DIY Bicycle Repairs

Most people know how to ride a bicycle, but not everyone knows how to perform basic repairs on one. These days, it can be difficult and expensive to take your bicycle to a shop every time something goes wrong.

That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to perform some simple bicycle repairs at home.

With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you can get your bicycle back up and running in no time!

Flat Tires

One of the most common problems faced by cyclists is flat tires. A flat tire can ruin your whole day, but thankfully, they’re easy to fix!

All you need is a new inner tube (which can be purchased at any bike shop) and a pump. To change the inner tube, first remove the wheel from the frame of the bike.

Then, use a tire lever (or your fingers) to pry the tire off of the wheel. Once the tire is off, deflate the old inner tube completely and remove it from the tire.

Next, insert the new tube into the tire and inflate it to the recommended pressure. Finally, put the tire back on the wheel and reattach it to the frame. And that’s it—you’re good to go!

Minor Brake Adjustments

Another common issue with bicycles is brakes that are too loose or too tight. If your brakes are too loose, they won’t stop you as effectively as they should. On the other hand, if they’re too tight, they may rub against the wheel and cause premature wear.

Luckily, brake adjustments are easy to make yourself. First, check that your brake pads are properly aligned with the wheels—they should be perpendicular to the ground and level with each other.

If they’re not, use a hex key to adjust them until they are. Next, check that your brake cables are tight enough by pulling on them lightly—they should have some give but shouldn’t be completely slack.

If they’re too loose, use a cable clamp to tighten them up until they’re snug. Lastly, test your brakes by riding around slowly at first and then increasing your speed until you feel confident that they’re working properly.

Conclusion

With just a little bit of knowledge and some basic tools, you can easily perform many simple repairs on your bicycle at home!

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty—it’s cheaper and more satisfying than taking your bike into a shop every time something goes wrong. Happy tinkering!