank arm damage as a consequence of impact or over-tightening.

Poor Maintenance

Poor bicycle maintenance and irregular care increases the likelihood of breaking down:

• Rust and corrosion especially on chains, bolts and cables.
• Accumulated grime and a dirty drivetrain can cause inefficient pedaling and wear.
• Neglected lubrication that leaves chains and bearings dry leading them to wear out faster.

Environment and Usage

How, where and the frequency you ride also plays a role.

• Overloading your bike and carrying too much weight can strain components.
• Frequently riding on rough terrain increases wear on the suspension, tyres and frame.
• Improper storage - leaving a bike in damp or sun-exposed areas can degrade materials.

Essential Tools Every Cyclist Must Carry

Having the right kit means that if your bike does breakdown it doesn't have to be ride-ending. Carry the following:

• Mini pump or CO2 inflator to reinflate your tyres - the type you need depends on the tyres you have on your bike.
• Spare inner tube and puncture repair kit as a quick fix for flats.
• Multi-tool with a chain breaker.
• Tyre lever to make changing tyres easier.
• Quick chain link - an essential if your chain snaps.
• Lights and reflective gear as even if you're cycling in daylight, you may need visibility if repairs take longer than expected and it gets dark.

Stay Safe

Even with the best tools at hand, the first priority when your bike breaks down should be ensuring your safety, before diagnosing the issue and attempt repairs.

Firstly, move off the road or cycle path to a safe spot.

If you are riding in low light, ensure you are visible. This might mean turning on your bike lights or putting on a reflective vest.

If you are on a busy road, you’ll need to avoid attempting repairs until you are in a quieter, safer place.

Determine the Nature of the Breakdown

Now you are in a safe place, you should take a moment to figure out what's wrong.

• Tyres & Wheels - Is the tyre flat, bulging or rubbing against the frame? Spin the wheel to check for punctures or loose spokes.
• Chain & Drivetrain - Has the chain slipped off, stiffened or snapped? Listen for grinding or clicking sounds.
• Brakes - Are the brakes too loose, rubbing or not engaging properly? Inspect cables, pads, and alignment.
• Gears - If shifting feels rough or unresponsive, check whether the derailleur is bent, the cable is loose or the chain is stuck.
• Frame & Handlebars - Look for cracks, bends, or bolts that may have worked loose.

In diagnosing the problem first, you'll know whether you can fix it at the road or trailside or if you need to abandon your ride altogether.

How to Fix Common Bike Breakdowns

After determining the nature of your break down you might be able to fix them. Here are the common problems and how to fix them.

Tyres and Wheels

If you have a flat tyre, bulging sidewall or the wheel is rubbing against the frame you can try the following fixes to see if it improves the situation.

1. If the tyre is flat, you should remove the wheel and tyre using tyre levers.
2. Then take out the inner tube and check for punctures.
3. Patch the tube or replace it with a spare.
4. Run your fingers around the inside of the tyre to check for sharp debris before reinflating it.
5. Pump up the tyre to the recommended PSI - this will be printed on the side closest to where it touches the rim.

Chain and Drivetrain

If the chain has slipped off, the link is stiff or the chain has snapped then try the following:

1. If the chain has slipped, lift it onto the correct chainring and cassette cog by hand.
2. If a link is stiff, flex the chain side-to-side until it moves freely.
3. If the chain has snapped, use a chain tool to remove the damaged link and reconnect with a quick link or a spare link.

Brakes

If your brakes are rubbing, too loose or they're not engaging, then deploy the following fixes.

1. Fix rubbing brakes by squeezing the brake levers and checking the pad alignment. To adjust, use the small bolts on the brake arms.
2. If the brakes feel spongy or too loose, tighten the cable using the barrel adjuster on the lever or the caliper.
3. If your brake pads are worn you will need to replace them at the earliest opportunity.

Gears

Gears that aren't shifting smoothly, or if the chain is skipping, or you are having derailleur issues can be resolved with these fixes:

1. Gears that aren't shifting can be fixed by turning the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or shifter to fine-tune cable tension.
2. If the chain skips, make sure the derailleur hanger isn't bent. If it bent, you will need to get this fixed by a professional.
3. When you get home clean the dirt from the derailleur and lubricate the chain, this will make for smoother shifting.

Frame and Handlebars

Loose bolts, wobbly handlebars or visible cracks may also be able to fixed at the road or trail-side.

1. Use a multi-tool to tighten bolts on the stem, handlebars and seat post.
2. If you notice a crack in the frame you should stop cycling immediately as cracked frames are unsafe and will require a professional repair or replacement.
3. Minor adjustments will need you to realign the bar with the front wheel before tightening.

What to Do Once You're Home

Fixing your bike so that gets you moving again is great but once you're home it's definitely worth taking a closer look.

Clean your bike first as not only can grit and dirt damage your components, it will also allow you to be able to see any other problems a lot easier.

Now you can double check any repairs and make sure they're holding. If the fixes you did earlier were only temporary i.e. you may have patched a tube rather than replacing then now is the time to administer more permanent fixes.

If you have spotted cracks, bent parts or issues you cannot fix yourself, it's a good idea to book your bike in for repairs at a bike shop.

Don't forget to also replace and restock your kit so you are prepared for your next bike ride.

Preventing Breakdowns in Future

Breakdowns do happen but regular bike maintenance goes a really long way. Basic bicycle maintenance includes:

• Keeping your tyres properly inflated
• Cleaning and lubricating your chain
• Checking your brake pads and cables regularly

Bicycle Insurance

Even with lots of preparation and maintenance, breakdowns can leave you stranded left with only costly ways home as well as facing equally costly repairs. This is where an Eversure bicycle insurance policy steps in. You can add on coverage for bicycle breakdowns which means hat if you have an accident rendering your bicycle unusable, we will cover the cost of up to £350 to transfer you home, to the nearest bike repair shop, railway station, car hire firm or hotel.

Final Thoughts

Bicycle breakdowns don't have to ruin your ride as with the right equipment, a bit of know-how and quick fixes as well as good bicycle insurance, you'll be ready to get back onto two wheels in no time.