Wenn's mal nicht rund läuft: Dein Mini-Pannen-Kit fürs Fahrrad

If it doesn't run smoothly: your mini breakdown kit for the bike

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Das worst case Szenario: Du radelst gemütlich auf deiner Tour und plötzlich macht dein Rad einfach nicht mehr mit. Was nun? Wir zeigen dir, wie du die häufigsten Pannen und Probleme schnell lösen kannst!

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The most common breakdowns – and what really counts

Your take-home breakdown kit

You're in the middle of your favorite route and suddenly - hiss – the air is out! The chain sags, the gears do what they want, or the brakes drag annoyingly. No panic! Breakdowns are part of cycling, the only important thing is that you know how to repair your bike - we'll show you how it's easy! 

The most common breakdowns – and what really counts

The classic: a flat tire – happens to all of us sooner or later. The most important? Stay calm and proceed systematically. Anyone who has ever tried to patch a tire when stressed knows: rushing only makes things worse. The golden rule: Always shift to the lowest gear before dismantling the bike - this makes your life much easier.

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Pay attention to the tires!

According to ADAC statistics, tire damage is by far the most common cause of bicycle breakdowns at 69 percent - followed by chain problems at just 8 percent. The good news: With the right preparation, most punctures can be fixed quickly yourself.

The tire is ready again, but now the chain has broken? Looks more dramatic than it is. Modern chain locks are real lifesavers and are easy to use on the go. Nevertheless: stay away from the chain if it's still running! First switch, then look, then act.

Oh dear, the circuit is wrong! Often it's just a small thing - but this small thing can ruin the whole tour. Most shifting problems can be solved with a few targeted turns of the adjusting screw. Important: Always only make a quarter turn and then test. If you spin too much at once, you often make things worse.

Grinding brakes – Not only annoying, but also exhausting. But the reason is not too wild. Because often the wheel is not centered correctly. Luckily, this is a problem you can solve in 30 seconds. With disc brakes, simply loosening and re-tightening the brake caliper usually helps.

Screw loose? The secret troublemakers. They can be particularly dangerous on the handlebars or stem. The following applies here: It is better to check once too often than once too little. But be careful with carbon parts – don’t over-twist them! 

Your take-home breakdown kit

So that you don't get caught in the rain when you're out and about, we've put together the most important instructions for you in a compact format. Step-by-step instructions that also work when things get stressful, plus a practical tool checklist for your saddle bag.

Because let's be honest: a breakdown is only really annoying if you don't know what to do. With the right preparation, the moment of shock becomes a short stop - and then you can continue in a relaxed manner.

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Frequently asked questions about the topic

What are the most common cycling mishaps?

The most typical problems include flat tires, broken chains, out-of-tune gears, dragging brakes and loose screws. These defects occur to most cyclists sooner or later and can usually be repaired yourself with a little know-how.

Why should I shift to the lowest gear before removing a wheel?

Shifting to the lowest gear makes assembly and disassembly of the bike much easier. The chain then has the lowest tension, which makes removal and installation much easier and prevents you from having to struggle with a taut chain when reinstalling it.

How do I repair a broken bike chain on the go?

With a modern chain lock, a broken chain can be repaired relatively easily, even on the go. It is important that you only touch the chain when you are standing still and first shift into a lower gear. The chain lock is simply inserted into the two chain ends and locked into place.

What can I do if I have shifting problems while driving?

Most shifting problems are caused by out-of-tune settings and can be corrected using the adjusting screws on the rear derailleur. Always turn in quarter turns and then test the function. Corrections that are too large at once can make the situation worse instead of better.

Why is my brake dragging and how do I fix the problem?

Grinding brakes are often caused by an out-of-center wheel or misaligned brake caliper. With disc brakes, simply loosening the brake caliper briefly and re-tightening it correctly often helps. If you have rim brakes, you should check whether the wheel sits correctly in the dropouts.

What tools should I put in my saddlebag for emergencies?

The basic equipment includes a multitool with various Allen keys, tire levers, a repair kit or spare tube, an air pump or CO2 cartridges and a chain lock. Depending on the type of bike, other specific tools may be useful.

How do I prevent screws from coming loose while driving?

Regularly check all important screw connections, especially on the handlebars, stem and wheels. A routine check before longer tours is recommended. Particular caution is required with carbon parts - never overtighten them, otherwise the material can be damaged.

Should I repair a flat tire quickly when I'm pressed for time? How do I best prepare for potential mishaps? In addition to the right tools, basic knowledge of the most common repairs is crucial. Practice the most important steps such as changing hoses or assembling the chain in advance at home. This way, if an emergency occurs, you won't be confronted with it for the first time and you'll act more routinely. 10. What do I do if I have a breakdown on the road that I can't solve myself? If you're at your wits' end, stay somewhere safe and get help. This could be calling friends or family, using a breakdown service for cyclists or, if necessary, using public transport to get home. It is important that you get yourself and your bike off the track safely.

Rest is the best strategy, especially if you have a flat tire. Hectic work often leads to errors and can prolong the repair unnecessarily. Take the time to proceed systematically - in the end it will be quicker than a hasty patchwork with subsequent problems.

How do I best prepare for potential mishaps?

In addition to the right tools, basic knowledge of the most common repairs is crucial. Practice the most important steps such as changing hoses or assembling the chain in advance at home. This way, in an emergency, you won't be confronted with it for the first time and you'll act more routinely.

What do I do if I have a breakdown on the road that I can't solve myself?

If you're at your wits' end, stay somewhere safe and get help. This could be calling friends or family, using a breakdown service for cyclists or, if necessary, using public transport to get home. It is important that you get yourself and your bike off the track safely.

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