Bicycles are a vehicle that has been around for a long time and is used by a wide community. Along with the times, the design of this vehicle has also changed from year to year. It can be seen from various bicycle models from the beginning of their appearance until now that they have undergone various forms of changes.
There are several types of bicycles on the market. However, you must remember that there are some damages to the bicycle that can occur. The following is an explanation of the damage that often occur to bicycles:
1. Loose Bottom Bracket
The bracket is one of the components of bicycle that connects the chainset and the bicycle frame. If this part is loose, it can be tightened again.
However, if it happens repeatedly, sometimes you are advised to replace the bottom bracket with a new one, so that the bicycle can be pedaled smoothly.
2. Broken Chain Guard
Chain guards are enclosures for bicycle chains that are commonly found on utility bikes. If the chain guard breaks, it is better to buy a new one.
Today there are many online shops that sell quality guard chains at very affordable prices. The specifications for the generic part category is 75 grams.
3. Slack Pedal
The bicycle pedal functions as a footrest when pedaling, but there can be pedal problems such as loose pedals. If this happens then you can make improvements by providing an L number 6 wrench, 8 quasi keys, screwdrivers, rags and grease.
The way to do this is to open the cover of the pedal with the key L number 6, turn it counterclockwise. Use a screwdriver to pry the ring gently until it comes off. Open the nut with lock key number 8, then check if the pedal rod is damaged or not, if it is damaged, immediately repair it.
4. Troubled Gear
The gears have a function for the utilization of energy from the bicycle. The gears may become misaligned, causing disruption of the bike’s operation. The ways to deal with misaligned gears are:
- Lift the bicycle
- Look for a bicycle derailleur
- Move the chain at every gear
- Manage cables
- Shift the gear into the problematic position
- Loosen the cable if the chain does not shift
- Tighten the cable if the chain doesn’t move up in gear
- Return to the low gear position and try to move up and down the teeth
5. Loose Bicycle Chain
The next type of bicycle damage is a loose or sagging bicycle chain. The bicycle chain is a component that allows the bicycle to be pedaled and the tires move. In the case of loose bicycle chains, some ways you can do are:
- Facing the bicycle up
- Pay attention to the two bicycle derailleurs
- Refine the bicycle chain to its original position
- Pedal slowly to bring the chain back around the teeth, doing it until the chain clicks into place
6. Stretched Shifter Cable
Shifter cables or also known as shifting cables, these cables require a precision pull and are more flexible. This cable can become stretched, if that happens you can do the tightening again. In addition, if the shifter cable is damaged, it is also a good idea to replace it immediately.
7. Dry Drivetrain
The drivetrain has a function to increase the pace of the bicycle and make the bicycle comfortable to ride. If there is damage such as a dry drivetrain, what you can do is apply lubricant.
So every 80 to 240 km lubricate the chain with an overflow chain. A good chain overflow is a No Drip from Finish Line which provides clean results, saves time and is effective in lubricating chain joints.
8. Loose Rear Wheels
The rear wheel on a bicycle functions as a brake to stop the bicycle by turning the pedal towards the back. If the rear wheel is loose it can cause the braking process to be ineffective. Therefore, if the rear wheels are loose, then the rear wheels can be tightened.
9. Broken Mud Protector
The next type of bicycle damage is a broken mud shield. The mudguard has a function to protect the stanchion fork from splashing mud while on the road.
The material of this mudguard is made of ABS carbon fiber with a weight of 100 grams. If the mudguard breaks, then you can make repairs by replacing the broken shield.
10. Loose Saddle
Saddle is also called a seat on a bicycle. This seat serves to provide riding comfort for users when using a bicycle.
The most common problem with this part is a loose saddle. If the saddle is loose, you can secure it back to its place. You can bring your bicycle to the repair shop or do it yourself.
Those are some explanations about the types of damage that often occur to a bicycle. Some of the damages can be fixed, but if you’re unfortunate, you need to replace the damaged part with a new one.
In addition, damage to bicycles can also be prevented by doing bicycle maintenance regularly. If you can take care of it properly, then the damage will rarely be encountered.