Why Cycling Involves So Much Maintenance

You, the rider—yeah, you. Thought you were just going to hop on that bike and feel the wind in your hair, didn’t you?

Well, here you are, with your bike in pieces, wondering why it feels more like a never-ending repair project than a joyride.

Flat tires, loose cleats, derailleurs on strike—cycling has a way of turning into a high-maintenance lover you can’t quite shake. Trust me, you’re not alone. There’s always something breaking, something that needs fixing. And if you thought you could avoid it by buying a shiny new bike, think again. The struggle is real, my friend.

1. Age Isn’t Just a Number—It’s a Wrench

Let’s start with the basics. My bike’s been around the block—literally. 37 years old. I love it, but it’s not some pristine showroom model. Everything wears out eventually.

The tires, the spokes, the chain, and all that “advanced” gear technology we rely on?

They’re all ticking time bombs. Sure, you can throw cash at it with fancy repairs or upgrades, but the truth is, old bikes get tired. They creak, they squeak, and most importantly, they need love. They don’t do their own laundry, you know?

2. The Cult of “Pre-Ride Checks”

Every time I get on the bike, it’s like I have to perform a safety check like I’m a damn astronaut. The wheels, the brakes, the pedals—nothing can be taken for granted. It’s almost like I’m checking for disaster.

The pre-ride ritual is where optimism goes to die. You check the tires, make sure everything’s tight, maybe adjust the saddle (because that’s always out of place), and then pray to whatever gods of mechanics you can find that today’s ride isn’t the one where something just falls off.

3. The Tires—Forever Popping, Always Sad

Let’s talk tires. They can be perfectly inflated one second, and then pop—like a cruel joke on your journey.

Every ride is an invitation for flats. I’ve replaced my inner tubes more times than I can count. And don’t even get me started on the quality of the tubes I’ve bought—some burst at the mere hint of a nail, while others refuse to fit properly. It’s like I’m playing some sick, never-ending game of whack-a-mole.

4. Chain & Derailleur? A Never-Ending Drama

Let’s face it, chains and derailleurs are like the relationship drama of the cycling world. The chain’s constantly slipping, creaking, or getting stuck at the worst possible moment. I can adjust it, lube it, clean it, and still… still, it refuses to behave.

Same goes for the derailleur. One day it’s perfectly aligned, the next day it’s a mess of clicking, shifting, and pretending it’s too tired to work.

And don’t even dream of getting a clean shift without it going out of alignment, throwing everything off-kilter. I swear I’ve spent more time fixing my derailleur than riding my bike.

5. Brakes That Rub and Grind Like They’re Angry

There’s something infuriating about the sound of a brake that won’t stop rubbing. It’s a constant reminder that you’re never truly free when cycling. A nice smooth ride?

Ha! Not when the brakes decide to stay on, grinding against the rim like they’re sending you a personal message of disdain.

It doesn’t matter how often I adjust them, they always find a way to drag, creating that soundtrack of annoyance.

6. The Cleat Screw Saga

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the bike world, it’s that cleats are out to sabotage me. Screws fall out, the cleats get loose, or they shift to some unnatural angle as if mocking my lack of coordination.

Why must such a tiny, insignificant thing ruin an entire ride? Cleat screws are like the bicycle equivalent of a bad breakup—they always leave you wondering what went wrong.

7. The “Maintenance Isn’t Optional” Reality

Cycling isn’t just about hopping on and going. It’s a hobby, yes, but more like a relationship with a high-maintenance partner. It demands time, patience, and a tolerance for constant fiddling.

You can’t escape it. If you want to go the distance, you need to embrace the absurdity of it. Sure, you can go to the shop and fork out money to have a pro fix it, but that’s a momentary relief at best. If you’re serious about the sport, it’s a constant cycle (pun intended).

Summary Table: The Eternal Struggle of Cycling Maintenance

Issue	Cause	Solution	Frequency
Flats	Road hazards, poor quality tubes	Quality tubes, check before rides	Often
Derailleur Misalignment	Worn components, rough riding	Regular maintenance, fine-tuning	Often
Brakes Rubbing	Pad wear, misalignment	Adjust brake pads, check often	Often
Cleat Screw Failure	Vibration, poor installation	Tighten before rides, inspect often	Regularly
Chain Issues	Wear, improper maintenance	Clean, lubricate, replace when needed	Frequently

Conclusion: Everything’s a Joke Until You Fix It

Look, I’m not here to tell you cycling is a bad idea.

Hell, I love it. But you better be ready for the maintenance. It’s part of the deal, like getting married to an unpredictable partner who throws tantrums for no reason.

You’ll get better at it, sure—eventually—but there will always be that moment when you stare at your bike, wondering why you can’t just ride it.

And as I sit here, greasy hands stained with frustration, I remember that old Bukowski quote: “We are all just children who can’t fix our own toys.”

Maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s all about the struggle, the repair, and the ride that comes after.

So go ahead—get on your bike. Just don’t be surprised when you end up with your hands deep in the gears again.