Every cyclist makes mistakes, but some are more costly than others. We regularly see bikes come in with avoidable damage that could have been prevented with a few minutes of care. Your bike should be something you enjoy, not a source of frustration or expensive repairs. And yes, that hole in the frame didn’t happen overnight…
Disc brake contamination
Let’s start with one of the most common bike maintenance mistakes: disc brake contamination. This happens when oil, lube, or grease finds its way onto your rotors or brake pads. The result? Weak braking, loud squealing, and a heart-stopping lack of stopping power.
A clean brake should feel smooth and consistent, not screech like a banshee. Unfortunately, once pads are contaminated, there’s rarely a fix ,you’ll need to replace them and give your rotors and calipers a deep clean.
How to avoid it:
- Always cover your rotors before applying chain lube-old cotton t-shirts work well here.
- Never spray polish near your brakes- apply it to a cloth first.
- Use a proper disc brake cleaner like Juice Lubes for routine care.
Crank or heel rub
For mountain bikers, crank rub is practically unavoidable if wearing flats. But if you’re a road or gravel rider and your shoes are scuffing your cranks or chain stays, it’s a sign your bike fit needs adjusting.
A professional bike fit will fix your pedalling position, improve comfort, and prevent unnecessary cosmetic damage to your frame.
Frame rub
Tiny bits of grit and vibration can quickly turn cable contact points or bag straps into paint-stripping machines. Before every ride, check where cables, frame bags, or mudguards touch your frame especially near the head tube for those os us running external cables.
A simple piece of clear protective film or frame wrap can stop wear in its tracks and keep your paintwork pristine.
Dirty or neglected drivetrain
A clean drivetrain isn’t just about aesthetics- it’s about performance and longevity. E-bike riders are especially guilty of skipping this step since most e-bikes can’t be backpedalled for easy cleaning.
Invest in a backpedal tool to lock your chainring and spin the cranks freely during cleaning. It makes the process much easier and ensures your chain and cassette get the attention they deserve.
Pressure washing bearings
Pressure washers are great for blasting mud off after a wet ride, but they can do serious damage if aimed at your bearings. High-pressure water forces grease out of sealed units, leaving them exposed to corrosion.
Pro mechanics might use them daily, but they’re also replacing bearings far more often than the rest of us. Stick to a hose or bucket and a soft brush to stay safe.
Using the wrong cleaning products
Not all cleaning products are created equal. Standard kitchen detergents are designed to cut through grease but can be harsh on paint, carbon fibre, and lubricated parts.
Bike-specific cleaners are formulated to remove dirt effectively without stripping essential protection. However, if washing-up liquid is your only option, use just a drop in warm water, rinse thoroughly, and re-lubricate everything once dry.
Wide tyres
The move toward wider tyres is great for grip and comfort, but squeezing them into (usually older) frames with limited clearance can spell disaster. We’ve seen plenty of chain stays destroyed by rubbing when tyres are too wide for the frame.
always check the manufacturer’s recommended tyre size and allow for mud clearance, wheel flex, and out-of-true wheels. Going too wide might not seem like much of a big deal until you’re staring at a hole in your frame.
Using a sponge
A sponge might seem harmless, but it’s one of the biggest hidden bike cleaning mistakes. Sponges trap grit that scratches paint, leaving thousands of tiny swirl marks.
Use a microfibre or lamb’s wool wash mitt instead, it lifts dirt away safely and keeps your frame looking glossy.
The “Ring of Death”
This ominous-sounding issue is caused by worn or loose headset bearings that slowly grind away at the carbon steerer tube. The result is a circular groove-the dreaded “ring of death.”
Left unchecked, it can lead to catastrophic failure, with handlebars detaching from the fork. Pedal Cover doesn’t insure this type of wear because it’s considered avoidable damage, so check and replace your headset bearings before it’s too late.
Over-tightening bolts
It’s tempting to give bolts a little extra twist for reassurance, but over-tightening can strip threads, crack carbon components, and damage delicate parts.
Always use a torque wrench and tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specification. It’s the simplest way to ensure safety and preserve your bike’s longevity.
