Fixing bike problems during and after an MTB ride is something you’ll need to become accustomed to, any mountain biker may know these issues are part and parcel of the sport.
Ensure your bike is fully serviced before a big ride or MTB stage race will prevent any major mishaps, but things happen and it’s better to be prepared for any bumps on the road.
Don’t be embarrassed when something goes wrong on a ride, it happens to the best of us! Have the essential tools ready, watch the videos, ask an expert, and learn on the go.
If you’re new to the sport, acquaint yourself with the basics of how to fix a puncture and attach a slipped chain, as these are the most common problems you’ll face during a stage race or a casual ride.
Essential tools to take with you on a ride:
Apart from the more obvious signs of a flat tyre, look out for signs of a small puncture or deflation if your bike feels like it’s slipping or washing out.
Repeated flats is mostly caused by low tyre pressure, when the inner tube gets caught between the tyre and the rim, it may just be something that is stuck in the wheel causing a puncture, or a loose spoke.
Chain issues are common and quite easy to fix. Most of the time it’s a slipped chain and won’t require any tools. Sometimes the issue can be a chain that’s too long or a link that is tight and needs lube.
A loose pedal crankarm is the likely culprit of a noisy pedal. Remove the bolts, lubricate them, and tightly reattach.
Squeaky brakes are often the cause of dust or debris stuck on the brake pads. Cleaning them with acetone, you may solve this problem easily. Stubborn dirt may cause persistent noise however, can be removed by sanding them down slightly with a fine grit sanding paper.
Squeaky wheels are mostly cause by your bikes spokes, which can be fixed by either lubricating them or tightening loose spokes with a spoke wrench.
There you have it, the most common issues faced by riders on the trails. Watch the videos and practice fixing the squeaks and oiling the leaks in preparation for your next (or first) event!
Even if you don’t learn how to fix all the issues on your own, you can always count on fellow riders to help you out, mountain bikers are a friendly bunch!
The Sabie Xperience, a three-day stage race set in the charming forests of Sabie, is mostly known for its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, but there’ll be no shortage of social riders willing to offer help on your ride should you need it. They also have self-help tech stations along the route that contain all necessary equipment to help you fix any bike problems.
Entries for the SabieXperience2023 are open, so don’t miss out on a great weekend of family-fun, craft stalls, gin and beer tasting, kiddies’ rides, and live entertainment!
Zero-interest, extended payment plans are available.
Thanks for reading to the end! Here’s a bonus recap to help you become a Master MTB Creak Hunter:
The Sabie Xperience is an Affordable Stage Race for the whole family. We are proud to boast with the most beautiful and well organised family stage race in the world.
