Common bike problems explained: Advice from Bicycle Centre mechanics
Share
Whether you're commuting, hitting the trails or riding with the family, keeping your bike in good working order makes every ride safer and more enjoyable.
Quick answer
From dropping chains and rubbing brakes to poor gear shifting and worn tyres, most bike problems can be traced back to component wear, incorrect adjustment or overdue maintenance. In this article, Bicycle Centre mechanics answer some of the most common workshop questions and share practical tips to keep your bike performing at its best.
Here's what our mechanics get asked most often.
- Why does my bike chain keep falling off?
- Why are my brakes rubbing?
- Why won't my gears shift properly?
- How often should you service a bike?
- How often should you replace a bike chain?
- Do bike tyres expire?
Why does my bike chain keep falling off?
Few things are more frustrating than a chain that keeps dropping, especially when you're climbing a hill or accelerating away from the lights.
There are several common causes:
Worn Components
Over time, chains, cassette cogs and chainrings wear together. If one component becomes excessively worn, the chain may struggle to stay engaged properly.
Poor Gear Adjustment
Modern drivetrains rely on precise adjustment. If the derailleur is slightly out of alignment, the chain can overshift and fall off the chainring or cassette.
Bent Derailleur Hanger
A small impact, transport damage or a minor crash can bend the derailleur hanger, causing poor chain tracking.
Cross-Chaining
Running extreme gear combinations can increase drivetrain stress and make chain retention less reliable.
When should you see a mechanic?
If your chain falls off repeatedly, particularly under load, it's worth having the drivetrain inspected. Continuing to ride can cause premature wear and potentially damage your frame.
Why are my brakes rubbing?
Brake rub is one of the most common workshop complaints and often one of the easiest to fix.
Your rotor may be slightly bent
Disc brake rotors can become slightly warped through transportation, storage or minor impacts.
Even a small deviation can cause the rotor to contact the brake pads.
Caliper Alignment
Sometimes the brake caliper simply needs to be re-centred over the rotor.
This is a quick adjustment that can often eliminate rubbing immediately.
Wheel Installation
A wheel that isn't fully seated in the dropouts or axle interface can alter rotor alignment and create rubbing.
Dirty Pistons
Over time, brake pistons can become contaminated and fail to retract evenly, causing one brake pad to drag continually.
Should I Keep Riding?
Minor rotor rub isn't usually dangerous, but it can reduce efficiency, increase noise and accelerate pad wear.
If the rubbing is constant or worsening, it's time for a workshop inspection.
Why won't my gears shift properly?
Poor shifting is often the first sign that your bike needs attention.
Cable Stretch
On new bikes, gear cables naturally bed in during the first few rides, often requiring a small adjustment.
Dirty Drivetrain
Dirt, dust and old lubricant can interfere with smooth gear changes.
Regular cleaning can dramatically improve shifting performance.
Worn Chain
As chains wear, shifting becomes less precise and drivetrain wear accelerates.
Bent Derailleur Hanger
A hanger that's only a few millimetres out of alignment can have a noticeable effect on shifting quality.
The Good News
Most shifting issues can be resolved quickly with adjustment and servicing before more expensive components need replacing.
How often should you service a bike?
The answer depends on how often and where you ride.
Occasional Riders
If you're riding recreationally on weekends or bike paths, an annual service is typically sufficient.
Regular Riders
If you're riding several times per week for fitness or commuting, we recommend a service every 6 months.
Mountain Bikers
Trail riding exposes bikes to mud, dust, water and impacts.
Many mountain bikers benefit from servicing every 3-6 months depending on conditions and riding frequency.
E-Bikes
Because they often cover greater distances and place additional load on drivetrain components, regular inspections are especially important.
Signs your bike needs a service
- Noisy gears
- Poor shifting
- Brake rub
- Squeaking sounds
- Loose bearings
- Reduced braking performance
If something doesn't feel right, it's usually worth getting it checked before a minor issue becomes an expensive repair.
How often should you replace a bike chain?
Most riders wait too long.
A chain is one of the cheapest drivetrain components to replace, yet neglecting it can lead to much more expensive repairs.
Typical Replacement Intervals
For many recreational riders, a chain may last anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 kilometres depending on riding conditions, maintenance and riding style.
Why It Matters
As a chain wears and elongates, it accelerates wear on:
- Cassette
- Chainrings
- Pulley wheels
Replacing a worn chain early can significantly extend the life of the entire drivetrain.
Pro Tip
A simple chain wear gauge allows mechanics to identify wear before it becomes a costly problem.
Do Bike Tyres Expire?
Technically, yes.
Even tyres with plenty of tread can deteriorate over time.
Look For:
- Cracking rubber
- Discolouration
- Sidewall splitting
- Dry or brittle surfaces
UV Exposure
Bikes stored outdoors or in direct sunlight typically experience tyre degradation more quickly.
Age isn't the only factor
Factors affecting tyre lifespan include:
- Riding frequency
- Storage conditions
- Inflation pressure
- Terrain
If a tyre is showing signs of cracking or structural deterioration, replacement is recommended regardless of tread depth.
Keep your bike performing at its best
Most bike problems don't happen overnight. They're usually the result of normal wear and gradual changes that can be addressed before they become major repairs.
Regular servicing, routine inspections and replacing wear items at the right time can improve performance, increase safety and save money in the long run.
If you're unsure whether your bike needs attention, drop into your local Bicycle Centre store. Our workshop teams inspect and service thousands of bikes every year and can help keep yours running smoothly, whether it's a kids bike, commuter, road bike, mountain bike or e-bike.
Ready for a bike health check?
From quick adjustments and safety inspections to complete workshop services, the team at Bicycle Centre is here to help keep your bike running at its best.
- Expert mechanics
- Servicing for all bike types and brands
- Advice you can trust
- Australia-wide network of local bike shops