5 Steps for Bicycle Repair

If you are a bike rider, then you know how freeing it can be to drive around Dublin and not sit in traffic, fight for a parking spot or wait in line to fill your tank with gasoline. However, even though you have the less stressful transportation, you aren’t free from the repairs often needed.

Whether your bicycle is six months old or six years old, you should always be prepared when your bike has a problem. While some bike problems are small and can be easily fixed, some are large and will require a bicycle repair by an expert.

Here is an easy guide of 5 steps to get your bicycle repaired and back on the road:

STEP 1: LOCATE THE PROBLEM

If your bike is damaged, you will probably first notice it when you try to ride it. Perhaps the wheels won’t spin or your bike is wobbly or maybe it just feels uncomfortable. When this happens, hop off your bike a give it a good look over. First and foremost, look at your tires: are they flat or deflated? Is there a rip in the tire or a nail stuck into it? Is the chain still connected? Are the spindles bent? For complex issues, visit store websites like BikesOrBicycles.com.

STEP 2: DETERMINE IF YOU CAN FIX IT

Once you know what the problem is, you will need to figure out if you are able to fix it on your own. Small problems like a nail in your tire or a loose handlebar can be fixed easily, while larger problems such as a bent rim or a broken seat may require a professional bicycle repair. Be sure to use the internet as a resource or even pick up a bike repair manual and get a good idea of what the repair would entail.

If your bike is fairly new, contact the bike shop you bought it from because it may still be under warranty. The same is true if you recently had a repair or had work done on it. Even if the repair is not covered, the bike shop may be able to give you some insight on the problem and advise if it something you can fix on your own.

STEP 3: FIX WHAT YOU CAN

Some bike problems can be fixed by you, especially if you are a handy person. Fixing whatever you can, can save you a great deal of money that you would have spent on labour costs. However, only fix what you feel confident in fixing. Putting air in a tire, pulling out a nail and patching it, and tightening the seat are all easy fixes.

More complicated repairs such as damage to the frame or a problem that you can’t even pinpoint the cause will require a trip to a bike shop. If you don’t feel confident then its best to go to a professional. After all, if you unsuccessfully try to fix your bike on your own, you may cause more damage than the original problem. Instead of saving you some money as intended, you will end up costing yourself much more in multiple repair costs.

In addition, if the same problems keep happening after you fix them; it is likely that there is a bigger problem that you aren’t aware of. In this case, a professional bike repairer is the best solution. Otherwise, you will keep repairing the same problem that will waste your time, money and possibly even cause a bigger problem.

STEP 4: BRING TO A PROFESSIONAL

If your bicycle repair is too complicated for you to handle, or even if you just don’t have the time, it is time to bring it to a professional. There are many bicycle repair shops in Dublin that you can bring your bike to but you should do your research first. A quick internet search will give you a list of your options. Check out a few of their websites and look to see if they do repairs. A reputable company will give a list of their most common repairs and the amount they charge for them.

Once you find a shop that you can bring your bike to, give them a call and verify that they can handle your repair. Most shops prefer you make an appointment but many of them can fit you in right away if you need your bike fixed quickly. When you drop off your bike, verify the approximate price for the repair and turnaround time. When you pick up your bike, make sure the problem has been fixed to your satisfaction before you pay.

The biggest benefits of bringing your bike to a professional are that you don’t have to waste your own time trying to fix your bike, and you can be assured that your bike will be fixed correctly. They will also be able to determine if there is a secondary problem that caused the persisting problem, which you may not have noticed on your own.

STEP 5: MAINTAIN REPAIRS

Many bike problems can be prevented by bringing your bicycle in for regular maintenance every so often. Even if it is just to put air in your tires and give it a good look over, it is worth taking preventative care of your bike so you can avoid many unexpected problems. This can actually save you a great deal of money in the long run since it is cheaper to prevent a problem than it is to fix it.

However, preventative care won’t prevent all problems since there are problems that can’t be avoided, especially if you have an accident with your bike. In this case, at least you will already have an established relationship with a bicycle repair shop who knows the repair history of your bike.

In the end, you must use your best judgment when you need a bike repair. Handling small fixes on your own can save you time and money; while having a professional handle big fixes can ensure you get your bike back quickly and expertly fixed. The sooner you can get back on your bike, the sooner you can get back to your everyday life.

I write on many diffrent topics. Follow me to read all great articles.