Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist smashing the Tarka Trail every weekend or someone who just wants their old bike rideable for a trip to the shops, this one’s for you. I wanted to share what’s actually keeping me busy right now with mobile bike repair around Braunton, because chances are, if you’re reading this, your bike might need the same thing.
I’m Dan, and I run Dan’s Bike Workshop, a local Braunton bike shop that comes to you. Most of the time, I’m rolling up to driveways, sorting out niggly problems, and getting folks back on two wheels without them having to load their bike into the car or wait a week for a shop to fit them in.
So, what am I actually seeing out there right now? Let me break it down.
1. Flat tyres
Always going to be one of the top issues on bikes especially this time of year when the hedges get cut down! On the tarka trail at the moment there is a lot of thorns about from the side clearing!
I had a customer last week that got 2 punctures on both bikes in a matter of minutes. Im not one to shy away from a little ride so i headed down the trail on my bike to sort them out.
The good news? This is one of those bicycle repair jobs I can almost always do right there on your driveway or out on the road. No need to take your bike away, no waiting around. You can literally watch me work while you have a cuppa.
Top tip: If you’re noticing you are getting punctures in quick succession double check when you last changed the tube that you haven’t left in a thorn in the tyre – they can sometimes be hard to pinpoint so double check both on the inside and outside of the tyre with your fingers.
2. Chain Slipping
Another one I’m getting called out for all the time is Chain slip.
Especially with the bad weather we have been having chains can wear down quickly which is the most common cause of chain slipping, in particular when it slips under pressure (The most common sign).
Another job which is easily done on site – I’ll measure your chain and diagnose the issue straight away. If your chain is warn its most likely your cassette is as well (they wear together) so its best to change them both. If the chain is not warn then i will look into tuning the gears. Sometimes it can also be the free hub that is slipping.
I mention to riders its always good practice to look after your chain as you will get the most milage out of your drivechain that way.
Top tip: Get yourself some decent degreaser (we use Mucoff) and clean your chain and cassette after each ride. Spray some decreaser onto a cloth, run the chain through to clean. After it’s cleaned up apply a fresh coat of chain lube (wet for wet weather, dry for dry weather). If you just lube the chain and not clean it’ll just get clogged up a lot easier.
3. Brake Rubbing
Another one thats unfortunately a common one on bikes, a simple knock to your Caliper or a wheel that needs truing can cause brake rub.
Don’t worry though as it’s usually a quick fit. A simple tweak to the v-brake or a bend of a disc will sort out the rub. If your brake is constantly rubbing then it may be a stiff cable that needs changing.
Over the summer period we meet a lot of family’s with these issues from putting bikes in the cars and they get knocked. not to worry as im not set to one location, i can come to your campsite, holiday home or mid ride to sort it out.
Top tip: When transporting your bike make sure your caliper or disc brakes are protected for other objects, a simple cardboard box is usually enough to protect during transporting.
4. Bottom Bracket Click
This one’s a bit more niche, but I’ve had a few more call outs for this recently due to the bad weather.
When theres a click on your bike it’s one of those super annoying things. And yes it can come from anywhere. If you gets clicks constantly when peddling under pressure then the usually culprit is the bottom bracket. The bearings inside get slight movement which causes the noise.
There is a silly number of bottom bracket styles and sizes on the market. Usually i’ll assess the click and check the bottom bracket style then order (usually next day). I won’t cause any damage a click in your bottom bracket so your welcome to ride the bike for a day or 2 before i come back or im always happy to take the bike and return to you when it arrives.
I’ll always talk though the issues on your bike and show you how i check. this helps you understand the issues and why its happened.
5. Gear Indexing
Rounding out the list is Gear Indexing.
As bikes come out of garages when the weather gets better then indexing is a common one. Even having your bike sat around for months can cause cable stretch due to the pressure on the cable. A simple tweak is usually enough to sort it out.
Another simple mobile mechanic job. I’ll come to you and usually within half an hour you’ll be on the road.
It’s always satisfying to go from a bike thats struggling to get in any gears to a smooth riding machine in a quick amount of time.
Top tip: When storing your bike always put your derailleurs to the bottom gears (small cogs on front and back). This means theres no strain on the cable when being stored so the chance of cable stretch is very slim.
When Small Jobs Become Bigger Projects
Most of the time, these small jobs stay small. I turn up, sort it out, and you’re riding again the same day.
But sometimes, when I’m doing bicycle repair on site, I’ll spot something that needs more attention: Such as cables needing replaced or seazed spokes that need sorting.
When that happens, I’ll always chat with you about it. If it needs more major work, I’ll take it back to my workshop in Braunton, give it the proper time and attention it deserves, and bring it back to you when it’s ready.
I’m always honest but give you the option to do what you want – no pushy sales here!
Need Bike Repairs Near Me? I’ve Got You Covered
If any of this sounds familiar: Flat tyres, Chain slipping or gears jumping: don’t let it sit. The longer these things are left, the worse (and more expensive) they tend to get.
I cover Braunton, Barnstaple, Woolecombe, Bideford and surrounding areas, and I’m always happy to help. Whether it’s a quick fix on your driveway or something that needs more love back at the workshop, just get in touch and book a slot.
Thanks for reading and hopefully see you soon to get your bike on the road!
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