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Home / Tips / MTB Repair and Maintenance Tips

Mountain Bike Repair

Three mountain bikers are gathered around a bicycle on a rocky trail. Two of them are inspecting the bike, while one is holding tools and working on it. All three are wearing helmets and appropriate biking gear, surrounded by dry grass and dirt.

Bike skills practice is important, but practicing this could actually save your ride

Practicing emergency bike repairs at home builds confidence and skills that could save your next ride.

Close-up of the drivetrain of a bicycle, focusing on a small electronic component attached near the rear cassette. The component is connected with wires and is secured to the bike frame, showcasing a blend of mechanical and electronic parts.

Dead SRAM AXS battery on the trail? This MacGyver 9V battery trick could save your ride.

I discovered that a 9V battery can power a dead SRAM AXS derailleur for emergency shifts, though carrying a spare AXS battery is still the smarter solution.

Close-up image of a hand holding a small mechanical tool with a black and gold design, featuring a knob and nozzle. The tool is likely used for precise applications, possibly in repair or manufacturing. The background is blurred, focusing on the tool's details.

Topeak TubiHead review: Smart pump head upgrade makes seating tubeless MTB tires easier

The Topeak TubiHead pump head removes Presta valve cores during inflation for better airflow, then replaces them without pressure loss when seating tubeless tires.

A canister of Fix-a-Flat tire repair product is positioned on a wooden surface, with a bicycle wheel partially visible in the background. The can features a bright yellow design with text highlighting its use for sedans and coupes, and directions for easy inflation and sealing. Potted plants are also seen in the background, adding to the outdoor setting.

To my surprise, Fix-a-Flat works for bike tires too

7

A close-up image of a blue valve cap sitting on a bicycle wheel, filled with soapy water, with part of the wheel visible in the foreground and a wooden surface in the background.

The Straz Sealant Funnel makes adding tubeless tire sealant simple

3

A wooden A-frame sign displaying a bicycle wheel graphic and the word "SERVICE," pointing left. In the background, several vehicles are parked, with a grassy area and trees visible.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

How much do you spend on bike service each year?

6

Close-up of a bicycle handlebar grip, featuring a light gray rubber grip with a black end cap, against a blurred wooden background.

How do I remove stuck bike grips? [Quick Question]

2

Close-up view of a bicycle wheel hub featuring spokes attached to a black hub with a number "11" printed on it. The background is slightly blurred, showcasing a wooden surface, likely in a workshop or garage setting.

How to Service Your Mountain Bike Freehub at Home

4

Close-up of a bicycle bottom bracket displayed on a wooden workbench, with a black crank arm partially visible in the background. The bottom bracket features detailed markings, including torque specifications, and a sleek design typical of high-performance cycling components.

Bottom Bracket Service: How to Maintain and Replace Yours

Close-up view of a black bicycle's stem and handlebars, showcasing the headset, cables, and distinctive branding on the frame against a rustic wooden background.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

How to Do a One Second Bolt Check on Your Mountain Bike

2

A close-up image of a person's hand holding a digital caliper measuring a metal component, showing a measurement of 33.31 mm. The background is dark, highlighting the metallic object and the measuring tool.

How to Find the Right Bottom Bracket for Your Mountain Bike

How to Restore a Vintage MTB: Start with the Right Bike

3

Close-up view of a bicycle disc brake system, featuring the brake caliper and rotor, with a dirty and rugged appearance, set against a blurred background of pine needles and trees in a forested area.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Zip-tie

18

Close-up of a rugged, textured bicycle tire showing deep treads and a section with white stitching and small fragments of material attached. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the tire’s details.

Mountain Bike Tire Repair Tips: From Emergency to Semi-Permanent

4

Close-up of a bicycle handlebar featuring a Bosch display unit and control panel, with cables neatly arranged and a blurred, colorful background.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

E-bike Repair and Maintenance: How to Diagnose and Solve Common Electric Bike Problems

8

A flat lay image featuring four items related to outdoor gear maintenance: a bottle of Nikwax Softshell Proof waterproofing spray, a tube of Shoe Goo for shoe repair, a stick of zipper lubricant, and a small piece of paper with a grid pattern. The items are positioned on a dark, wet surface, scattered with leaves.

4 Cheap Ways to Renew and Revive Worn Out Outdoor Clothing and Shoes

1

Close-up image of a bicycle brake mechanism being held by a hand. The brake component is black with a visible spring and a green tool inserted for adjustment. A blurred background features workshop tools and materials.

How to Adjust Disc Brakes on your Bike [Repair Tips]

3

Mountain Bikes and Gear

How can I Prevent and Repair Paint Scratches on my Frame? [Quick Question]

3

A person adjusts a bicycle brake system, focusing closely on the lever and components. The image captures the hand positioning near the mechanics of the brake, emphasizing the intricate details of the setup. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the bicycle repair process.

Quick and Easy MTB Brake Caliper Service: Hold the Lube!

6

Close-up of hands holding a bicycle wheel rim in a workshop setting, with tools and a bike partially visible in the background.

Tech Tips: Changing a CushCore Tire Insert

1

Close-up of a bicycle wheel rim with a thin metallic spoke and a blue tool resting on top, set against a blurred, patterned background.

Why Gorilla Tape Isn't Ideal and Other MTB Tubeless Taping Tips with Drew Esherick From Stans NoTubes

17

A close-up image of a SRAM bicycle derailleur being adjusted, with a hand pressing a button. The derailleur features a green indicator light and several visible components, including a gear setting dial and chain. The background shows a bike chain and some foliage.

Trailside Fixes for SRAM AXS Wireless Shifting

4

Image showing a set of tools on a metal work surface. Included are a pair of pliers, a wrench, a yellow-handled tool, and a fabric tool bag. The tools are in various orientations, with the focus on the pliers gripping a black component.

How to Rebuild a Cartridge Dropper Post

1

A mechanic working on a bicycle wheel in a workshop, smiling as he adjusts components. The background features tools and equipment, with a "Cycles" sign visible. The mechanic is wearing a black hoodie with green lettering.

A Beginner's Guide to Mountain Bike Wheel Truing

9

Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a ratchet tool and a brake lever. The handlebar has a textured grip, and the background is a blurred green landscape with tree branches. The ratchet tool has a visible serial number and measurement markings.

When Should I Use a Torque Wrench on My Mountain Bike? [Quick Question]

2

Close-up image of a bicycle's suspension system, showing the inner workings of a shock absorber connected to a tire. The focus is on the black tube and lever mechanism, with a textured mountain bike tire visible in the background. The scene is set against a concrete surface and a cardboard box.

How do I Fix a Slow Dropper Post or One That Won't Stay Up? [Quick Question]

3

A close-up image showing bicycle spokes intersecting with a tree branch covered in small, budding leaves. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the details of the spokes and foliage.

What Can I do if a Spoke Breaks During a Ride? [Quick Question]

Close-up of a bicycle rim featuring black and green branding, showing details of the rim's surface and a slight dent. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the rim and its markings.

What Can I do When a Rim Gets Bent and Tubeless Tires Will no Longer Seal? [Quick Question]

1

A close-up view of a small metallic tube lying on a wooden surface marked with circular stains. The tube is cylindrical, with a shiny silver rim and a darker center.

Clipless Pedals

Refresh Your Shimano MTB Pedals With This Quick Service Tutorial and Video

1

Alt text: Three types of lubricant products placed on a stone surface, with a blurred bicycle in the background. The items include a blue can of WD-40 with a red nozzle, a gray can labeled "WD-40 Bike," and a tube of CFG nautical grease. Green grass is visible in the background.

Lubes & Cleaners

How Can I Silence My Squeaky Mountain Bike? [Quick Question]

2

Close-up of a bicycle chainring and crankset, showing a piece of smooth stone resting against the teeth of the chainring, with dirt and dust visible on the components.

How Can I Fix a Bent Chainring Trailside? [Quick Question]

4

How do I Replace my Disc Brake Pads? [Quick Question]

Close-up of a bicycle brake system, featuring the brake caliper and rotor. The image shows detailed components, including connecting wires and screws, set against a blurred green background.

How Do I Repair a Bent Disc Brake Rotor? [Quick Question]

2

A can of WD-40 with a flexible straw, positioned next to a multi-tool with a blue handle and a socket wrench, resting on a moss-covered stone surface. The background features a blurred, green outdoor setting.

How do I Remove a Stuck Bike Pedal? [Quick Question]

5

A man and a woman are working together to adjust a mountain bike inside a van. The woman is holding the bike's handlebar while the man is tightening a component. Both are outdoors in a sunny environment, with tools and bicycle parts visible in the background.

Lubes & Cleaners

MTB Lube Theory: Which Oil or Grease Goes Where? We Asked a World Cup Mechanic

12

Close-up image of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, highlighting the intricate mechanics and chain connections, with a focus on the tension cable and blue adjustment piece.

How Can I Keep my Derailleur Cable Ferrule From Falling Off? [Quick Question]

5

How Can I Keep My Disc Brakes From Squealing and Squeaking? [Quick Question]

3

Close-up image of a mountain bike's dropper post, showing the measurement markings and adjustment mechanism. The background features blurred graffiti, adding a colorful urban context to the scene. The bike exhibits signs of use with dirt on the tire, emphasizing an adventurous outdoor setting.

How Can I Prevent My Seat Post From Slipping Into the Seat Tube While Riding? [Quick Question]

4

Close-up view of a mountain bike's rear derailleur, chain, and cassette, showing dirt and mud accumulation, with a grassy background.

What Can I Do When my Chain is Stuck, Wedged, or Jammed Between the Cassette and the Spokes? [Quick Question]

6

Close-up view of a mountain bike tire being cleaned, showcasing a soapy mixture with bubbles on the black rim and tread. The tire shows some dirt and mud, indicating recent use. Background features other bicycle components slightly out of focus.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

How to Get Leaky Tubeless Bike Tires to Seal Again

7

A close-up view of a mountain bike handlebars, featuring brown rubber grips, brake levers, and cables. The bike is positioned in front of a lush green background with berry-filled foliage, showcasing a natural outdoor setting.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

Tidy Spiders: Tips to Manage the Web of Cable and Hose at the Helm of Your Bike

4

DIY Headset Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Bike Mechanics

A black handle with a turquoise accent rests on a concrete ledge next to a partially opened can of Schweppes tonic water. The background shows blurred greenery, hinting at an outdoor setting.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

DIY Seat Post Shim, Caliper Alignment Tool, and Other Uses for Aluminum Cans

2

A person wearing a bright green and black jacket rides a mountain bike through a muddy trail, splashing water as they navigate through a small puddle in a wooded area.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

5 Things You Can Do To Stop Rust Or Corrosion From Ruining Your Mountain Bike

1

A close-up view of a black bicycle fork resting on a bed of yellow autumn leaves. The fork features smooth lines and modern design elements, highlighting its suspension components and attachment points. The vibrant color of the leaves contrasts with the dark finish of the fork, creating a visually appealing autumnal scene.

How Often Should Mountain Bike Suspension Components be Serviced?

5

Close-up of a bike suspension component, featuring a metallic gray body and a gold adjustment knob with labeled settings for compression and speed. The background shows a colorful mural with shades of turquoise and brown, with some natural debris visible on the ground.

How to Tune Your Mountain Bike Fork and Shock for Cold Winter Riding

2

A close-up image of a hand using a small tool to examine or repair the tread of a bicycle tire, which shows dirt and signs of wear. The background includes blurred green grass and parts of the bike frame.

Trailside Mountain Bike Repair Tips [Podcast #232]

Close-up view of the frame and tire of a mountain bike positioned on a sandy surface, showcasing details like the purple and blue bike frame, chain, and textured tire tread.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

Can't Stop: Tips for Winterizing Your Mountain Bike

6

Close-up of a metallic connector partially attached to a coil of blue wire, set against a light gray textured surface.

Internal Cable Routing Tips for Mountain Bikes

1

A close-up view of a mountain bike tire with a focus on the rim and spokes. The tire features the branding "TCS TOUGH HIGH GRIP" and a size label of "2.5 29". A metal bike part is attached to the spokes, showcasing its design and attachment mechanism. The surrounding area includes dirt and fallen leaves, hinting at an outdoor setting.

How to Use the Spoke Wrench on Your Multi-Tool to Trail True a Wheel

A close-up image of a bicycle rear derailleur being serviced, with a person's hand applying grease with a cotton swab. The derailleur features a mix of metallic and black components, resting on a white paper towel. A small container of grease is visible in the background.

How to Service Your Shimano Derailleur Clutch

22

A bottle of Stans No Tubes Race Sealant placed among green leaves, accompanied by a small container holding a racing valve and tape. The label highlights the sealant's ability to eliminate flats, with notes on maximum sealing power and suitability for extreme conditions.

Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire Tips and Tricks [Resource Roundup]

6

A person kneeling on grass is adjusting a bicycle tire, focusing intently on the wheel. They are wearing a red shirt and black shorts, with visible tattoos on their arms and hands. A black bicycle tire is in their hands, and the ground is covered with green grass and a few fallen leaves.

MTB Tire Insert Mounting Tips: A Bloodshed Minimizing Tutorial

3

A close-up image of a hand holding a brown tire plug with a metal tool, positioned near a mountain bike tire. The background features a tree trunk and grassy ground.

How to Use Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire Plugs | How to Plug a Hole in a Bike Tire

3

A group of cyclists cleaning their mountain bikes at an outdoor bike wash station. One cyclist is using a high-pressure water spray to rinse off a bike on a stand, while another cyclist is nearby, also cleaning their bike. The scene is set in a busy area with signs for ProGold lubricants in the background and other cyclists visible in the distance. The ground is wet, and wooden pallets are scattered around the wash area.

5 Keys To A Healthier, Longer-Lasting Mountain Bike

8

Close-up view of a bicycle's rear wheel hub and axle, focusing on the disc brake mechanism and spokes. The image captures details of the components, showcasing dirt and wear, set against a blurred green and brown background.

How to Convert Older MTB Wheels to Boost Spacing

3

Close-up view of a bicycle wheel hub, showcasing the disc brake rotor and spokes. The image features a black hub with a silver nut and visible dirt, set against a tiled floor background.

How to Replace Cartridge Bearings in Your Front MTB Wheel

2

Repair Tools

Four small, colorful plastic pieces in yellow and orange are scattered on a wooden surface. The pieces have angular shapes with circular holes, resembling components that could be used in a game or tool. The rustic texture of the wood contrasts with the bright colors of the plastic.

New Crankbrothers Plug Mate tubeless tire plug anchors go in easy, resist pulling out

Electric bike pumps reviewed: Fastest, lightest, and loudest revealed

Close-up image of a hand holding a small mechanical tool with a black and gold design, featuring a knob and nozzle. The tool is likely used for precise applications, possibly in repair or manufacturing. The background is blurred, focusing on the tool's details.

Topeak TubiHead review: Smart pump head upgrade makes seating tubeless MTB tires easier

Close-up view of a metal detector's search coil, with a focus on its underside. The coil is black, showing some signs of wear and dirt, and features attachment points for a shaft. A blurred, green and natural background suggests an outdoor setting.

The GÜP Industries tire plug tool finds a surprisingly secure stash spot on the saddle

Flextail Tiny Tire Pump ACS is a compact electric bike tire inflator with an integrated light

Close-up of a gardening tool with a black, metal head and an orange handle, resting on soil scattered with dried leaves. The tool features a triangular design with multiple prongs, indicating its use for raking or cultivating soil in a garden setting.

Trail Maintenance

The Backslope Clyde is a better, more effective McLeod tool for trail building [Review]

A close-up view of a bicycle wheel rim on a textured surface, featuring a pink valve tool and several spokes attached to the rim. Sunlight casts shadows across the surface.

This tire sealant dipstick isn't quite as dumb as it sounds

A close-up image of a black and orange tool mounted on a metal pole, designed for outdoor use. The tool features a clamp mechanism and an adjustable arm, with branding visible on the side. The background consists of blurred greenery and dry grass, indicating a natural setting.

Mount the portable Altangle Connect bike repair stand anywhere

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