How to Spot a Problem Before It Gets Expensive

Your bike is talking to you. The question is—are you listening?

That weird clicking when you shift. The soft squeeze in your brake lever. The creaking seatpost that makes you sound like an old rocking chair. These aren’t just quirks. They’re early warnings.

And if you catch them early? You save yourself time, money, and a potentially awful ride home from the middle of the marsh trail.

Here’s a quick guide to spotting the little stuff before it turns into a big, expensive shop visit.

Noise: That Annoying Click Every Time You Pedal

Could be: A loose pedal, crank arm, or bottom bracket

What to check:

• Make sure your pedals are threaded tight

• Check crank bolts for play

• Look for dirt or grit where metal meets metal

If it still clicks after a quick tighten, bring it in. We can check the bottom bracket for wear. We do it all the time as part of our basic tune-ups.

Noise: A Dry Squeak That Follows You Around

Could be: A neglected chain begging for lube

What to check:

• Is the chain dry, rusty, or grimy?

• Does it sound like it belongs in a haunted house?

Fix it before it starts eating through your cassette. Not sure how? Our post on chain cleaning basics has you covered. Or just swing by and let us give it a once-over.

Feeling: Brakes That Feel... Mushy

Could be: Worn pads, stretched cables, or low hydraulic fluid

What to check:

• Does the brake lever pull all the way in?

• Do your brakes actually stop you when they should?

Brake issues are one of those things you don’t want to mess around with. Bring it in and we’ll make sure everything’s safe and dialed in.

Feeling: Weird Wobble or Vibration at Speed

Could be: A loose headset, misaligned wheel, or even a tire issue

What to check:

• Lift the front and rear wheel—do they spin true?

• Squeeze the headset and rock the bars—does it shift or knock?

Riding fast on a wobbly bike is a bad time. We’ll help you figure it out and get it tight again.

Bonus: Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is. You don’t have to know what’s wrong—you just have to notice something’s different. We’ll help with the rest.

At Wrench & Roll, we check this stuff every day. Whether you ride a brand new hybrid, a ten-year-old mountain bike, or an e-bike you picked up last summer, we can spot early signs of wear before they cost you.

Need a quick look or full check-up? Reach out to us, or drop in during shop hours. We’re always happy to put your bike in the stand and walk you through what’s going on—no pressure, no weird vibes.

Want to browse parts or upgrades while you’re here? We’ve got plenty of affordable options on our sales floor and rental bikes if yours needs to stay overnight.