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How to repair a bicycle in Paris? The most common problems encountered by cyclists

Comment réparer un vélo à Paris ? Les problèmes les plus fréquents rencontrés par les cyclistes

Did you get a flat tire mid-ride? Are your gears not shifting properly anymore? Are your brakes making noise? These are common problems cyclists in Paris face daily.

At Routes & Roads, our bike workshop located at 14 Place de Rungis in the 13th arrondissement handles all types of repairs, from simple adjustments to complete overhauls. Here are some of the most frequent problems we solve every week.

How to fix a flat tire?

A flat tire is undoubtedly the most common breakdown for urban cyclists.

A piece of glass, a thorn, or a worn tire can quickly lead to a loss of pressure. In some cases, a simple inner tube repair is enough. In others, replacing the inner tube or the tire is necessary.

If you notice that your tire regularly deflates, it is advisable to have the entire wheel checked to identify the source of the problem.

Why aren't the gears shifting properly anymore?

A poorly adjusted derailleur or worn-out drivetrain can make gear shifting difficult.

You might observe several symptoms:

  • the chain skips;
  • gears shift up with difficulty;
  • gears shift down poorly;
  • unusual noises appear when pedaling.

A professional derailleur adjustment often restores smooth and precise operation.

What to do when brakes are noisy?

Squeaky brakes are one of the most frequent requests at our workshop.

This noise can be caused by:

  • worn pads;
  • a contaminated disc;
  • poor alignment;
  • incorrect adjustment.

In some cases, a simple cleaning is enough. In others, the pads need to be replaced or the hydraulic system bled.

Why is my bike making strange noises?

A creak or click can come from many elements:

  • crankset;
  • bottom bracket;
  • chain;
  • cassette;
  • saddle;
  • wheels;
  • headset.

Even if the bike still seems to function normally, these noises are often the first signs of mechanical wear.

How do I know if my chain needs to be replaced?

A worn chain leads to premature wear of the cassette and chainrings.

The most frequent signs are:

  • chain skipping;
  • less smooth pedaling;
  • difficulties during gear changes.

Early intervention generally prevents much more costly repairs.

My wheel is warped: what should I do?

After hitting a curb or a pothole, a wheel can lose its alignment.

The result:

  • the bike vibrates;
  • the brake rubs;
  • riding becomes less pleasant.

Wheel truing can straighten the wheel perfectly and improve comfort and safety.

My electric bike shows an error

Electric bikes also require regular maintenance.

Our mechanics can work on:

  • drivetrains;
  • brakes;
  • wheels;
  • peripherals;
  • certain diagnostics related to electrical systems.

Preventive maintenance often avoids prolonged downtime.

When to perform a complete bike overhaul?

Even without apparent breakdowns, an annual overhaul is highly recommended.

During a complete overhaul, our workshop particularly checks:

  • brakes;
  • drivetrain;
  • wheels;
  • bearings;
  • headset;
  • tightness of components;
  • general wear of the bike.

This operation improves performance and extends the lifespan of your equipment.

Your bike repair shop in Paris 13

Whether you ride a city bike, a gravel bike, a road bike, or an electric bike, our workshop welcomes you at Routes & Roads at 14 Place de Rungis.

Flat tire, derailleur adjustment, chain replacement, brake repair, wheel truing, or complete overhaul: our team supports Parisian cyclists daily so they can get back on the road in the best conditions.

Do you have doubts about the condition of your bike? Come and see us for a diagnosis and personalized advice.