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Bike Repair
June 30, 2025

The Most Common Bike Problems and How We Fix Them

Flat tires, squeaky brakes, and gear troubles—see how Cloud Cycles solves Perth’s most frequent bike issues.

The Most Common Bike Problems and How We Fix Them

Even the best bikes break down occasionally. Whether it’s a minor squeak or a full-on mechanical failure, most issues start small—and if caught early, they’re quick (and cheap) to fix. At Cloud Cycles, we’re Perth’s go-to mobile bike mechanic, and after hundreds of service calls, we’ve seen the same problems pop up again and again.

In this post, we’ll break down the most common issues Perth riders face, what causes them, and how we fix them—fast and on the spot.

🚨 1. Flat or Punctured Tyres

The problem:
Your tyre deflates mid-ride, or it’s constantly losing pressure. This is the number one issue we deal with.

The cause:

  • Glass, thorns, or nails in the tyre
  • Worn-out tyre casings
  • Incorrect tyre pressure
  • Old or poorly installed tubes
  • Damaged rim tape

How we fix it:
We locate and remove the culprit (often still embedded in the tyre), patch or replace the tube, and check the tyre for deeper wear. We also make sure you’re riding at the correct pressure to reduce the chance of another flat.

🔧 2. Squeaky or Weak Brakes

The problem:
Your brakes squeal loudly, feel soft, or take too long to stop you.

The cause:

  • Contaminated or worn brake pads
  • Loose or misaligned brake calipers
  • Air in hydraulic lines (for disc brakes)
  • Cable stretch or corrosion (for rim brakes)

How we fix it:
We check pad wear, clean or replace the pads, re-align the brakes, and tension the cables. For hydraulic systems, we’ll bleed the brakes if needed and check for leaks. You’ll feel the difference immediately.

⚙️ 3. Slipping or Skipping Gears

The problem:
You shift, but the chain lags, skips a gear, or makes clicking noises.

The cause:

  • Stretched gear cables
  • Misaligned derailleur
  • Dirty or dry chain
  • Worn-out cassette or chainrings

How we fix it:
We tune the derailleur, adjust cable tension, clean and lubricate the drivetrain, and inspect for wear. If any parts are too far gone, we can replace them on-site.

🚲 4. Noisy or Stiff Chain

The problem:
You hear grinding or feel drag when pedaling.

The cause:

  • Dry, dirty, or rusty chain
  • Chain stretch
  • Misaligned drivetrain

How we fix it:
We clean and re-lube the chain, check chain wear, and recommend a replacement if it’s stretched. A well-lubed chain not only feels better but also protects your cassette and chainrings.

🧰 5. Loose or Creaky Components

The problem:
Something doesn’t feel tight—maybe it’s the handlebars, saddle, or crank arms. You might hear mysterious creaks.

The cause:

  • Loose bolts
  • Worn bottom bracket
  • Dry contact points

How we fix it:
We go over your bike with a torque wrench, tighten and grease key bolts, and isolate any creaky culprits. If needed, we’ll replace worn components like pedals, seatposts, or bearings.

⚡ 6. E-Bike Specific Issues

The problem:
Reduced motor performance, error codes, or battery problems.

The cause:

  • Sensor alignment issues
  • Dirty or loose connectors
  • Firmware errors
  • Battery degradation

How we fix it:
We diagnose error codes, check all motor and battery connections, and help with firmware updates or replacements. We also offer battery health checks to keep your e-bike running at full capacity.

🚐 Why We Fix It Better

Unlike a traditional bike shop, we bring the tools, parts, and skills straight to your door. Whether you’re at home, at work, or even halfway through a ride, Cloud Cycles solves problems on the spot—no hauling your bike around, no long wait times.

We come prepared with:

  • Replacement tubes, chains, cables, brake pads, and more
  • Tools for all major brands and bike styles
  • Experience with e-bikes, cargo bikes, road, mountain, and commuters
  • A friendly, no-BS approach to bike care

Final Thoughts

Bike problems are inevitable—but they don’t have to ruin your ride or your week. The key is catching them early and getting them fixed quickly by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Book Cloud Cycles and let Perth’s mobile bike pros take care of the rest—wherever you are.

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