Bicycle breakdowns: what to do if you’re stranded

We don’t think cycling should require mechanical know-how, which is why we launched Cycle Rescue, the UK’s first breakdown recovery service for cyclists. Even so, it's useful to know whether a problem is something minor you can sort out quickly at the roadside.

Something's wrong with my wheel

If the brakes are rubbing lightly, they are letting you know they need adjustment or a service, but if they are sticking, or if the wheel is visibly buckled, the tyre is bulging or the rim looks damaged, don’t try to ride your bike.

The chain has come off

This can happen for a variety of reasons, but luckily it's a quick and easy roadside fix.

If the chain has come off at the front, pull the spring-loaded arm (rear derailleur, if your bike has one) forward to remove tension from the chain. Use that slack to lift the chain and place it back onto the cog by the pedals. Turn the pedals forward slowly by hand until the chain settles.

If the chain has come off at the back, the same process should work unless it’s jammed. Move the chain backwards and forwards, but If it's trapped tightly, or anything looks bent, get help.

I've had a puncture

You can almost eliminate the risk of a flat by fitting puncture-resistant tyres, but no system offers complete protection, perhaps with the exception of Tannus solid tyres. For most of us, the occasional puncture is simply a fact of life on two wheels.

Some people can repair a puncture in minutes, but heavy rear-hub e-bikes and loaded cargo bikes can be a faff even in perfect conditions. It's a useful skill to have, and we have info on fixing flats in our puncture guide, but remember Cycle Rescue can recover you and your bike if it suffers a puncture.

If you are interested in learning how to fix a puncture yourself, there are lots of bike maintenance courses to choose from. If you want to start with the basics and save money, ask your local council or bike cooperative if they run courses, as these can cost as little as £5.

Cycle Rescue: help when you need it

Cycle Rescue is £24 per year and covers everything from e-bikes and cargo bikes top adpated cycles. The 24/7 service includes punctures, flat batteries and cover in Europe for 90 days per year.

FAQs

What should I do first if my bike breaks down?

If you have Cycle Rescue, call the 24/7 number and we will arrange for you and your bike to be recovered.

Do I need to try to fix the bike before calling for Cycle Rescue recovery?

No. If you have Cycle Rescue, you can call without attempting a repair.

Is it ok to ride with a slow puncture?

It depends how fast air is escaping, but a slow puncture can become a fast one, and riding on a soft tyre will affect the way your bike handles could damage the rim.

Why are rear wheel punctures harder to fix on some bikes?

If your bike has hub gears, or your e-bikes has a motor in the rear hub, wheel removal can be more involved. For many of us it's not a realistic roadside job.

My e-bike battery was showing charge, then dropped quickly. Why?

Cold reduces range, and a battery that isn’t fully seated can cause cut-outs. If it keeps happening, treat it as a fault to be checked.

My cargo bike has broken down: what can I do?

A cargo bike breakdown can be troublesome: it's not like you can stick it it in the back of a taxi to get it home or to a local bike shop for repairs. Cycle Rescue covers cargo bikes as standard and costs only £24 per year.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 35 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

{{cta-ebike}}

‍

‍

‍