7 Signs Your Bike Desperately Needs a Service (Before It Breaks)

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your bike safe, smooth, and enjoyable to ride. Whether you’re commuting, mountain biking, or cruising around Auckland on an e-bike, ignoring warning signs can lead to costly repairs — or worse, accidents.

At Clycycles, we see a lot of bikes come in that could have been saved with timely servicing. To help you stay ahead, here are the top seven signs your bike desperately needs a service.

1. Squeaky, Grinding, or Clicking Sounds

Noise is often the first warning sign that something’s wrong.

• What to listen for:

  • Squeaky brakes or chain

  • Grinding gears or bottom bracket

  • Clicking from pedals or derailleurs

• Why it matters:

  • Squeaks can indicate worn brake pads, dry chains, or misaligned parts.

  • Grinding in the gears or bottom bracket could mean worn bearings or a chain that’s stretching.

Tip: A quick stop at Clycycles can prevent these small annoyances from turning into major repairs.

2. Poor Braking Performance

If your brakes aren’t stopping the bike as they used to, it’s time for a check-up.

• Signs:

  • Brake lever feels soft or spongy

  • You need to pull the lever harder than usual

  • Rim or disc squealing or squeaking loudly

• Common causes:

  • Worn brake pads or discs

  • Air in hydraulic brake lines

  • Misaligned calipers or cables

Brakes are critical for safety, so don’t wait until it’s too late.

3. Chain Skipping or Slipping Gears

A slipping chain makes your ride inefficient and frustrating, and it can damage your drivetrain.

• Signs:

  • Chain jumps over teeth while pedaling

  • Gear changes feel rough or don’t engage properly

• Why it happens:

  • Worn chain, cassette, or chainrings

  • Poorly adjusted derailleurs

A full drivetrain check and tune-up can save you from replacing costly parts later.

4. Unusual Play in the Wheels or Headset

Loose wheels or wobbling handlebars are warning signs that critical components need attention.

• Check for:

  • Side-to-side wheel movement

  • Looseness or clicking in the headset when turning

  • Spokes that feel soft or uneven

• Why it matters:

  • Loose components reduce control and increase the risk of accidents

  • Bearings may need lubrication or replacement

5. Cables and Wiring Issues

On both traditional bikes and e-bikes, worn cables and damaged wiring can affect shifting, braking, and electronic functions.

• Signs:

  • Stiff or unresponsive gear changes

  • Brake levers feel inconsistent

  • E-bike display shows errors or motor cuts out

• Why it matters:

  • Worn cables increase the risk of snapped brakes or failed gears

  • Damaged e-bike wiring can reduce power or stop your bike from working entirely

Regular checks at Clycycles can keep your cables smooth and electronics reliable.

6. Flat Tires or Frequent Punctures

If your tires are constantly going flat, it’s more than just bad luck.

• Check for:

  • Cracks or cuts in the tire sidewall

  • Worn tread

  • Improper tire pressure

• Why it matters:

  • Weak tires can cause sudden blowouts or flats at inconvenient times

  • A service can include tire inspection, replacement, and correct inflation

7. Your Bike Feels Slow or Hard to Pedal

A sluggish ride is often a symptom of multiple underlying issues.

• Signs:

  • Pedaling feels heavy even on flat terrain

  • Bike doesn’t coast smoothly

  • Bearings feel rough in hubs, bottom bracket, or pedals

• Why it happens:

  • Dirty or dry chain and drivetrain

  • Worn bearings or bottom bracket

  • Brakes rubbing on the rims or discs

A professional tune-up can restore efficiency and make every ride feel smooth again.

When to Book a Service

Even if you’re not noticing these problems yet, regular maintenance is key.

• For commuters: every 6–12 months

• For mountain bikers or e-bike riders: every 3–6 months, depending on use

At Clycycles, we offer full bike servicing, from basic tune-ups to comprehensive checks for brakes, drivetrain, cables, and wheels. Our team ensures your bike is safe, reliable, and performing at its best.

Don’t Wait Until It Breaks

Ignoring warning signs can turn a minor issue into a major repair — or worse, compromise your safety. If your bike shows any of these 7 signs, book a service with Clycycles today and keep your ride smooth, safe, and fun.

👉 Book your bike service online or give us a call — we’ll make sure your bike is ready for anything.