Common Bike Problems...

We've found there tends to be a core of very common problems experienced by our readers. We hope this page will save both your sanity and your wallet.

Skipping Chain

Can be caused by: worn cassette, worn chain, bent derailleur hanger, gear indexing

Q. How do I know what's causing it?

Steps to Diagnosis

- It only skips under load (i.e. when you're pedalling hard or standing up) = Worn cassette/chain

- It only skips in a couple of gears = Poor gear indexing

- Rear derailleur hanger isn't parallel to bike = Bent rear derailleur hanger

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Slow Puncture

Can be caused by: loose/faulty valve core, hidden sharps,

Q. How do I find out what's causing it?

- Check the inside of the tyre for sharp bits that could be causing the puncture

- ALWAYS line up the tyre logo with your wheel logos when changing tubes/tyres. That lets you pin point exactly where the problem is occuring

- Use a bucket of water and look for bubbles. Don't forget to check the valve as well.