A mountain bike can experience specific problems like any other sporting equipment. A mountain bike will develop problems depending on factors such as how it is used, where it is used, its type, and the rider’s maintenance habits. The best way to prevent mountain bike problems is to
- Know how they happen,
- Why they occur, and
- What can be done to correct them?
Problems with mountain bikes include jammed chains, gear jumping, broken chains, skipping chains, clunking noises, stiff chains, misaligned chains, and slipped derailleurs.
There are some problems that are common to all mountain bikes, irrespective of the type of bike, the way it is used, and how it is maintained. As a MTB rider, it is crucial to know MTB Maintenance: How to Fix Common Issues on the Trail?
Read More: 10 Best Mountain Bike Sunglasses: Protect Your Eyes On MTB Riding.
What Are The Common Issues On Mountain Bike On Trail?
There are some common issues on the MTB Trail . Now I am describing these problems with reason and solutions. Let’s go through
1. Chain Problems On Mountain Bikes
A mountain bike chain is constantly in contact with the drivetrain, causing friction. Inefficient pedaling causes friction, which leads to energy loss and drivetrain wear. Here are the causes and solutions to other common bike chain problems.
#Chain Jam On Mountain Bike
When your mountain bike chain cannot move through the gears as you pedal, you have a jammed chain. In mountain bikes, a jammed chain occurs when the chain gets stuck between the cassettes of the rear gear and the derailleur.
A jammed bike chain can be caused by insufficient lubricant on the chain or an improperly aligned derailleur.
- Solution
Derailleur alignment tools like this can fix this problem. To fix a jammed bike chain, carefully untangle it from the gear and fix it back onto the cassette.
#Slipping Mountain Bike Chains
If a bike chain slips off the rockets without the rider changing gears, it slides off the selected cog. Riders could lose control of their bikes due to a sudden jolt. The Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Safety Report explains that chain-related accidents account for a large proportion of bicycle accidents.
Chain slipping can be caused by a worn-out or loose chain, worn-out cassette teeth, excessive lubrication, a dirty gear system, and a rear derailleur that is not aligned properly.
- Solution
A worn-out chain and cassette should be replaced. Use a kit to clean your bike chain and gears regularly. Ensure that the chain is aligned with the derailleur as well.
#Mountain Bike Chain Broken
A broken bike chain makes your bike unusable. There are many reasons a chain can break, including a worn-out cassette, worn-out chain, too short and tight chain, or one that shifts.
- Solution
Remove the broken link from your mountain bike chain if it keeps breaking. Reconnect the chain with a master link or a pin. To fix a broken bike chain, you need a chain tool, a chain link, a replacement chain, and chain lube.
#Mountain Bike Chain Skipping
Skipping bike chains are commonly caused by worn-out or loose chains, worn-out teeth on cassettes and cogs, dirt chains, faulty gear cables, or a misaligned derailleur.
- Solution
The least expensive repair is to replace a worn-out or loose chain. The chain should be properly aligned with the derailleur and fitted to the rear and front gears. To reduce wear on your bike chain and gears, clean and lubricate them often.
#Chain On Bike Is Stiff
Bicycle chains stick and click as they rotate. You need to exert a lot of force on the pedals for your bike to move. Lack of maintenance of a bike chain, especially when not in use, causes stiffness. Rust can also stiffen a chain. Several chain lubes like this one protect chains from rust.
- Solution
To fix a stiff chain, it is evidently necessary to clean and lubricate it properly. It is a good idea to clean the gear system as often as possible if you won’t be using the bike for a while.
#Chain Misaligned
A misaligned chain can jam gears and cause the chain to jump, slip, or even get stuck. Bike chains clank often when riding.
Chains that don’t fit properly on gear sprockets cause misaligned chains. Using the wrong chain ring on your bike will cause the chain to slip. Incorrectly sized sprockets and spacers are also causes.
- Solution
Getting your chainring aligned properly by a professional is the best solution to a misaligned chainring.
#Clunking Sound
If your bike makes clunking noises when you ride it or change gears, you might need to check the crank. Chains often cannot move to the next gear after hearing this sound. Clunking is primarily caused by a loose crank. When riding a bike on rough terrain, this can happen.
- Solution
In rare cases, the crank may not be properly fixed. A tightening of the crank to the lower bracket of the bike will eliminate the clunking sound.
Mountain Bike Chain Problems Summary
| Symptoms of Mountain Bike Chain Problems | Reason | Solution |
| Chain jam | Occurs when your bike’s chain gets stuck in the cassette of the rear gear and the derailleur | Skillfully and gently untangle the chain from the gear and fit it back properly |
| Slipping Chains | A worn-out or loose chain, worn-out cassette teeth, excessive lubrication, a dirty gear system, and an unaligned rear derailleur can cause chain slipping. | Change worn-out chain and cassette. |
| Chain Broken | Skillfully and gently untangle the chain from the gear and fit it back properly | Change link |
| chain skipping | A worn-out chain, a dirty chain, and a misaligned derailleur are the most common causes of skipping bike chains. | Change worn-out or loose chains. |
| Chain Stiff | Lack of maintenance of a bike chain, and rustness causes stiffness | Properly maintain it by cleaning and lubing |
| Chain Misaligned | Chains that don’t fit properly on gear sprockets cause misaligned chains | Align chain |
| Clunking Sound | Tighten the crank. |
2. Gear Problems On Mountain Bikes
Mountain bike gears are essential components of a bike’s drivetrain. Gears determine how fast a bike crank turns, how fast the rider pedals, and how fast the drive wheel turns. Here are the causes and solutions to common MTB bike gear problems.
#Gear Jumping on Mountain Bikes
Gear jumping is a common problem with bikes. Having a gear jump makes riding difficult. Wear-out teeth of cassettes, cogs, and chainrings are the main causes of skipping bike chains.
- Solution
When these parts of the gear system of a bike are not properly maintained, it affects the gear in a number of ways, one of which is gear jumping.
A worn-out cassette or chain ring can also be replaced with something like this to fix a jumping bike gear. In order to prevent further damage to the gear, it is best to resolve this issue as soon as possible.
#Derailleur Slips
A slipping derailleur can be caused by incorrect adjustment or a bent or damaged derailleur. Chains and cogs can also be the problem.
- Solution
Adjust the derailleur properly to fix a slipping gear. It might be necessary to replace a bent or broken derailleur. Ensure that your chain is aligned with the derailleur as well.
#A Faulty Gear Cable
A gear cable develops a fault when it becomes old, stretched, or worn out. The bike control levers will not let you control certain parts of the gears, such as the derailleur, if you have a faulty gear cable. Faulty gear cables prevent your bike from shifting gears.
- Solution
Gear cables that are faulty need to be replaced. Gear cables can be replaced easily, but it can take some time.
Mountain Bike Gear Problems Summary
| Symptoms of Mountain Bike Gear Problems | Reason | Solution |
| Gear Jumping | Worn-out teeth of cassettes, cogs, and chainrings | Change the worn-out or loose cassettes, cog, or chain ring. |
| Slipping Derailleur | Old gear cables | Change gear cables |
| Faulty Gear Cables | Old and worn out Gear cables | Change gear cables |
3. Problems With Mountain Bike Brakes
Bicycle brakes are one of the most important parts of a bicycle. The purpose of it is to reduce the speed of a bike. Riders need responsive brakes not only to slow down to navigate difficult trails, but also to stop quickly. Riders are at risk when their brakes fail. These are some common problems and solutions for MTB brakes on trails.
#Poor Engagement
A bike with poor brake engagement can be identified when tugging on the lever and you realize that the brake pads do not effectively contact the wheel rim. Poor engagement of your bike brakes can lead to serious accidents.
Poor engagement of your bike brake can be caused by two main factors. A poor connection between the brake cable and the lever is usually to blame for the first problem. Another reason is that the brake “noodle” is not seated correctly.
- Solution
Ensure that the brake cables are properly positioned in the brake lever when you connect a bike brake to solve poor engagement. Also, make sure the brake noodle is seated correctly.
#Rubbing Brakes
Break rubbing is another major problem associated with bike breaks. When your brake pads touch the rims of your wheels without you applying the brakes, brake rubbing occurs.
There are many causes of brake rubbing. A poorly aligned wheel or a stuck lever are two of the most common causes. You will keep contacting the brake pad if your wheel is not aligned properly. Your brake pad will remain engaged if your lever gets stuck when you apply it.
- Solution
Aligning your wheel is the solution to rubbing. Ensure your wheel is not wobbling. Retighten the quick release if the axle is wobbling after loosening the quick release. This ensures that the wheel is centered and often resolves brake rub issues. A brake lever that gets stuck needs to be changed.
#Bike Squeals
Applying brakes makes your bike squeal. Squealing bikes make riding uncomfortable, making you lose focus. It is one of the most common problems with bikes.
Your bike’s brake pads and rims squeal because of dirt and small stones. Dirt often gets stuck to the brake pads and rim of your bike because of the terrain you ride on. Your bike pad may also have an uneven surface. This friction causes a lot of noise when they grip the wheel rim.
- Solution
Make sure you clean your bike regularly. It depends on the terrain you ride on, the dirtier and muddier the trails you ride, the more often you’ll need to clean your bike.
It is important to maintain your bike properly to prevent bike squeals. Be sure to install your brake pads correctly as well. When brake pads are improperly installed, their surfaces wear out unevenly.
Brake-Related Problems On Mountain Bikes In Brief
| Symptoms of Mountain Bike Brake Problems | Reason | Solution |
| Poor Engagement | Incorrectly-seated brake “noodle” and poor connection between brake cable and lever. | Properly fit brake gear |
| Rubbing brakes | Poorly aligned wheel and a stuck lever | Align your wheel |
| Bike Squeals | Presence of dirt and small stones in your bike pad and rims. | Frequently clean your bike pad |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your further inquiry, you may check out this section of the article. Here, we are going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding MTB Maintenance:
How Do You Know If A Mountain Bike Is Good?
Trail mountain bikes have relaxed angles to give greater confidence when descending, and more durable parts.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Mountain Bike?
Mountain bikes can last over 20 years if properly maintained. It depends on where you ride and how much you ride. Tires, chains, brake pads, and drivetrains will wear out over time.
What Is A Bike Safety Check?
Apply the brakes smoothly and evenly after spinning the wheels to check for rubbing. Make sure the brake pads are not excessively worn. Make sure the cables and housing are not frayed or split. Ensure that the quick release levers on the wheels are secure.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to fix common issues on the trail will help you keep your mountain bike in good condition and prevent common problems from occurring.
By following the tips and instructions in this blog, you can fix all the common problems on the trail side. With regular maintenance and proper use, your mountain bike should be able to provide years of enjoyable riding.
For more details on this subject, please check out this post that I published recently the Best Mountain Bikes For 12 Year Old (Updated 2023).
