Three Most Common Problems with Bicycle Parts in Boca Raton, FL—and How to Fix Them

Owning a bike requires regular maintenance to ensure it stays in good condition and is safe for the road. Proper maintenance and care is crucial, especially for people who ride everyday for pleasure or as part of their commute. And while many bicycle issues are normal and minor—like a wiggly seat or squeaky brakes—others may need the touch of a professional bike repair shop.

However, you can always see if you can fix the issue before calling a bicycle repair shop. Here are three of the most common problems you’ll run into with bicycle parts in Boca Raton, FL, and how to fix them.

Inflating the tires

If you keep getting flat tires, but there are no obvious signs of damage, then your tires might be underinflated, there could be debris inside the tubes or they may not have been installed the right way.

In the case of low tire pressure, the tube pinches against the rim—this is called a pinch flat. The side of your tire will have a recommended PSI range. If you are inflating within this range, the problem could be that a foreign object has punctured the tire or is lodged between the tire and the rim. Check for objects before inflating a new tube.

Aligning the wheels

So, you recently fixed a flat tire, but now it’s rubbing against one of the brake pads. You’ve probably accidentally done what a lot of people do: you reinstalled your wheel incorrectly, and now it’s crooked.

Sliding the skewer out completely to remove the wheel means you likely dropped one of the skewer springs or put it back in the wrong way. Skewer springs are the parts that keep your wheel centered, and you don’t have to remove them all the way to take a wheel off. The narrow side of the spring goes next to the hub, so check that first. Whenever you are working on your bike wheels, be sure to keep the bike on the ground to ensure proper alignment.

Degreasing the chain

If your bike chain is not shifting as it should and it skips, you might have too much lube on it. Chain lube or grease is sticky, so any dirt, grime or debris will stick to it if it can. Lube should be on the inside of the chain, not the outside.

Get a degreaser made specifically for bicycles, and the right gadgets to clean the chain. In a pinch, you can use mild dish soap and water and a toothbrush. What you need to do is thoroughly clean, rinse and dry your bike chain and cassette and then, while turning the cranks backwards, apply a single drop of lube on each roller. Grip the outer side of the chain with a clean cloth and rotate the cranks again. Do this until the excess lube is removed.

No matter how big or small your bike problem may be, when you’re unsure what the issue is or don’t how to fix it yourself, leave repairs to the professionals at Bicycle Doctor Inc. – House Calls. We also have access to replacement bike parts in Boca Raton, FL!

Categorised in: Bike Parts

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