While recreational bikers often enjoy leisurely rides on man-made paths, mountain bikers take a more adventurous approach. Mountain bikes are designed to withstand a rugged off-road terrain that consists of carved-out trails made from dirt and sand. Despite the durable construction of the mountain bike, riding on a regular basis make cause your wheels to stop rolling. Avoid costly repair bills by fixing the problem yourself.
Front Wheel
Nothing can ruin a mountain bike ride quicker than a front wheel that refuses to roll forward. While full-suspension and hard-tail mountain bikes can withstand high-impact dirt jumps, recreational mountain bikes may fold under pressure. Lift the quick-release lever of your front wheel and remove it from the forward dropouts. Examine the front fork of your mountain bike to determine if it is bent. Unfortunately, a bent fork will mean you need to replace the entire mountain bike frame.
Rear Wheel
Technical mountain bike trails are often embedded with gnarled roots and jagged rocks. They are also constructed on a downward-sloping terrain that allows you to reach breakneck speeds. If your rear wheel gets stuck after a high-speed fall, you may have bent one of the metallic components. According to Vital MTB, top-quality mountain bike wheels feature stainless steel spokes and an alloy rim. Despite the durable construction, the wheel can fold under increased pressure. Remove the wheel from the rear dropouts to determine if the spokes or rim is bent.
Chain Wheel
When riding on a wet terrain, the components of your mountain bike are sure to get muddy. As the chain wheel is situated close to the ground, it doesn't take much to soak it with dirt and grime. If dried mud gets between the teeth of the chain wheel it will fail to roll forward. Clean your chain wheel with a wet soapy sponge to ensure it rolls smoothly. Mountain Bike World recommends lubricating your chain with a Teflon-based solution to prevent the wheel from sticking.
Freewheel
The mountain bike freewheel is the component located in the center of your rear wheel. Unlike fixed-gear bikes, the mountain bike freewheel allows you to hold the pedals in a stationary position as you roll forward. A squeaking or grinding freewheel is an early sign that it may be getting stuck. Lift the quick-release lever of your back wheel and remove it from the rear dropouts. Remove the gear cluster to clean within your freewheel and avoid further sticking.
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