Lift your wheel off the ground and give it a spin. If the wheel wobbles back and forth or up and down, it’s time to true it. Wheels come out of true through regular use. The rim is held at the correct angle to the hub by the pull of the spokes in equal directions. Hopping curbs, hitting rocks and the general punishment a bicycle endures is enough to knock a wheel out of true.

A freehub is attached to the rear hub of your bicycle. It is a spinning mechanism designed to hold the cassette. Coasting when the pedals are at rest and pedaling are possible thanks to the freehub.

Start by removing the cassette. To remove the cassette:

If your cable housing is stiff, shows signs of damage, such as a kink, or is getting old, it may be a good idea to install replacements. Working on cable housings is not particularly difficult but does require the proper tools.

- Cable Cutters
- Wire Snips
- Awl or Similar Pointed Tool

The function of handlebar tape (or wrap) may be somewhat obvious. It provides a more reliable grip on the handlebars, increases comfort, and absorbs shock from the road.

If your handlebar tape is torn or excessively worn, it is probably time to change it out. Some cyclists simply change the wrap when it becomes unsightly. This procedure is relatively easy, but it may take a few attempts to get an even and aesthetically pleasing result.

Chainrings are the one, two or three large sprockets attached to the drive side of your crankset. Shifting from one chainring to another gives you different gearing options while riding.

A chainring is ready to be replaced when its teeth have become worn from use. Typical signs of the need for replacement are slippage of the chain and (rarely) excessive noise.

If you hear a clicking noise, or notice a skip in the chain every few rotations of the pedals, you probably have a stiff chain link. This problem is most often located at the point where the chain was closed.

- Bike stands are a great investment for any level of bicycle mechanic
- You may need a chain breaker if the link cannot be loosened by hand