Bike repairs should be few and far between when you regularly maintain your bike. Most repairs become necessary because of erratic maintenance. Some repairs come as a necessity because your bike is aging and to keep it on the road some essential replacements will need to happen.
Because mountain biking in and around Farnham is popular, the demand for repairs is not uncommon. Most bike routes in the immediate area have been developed by regular local riders and can be found on biking forums. The Alice Holt route is the best know local route that has been formally established. All other routes are known and have been developed because of cyclist exploration.
Routes in Farnham such as the North Downs route, are popular and are appropriate for newcomers and experienced mountain bikers alike. The North Downs route is longer than average and additional time should be allocated especially for beginners.
Farnham Mountain Bike Routes
Accidents and poor maintenance are the two main causes that lead to the need to repair your bike. In some very rare cases manufacturing failures will be the root and warranties will cover this. Warranties however can be considered void, if the bike has not been cared for according to the manufacturers regulations.
Small biking groups are growing in the area surrounding Farnham, largely due to the eco-friendly nature of the sport as well as affordability.
The surrounding countryside has provided a resource for leisure mountain bikers, who otherwise spend their week, commuting to London to go to work. Local train routes that terminate at Waterloo have made living in proximity both to the city and cycling routes a great option for local mountain biking enthusiasts.
Mountain Bike Repair
Mountain bikes may not be motorised, but that nevertheless have a lot that can go wrong with them. Even the novice rider knows that they will need to be prepared for a puncture or a broken chain. Mountain bikes are made to be sturdy and therefore certain parts are likely to wear out long before the bike has reached its expiry date. There are bikes that are still in use decades since manufacture.
Common repair considerations will be the seat, the chain and handlebar grips. There are times when a beloved bike might require some welding which should always be left to the professionals. As Mountain bikes have evolved especially over the last few decades, the metals and metal alloys that they have been made from has changed and they have become lighter and more agile. This also requires an expert when a frame repair becomes necessary.
Mountain Bike warranties require maintenance
Just because a warranty has expired does not mean that a bike should relegated to the recycling bin. Most bikes can be repaired cost efficiently unless they really have seen the wrong of a combine harvester! Keeping your bike maintained will also been reduced cost when repairs become necessary as some parts may be possibly refurbished and reused rather than replaced.
Repairing your Mountain Bike
If your bike suddenly doesn’t feel right, or doesn’t seem to cope with corners or the downhill ride it should be inspected for possible mechanical failure. To avoid sudden surprises, you should check bike once over after a ride, even if you know you won’t have the time to repair it. This means that you will be aware of a problem before deciding to ride again. Getting it looked at before the next ride, will also ensure your safety.
Keeping your bike clean will reduce the need for repairs. While it may seem a bit strange, dirt can damage a bike. Old bits of much can damage the chain, cogs and chain rings. Dirt can harden and create problems with cables and braking mechanisms too.
A proper bike inspection cannot take place when the bike is dirty, and you may not be able to notice a problem until it is too late. Classic repair issues arise in the wheels and tires because of a failure to recognise them when the bike is dirty.
Repairing your Mountain Bike
If your bike suddenly doesn’t feel right, or doesn’t seem to cope with corners or the downhill ride it should be inspected for possible mechanical failure. To avoid sudden surprises, you should check bike once over after a ride, even if you know you won’t have the time to repair it. This means that you will be aware of a problem before deciding to ride again. Getting it looked at before the next ride, will also ensure your safety.
Keeping your bike clean will reduce the need for repairs. While it may seem a bit strange, dirt can damage a bike. Old bits of much can damage the chain, cogs and chain rings. Dirt can harden and create problems with cables and braking mechanisms too.
A proper bike inspection cannot take place when the bike is dirty, and you may not be able to notice a problem until it is too late. Classic repair issues arise in the wheels and tires because of a failure to recognise them when the bike is dirty.
Brakes
Brake repairs are critical. If your brakes are faulty you should not be riding your bike. Period. While most brake problems arise gradually and can be addressed by servicing, and accident while out may cause damage that you do not recognise. Your life may depend on the reliability of your brakes and they are one of the least expensive repairs and replacements to invest in. if you really don’t have time between rides, then Spokes and Spanners will be able to arrange a repair.
Structural integrity
If your bike suffers structural damage while you are out, or you have an accident, check it before you get in the saddle again. It is extremely dangerous to ride a bike that has been structurally compromised. Often some welding together with the replacement of some parts will save the bike from the scrapheap if the problem is dealt with immediately. One of the most dangerous issues to arise for you while you are cycling is failure due to structural damage.
Chainrings, Cogs and the chain
With chains, chainrings and cogs there is one simple rule. Keep them clean. Apart from the fact that dirt is one the greatest culprits in bringing about damage, if the chain and related mechanisms are so dirty that you can’t see where the associated damage may be, you could find yourself having to replace everything. Repairs are always more cost effective than replacement.
Lubrication
When moving parts fail and require repair or replacement, it is usually because they have not been lubricated. Once a moving part is failing very rarely will belated lubrication resolve the problem, even temporarily. Quite often moving parts work together and rely on others for a system to work. When a moving part has broken down repair and replace quickly to prevent cumulative damage from occurring.
Tightening
Believe it or not, it is in fact possible to over tighten your nuts and bolts. In some parts of the mountain bike’s infrastructure, this could have been exerting too much pressure or tension on parts that result in referred damage elsewhere. Damage that has occurred because the parts have been too tight should be addressed and you should raise awareness amongst those that service or help with looking after your bike. Loose nuts and bolts also cause problems, as parts can suddenly fall apart while you are descending a ravine or across some difficult terrain. When in doubt ask us at Spokes and Spanners and we’ll let you know.
The saddle
As a bike gets older, it may still have years left in it, but the saddle is sometimes the first major repair of an older bike. The saddle experiences a lot of wear and tear and the material is likely to eventually wear thin or come off altogether. Repairing and replacing the saddle will give your bike a few extra years before retirement.
The suspension
There are so many things that go wrong with a bikes suspension. Because there are different types of suspension if you are unfamiliar with your bikes construction, it is best to call in the professionals with a suspension issue. Suspension problems that are left unaddressed will eventually lead to structural failure which will put you at risk. Quite often a suspension problem can be fixed inexpensively. Call your bike specialist at Spokes and Spanners to assess the problem.
Preventions is better than cure
Servicing your bike regularly, with checks and adjustments where appropriate after every ride, weekly, monthly and annually on the whole will prevent costly repairs. When repairs become necessary, having them done, before damage becomes cumulatively worse should be the next plan of action. Mountain Bikes that are neglected not only in terms of maintenance, but even when minor repairs are necessary, do not enjoy the lifespan of those that are cared for.
Mountain Bike repairs in Farnham, Surrey
A bike that requires repair should not be ridden until the repair has been completed. To do so would be to invite an accident. Just because you may spend more time on your bike crossing terrain rather than on the roads does not mean that you are not vulnerable.
If you are unsure about an issue with your bike, be it a maintenance issue or a pending repair contact us at Spokes and Spares and we’ll be happy to discuss the way forward.