Which Mountain Bike Component Gives You the Most Trouble?

20 Comments

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Zoso 2016
Nov 10, 2019

Shifter cables for sure. They are generally maintenance free but then just blow up eventually. Maybe cause I ignore them?

It'd be nice if wireless shifting wasn't so much $$$.

1 reply

John Fisch Colorado // 2006
Nov 10, 2019

The rider.

Definitely the rider.

1 reply

Eager_Mountain_biker California // 2021
Dec 27, 2021

lol

0 reply

Eager_Mountain_biker California // 2021
Dec 29, 2021

ikr, I always experience speed wobbles, and I freak out. The next thing I know I'm dropping $40 on a new helmet. Btw, can someone write an article abt how to deal with speed wobbles? would be helpful.

0 reply

chris_mtb 2019
Dec 29, 2021

When it happens, don't panic, losen up. A seat seat post that is too high can encourage it to happen.

0 reply

ZipHead South Carolina // 2015
Nov 10, 2019

I'm not a professional bike mechanic, but I repair and build up bikes for myself and friends.
Regardless of brand or style of bike, the one component that gives me the most grief is my legs. If they were built like they were when I was in my 20's, that would be awesome.

0 reply

Sam James British Columbia // 2018
Nov 14, 2019

I've broken about 4 derailleurs this season... I'm getting a little bored of it now.

0 reply

Eager_Mountain_biker California // 2021
Dec 27, 2021

hasn't happed yet, but the sounds, oh no the sounds!

0 reply

guggino88 2018
Nov 10, 2019

It used to be the front derailleur but thankfully those are gone! I could never get it to dial properly across all the gear ranges. Rear derailleur is easier to deal with but still needs constant attention.

0 reply

craige 2018
Nov 10, 2019

None! All of the parts mentioned have become so good over the past several years. Dropper post would have easily been my choice a few years ago but they too have gotten to be almost bullet proof. Bottom brackets are a high wear part but the cost is so cheap you just replace them every so often. But now that I ride eBikes pretty much exclusively they are a non issue.

0 reply

Frank79r Florida // 2018
Nov 17, 2019

Shift cables

0 reply

mongwolf Mongolia // 2011
Nov 10, 2019

Shifter cables. Most of time they just requires a minor adjustment, but it is the one thing that requires the most attention it seems. I imagine the bottom bracket would be more of an issue, but I stay far away from press fit.

0 reply

Eager_Mountain_biker California // 2021
Dec 27, 2021

Maybe consider hydraulics (IDK if it is available for shifters tho)

0 reply

rmap01 Maryland // 2013
Nov 11, 2019

Similar to @John_Fisch although I would say it's the bike owner, i.e. the person responsible the maintenance of the bike. Whereas I would say my biggest issues are related to shifting, it's not really a problem with the derailleur or the shifter. Chains, cassettes and chain rings wear over time. Cables get extended or kinked. Derailleur hangars bend. All of that impacts your shifting. Cleaning/lubing your drivetrain routinely and indexing your gears periodically should be basic maintenance if you want your bike to shift smoothly. For all of those that selected "derailleur", are you really having a problem with your derailleur???

0 reply

Griff360 British Columbia // 2019
Nov 11, 2019

Stripped seat post on my 87 norco mountaineer.

0 reply

Sir Fallsalot Massachusetts // 2019
Nov 11, 2019

The loose nut behind the handlebars.

0 reply

michaelcole California // 2018
Nov 14, 2019

Tires should be number one but surprising its not at this time with this survey . You will have a flat or a slow leak before components will fail . You may get 6 months from a tire and if you ride tubeless replacing the goo is important if you dont replace that tire in 6 months . We must not forget the mess and getting the tire to seat

0 reply

ptrbriganti 2016
Nov 10, 2019

Tires! It's been years since I've replaced one that had a decent amount of wear. Usually it's a sidewalk issue, a puncture too large to seal, or Continentals. I love Mountain Kings but three bead failures within 18 months is ridiculous.

0 reply

chris_mtb 2019
Nov 11, 2019

Tyres, they still get punctures and tears. Inserts can help, but sometimes a bad (or fun) line will cost.

0 reply

ironhead700 Ontario // 2009
Nov 14, 2019

guggino88: for sure! they could never get it right..............sure don't miss it.

0 reply

Tagged: bike parts, components, frustrating, maintenance, mtb maintenance, opinion, survey, worst, culture

First published November 10, 2019 @ 5:26:00

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