Bike Repair Common Misses (Part One of Two)

We see a lot of bikes come through the CBC, and after a while you start to recognize some common problems. Here's the first part of a list that we have compiled of these common issues that can make a bicycle unsafe to ride:

Sadly, this bike might be beyond hope.

Frame and Fork

1. Bent derailleur hanger drop-out
2. Collision damage (see above), bent frames
3. Excessive surface/interior rust
   

Bottom Bracket, Cranks, and Pedals

1. Bearing play
2. Loose of missing lockrings
3. Crankarms not securely fastened
4. Bent chainrings
5. Pedals not securely fastened

Front/Rear Hub

1. Locknut missing
2. Locknut not tightened against cone
3. Hub not centered with axle
   
4. Bearing play
   

Freewheel or Cassette

1. Worn (sharp) teeth
2. Dryness, corrosion
   

Headset

1. Lockring not securely fastened
2. Bearing play

Front/Rear Rim and Tire

1. Valve stem not straight
2. Tire underinflated
3. Tire bean not seated in rim
4. Wheel not centered
5. Quick release levers closed backwards
6. Safety catch washers missing
7. No valve cap
8. Bald (from skidding)/cracked or dry-rotted tires
   

Next Post....
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
Chain
Front Derailleur and Cable
Rear Derailleur and Cable
Handlebars, Stem, Grips, and Levers
Seat and Seat Post
Reflectors

What other common problems have you noticed on bicycles you are fixing?