Emergency Repairs Flashcards
What is the main purpose of the chapter on emergency repairs?
To prepare for mechanical problems on the trail and provide procedures for dealing with them
This includes planning ahead and being prepared with tools and knowledge.
What should a rider bring to avoid emergencies while biking?
Tools, spare tubes, and knowledge
Proper planning can help mitigate mechanical issues.
What options do you have if something breaks on the trail?
You can walk or follow the procedures in the chapter to get home pedaling
The chapter focuses on enabling riders to handle emergencies effectively.
What situations can lead to being in dire straits even with a functioning bicycle?
Getting lost, bonking, or becoming injured
Bonking refers to a state where the body runs out of fuel.
What does the chapter aim to alert riders about?
The dangers they may face in the backcountry
Awareness can lead to better preparation and safety.
What is a recommended tool to take on rides?
A chain tool
It is considered one of the handiest items for cyclists.
What is the first line of defense to avoid flat tires?
Always have good tires on your bike
Regular checks for wear and damage are essential.
What should you do to prevent ozone cracking in tires not frequently used?
Coat them with 303 Aerospace Protectant or Armor All
This helps preserve the rubber’s integrity.
How can tire sealant help with flat tires?
It can greatly reduce the potential for flats
Using tire sealant in conjunction with tubeless tires is highly effective.
Fill in the blank: Using _______ with tubeless tires almost makes punctures a thing of the past.
tire sealant
What are modern sealants generally made of?
Thin, liquid latex solutions that coagulate at a puncture.
How can sealant be applied to a tubeless tire?
Injected through the valve after removing the valve core.
What should you do if a tire with sealant gets low due to a small hole?
Put more air in and spin the wheel or ride for a couple of miles.
What type of punctures cannot be filled by sealant?
Large holes and holes on the rim side.
What is not recommended as a tire protection technology?
Stiff, sharp-edged plastic tire liners.
What are the advantages of lighter tire liners like SpinSkins?
They are less stiff and decrease traction and cornering ability less than plastic liners.
What is the first step in fixing a flat tire?
Check if you have a spare tube or a patch kit.
What is the easiest way to fix a flat tire during a ride?
Injecting sealant and compressed gas together through the valve.
What should you do before installing a new tube?
Remove all thorns or glass from the tire.
What type of failure is caused by insufficient air pressure in the tire?
Pinch flat.
What indicates a pinch flat in an inner tube?
Two adjacent holes on the top and bottom of the tube.
What is the purpose of a rim strip?
To cover the spoke holes in the well of the rim and prevent punctures to the underside of the tube.
What can happen if the rim strip is inadequate?
It can lead to punctures from protruding spokes or metal shards.
What can you use to patch punctures in the absence of patches?
Insulating tape.
What is a quick fix if you’re out of spare tubes and patches?
Tie a knot in the inner tube.
What can you fill the tire with if you have no air or a knotted tube?
Grass, leaves, or similar materials.
What can minimize damage from riding on a flat tire?
Packing the space in the tire tightly with materials.
What can cause sidewall issues in tires?
Rocks and glass cutting the tire sidewalls.
What should you look for to reinforce a torn tire sidewall?
Dollar bills or other temporary internal casing reinforcements.
True or False: A credit card can be used to reinforce a tire sidewall.
False.
Fill in the blank: The first flat you get on a ride is most easily fixed by _______.
[injecting sealant and compressed gas together through the valve].
What is the temporary fix for a torn tire casing?
Wrap it around the tube at the spot and place several layers between the tire and tube.
What should you do after placing a makeshift reinforcement on a torn tire?
Put a little air in the tube to hold the reinforcement in place.
What is the recommended inflation pressure for a tube with a temporary fix?
Inflate the tube to about 40 psi.
What can happen if the tube is inflated to much lower than 40 psi?
The boot may move around, leading to a pinch flat.
What should you do if the chain gets jammed between the chainring and the chainstay?
Insert a screwdriver or thin lever between the chainring and the chainstay and pry while pulling the chain out.
What is a common cause for a chain to break while mountain biking?
Shifting the front derailleur under load can pop a chain plate off the end of a rivet.
What should you do if you cannot free a jammed chain?
Disassemble the chain with a chain tool, pull it out, and put it back together.
What is a master link used for in a bike chain?
To disassemble and reassemble the thin chain on a bike.
Which brands make master links for most chain widths?
- SRAM
- KMC
- FSA
- Wippermann
What happens if you continue to pedal after the chain starts to jam?
You may create a twisted chain link.
How can you identify a twisted chain link?
The chain will have some links leaning off to the side while others are vertical.
What tools can be used to untwist a twisted chain link?
- Two pairs of pliers
- Two adjustable wrenches
- One of each
What is the first step to untwist a chain link without tools?
Shift to the smallest rear cog and flip the chain off the innermost chainring.
What should you do with the chain at the twisted link to untwist it?
Fold the chain at the twisted link so that the link alone is at the top, horizontal.
What should you do after removing damaged links in a broken chain?
Install a master link to produce a permanent fix.
What can cause collateral damage when a chain breaks?
The open chain plate can snag the front-derailleur cage or jam into the rear dropout.
What happens to the end link when a chain breaks?
The end link is certainly shot, and some others in the area may be as well.
What should you do if you have damaged chain links?
Replace the same number of damaged links with extra chain links you brought
If no extra links are available, use the chain in its shortened state, avoiding the big chainring-biggest cog combination.
What is the consequence of using a shortened chain improperly?
It can rip up the rear derailleur if not long enough to encompass the span with slack.
What should you do before connecting the ends of a chain?
Test the chain tool at home or a local bike shop to ensure it works properly.
What causes a wheel to bang against brake pads or the frame?
A loose or broken spoke or a badly bent or broken rim.
What is the first step to take if you find a loose spoke?
Feel all spokes to identify the loose ones.
What tool is needed to tighten loose spokes?
A spoke wrench.
How can you mark loose spokes for later identification?
Tie blades of grass, sandwich bag twist-ties, or tape around them.
What should you do if you break a spoke?
Locate the broken spoke and remove its remnants.
What is the procedure if a broken spoke is on the drive side of the rear wheel?
Wrap it around a neighboring spoke to prevent it from flapping.
How do you replace a broken spoke?
Thread a new spoke through the hub hole and into the spoke nipple.
What should you do after tightening a new spoke’s nipple?
Check the rim clearance with the brake pad.
What should be done if you do not have a spare spoke?
Loosen the spokes on either side of the broken spoke to bring the wheel into rideable trueness.
What is the recommended action if you break a spoke multiple times on a wheel?
Replace all spokes on the wheel and possibly the rim.
What should you do if the rim is banging against the brake pads?
Open the brake to ride home.
How do you loosen the brake cable?
Screw in the barrel adjuster on the brake lever clockwise.
What should you do if the rim is still banging against the brake pads after loosening the cable?
Loosen the brake cable at the clamp on the brake.
What is the risk of riding with disconnected brake arms?
The brake arms may flap around and get caught in the spokes, causing damage.
Fill in the blank: To straighten the wheel without using a spoke wrench, follow the procedures for dealing with a _______.
bent rim.
True or False: Smacking a bent rim on the ground to correct it will not permanently deform the rim.
False.
What is the purpose of the brake-lever adjusting barrel?
To adjust the brake lever for better performance
The adjusting barrel allows the user to fine-tune the brake lever’s position.
How can you fix a mildly bent rim?
Use a spoke wrench to true the wheel
The process for truing a wheel is detailed in section 8-2.
What should you do if the wheel is bent to the point it won’t turn?
Beat it straight if the rim is not broken
This method involves striking the bent section against flat ground.
What is the first step in straightening a bent wheel?
Find the area that is bent outward the most and mark it
Marking helps identify the most affected area for correction.
What should you do after marking the bent section of the rim?
Hold the wheel by its sides with the bent part at the top
Ensure the tire is inflated during this process.
True or False: You can usually straighten a bent disc-brake rotor with your hands.
True
The rotor can often be bent back into place without removal.
What tool is typically needed to remove a brake caliper?
5mm hex key
This tool is essential for detaching the caliper for repairs.
What should you do if you remove the caliper from a hydraulic brake?
Wedge something between the brake pads
This prevents the pistons from pushing out too far.
How should you secure a removed hydraulic brake caliper during a ride?
Tie or tape the caliper to your frame
This prevents the caliper from getting caught in the wheel.
What can you do if the front derailleur is mildly bent?
Straighten it with your hands
If the derailleur has rotated, reposition it parallel to the chainrings.
What is the first step in bypassing a damaged front derailleur?
Get the chain out of the derailleur cage
This may require removing a screw at the tail of the derailleur.
Fill in the blank: To detach the front derailleur, you usually need a _______.
5mm hex key
This tool is commonly used for various bike repairs.
What is the most common cause of rear-derailleur damage?
Getting caught in the spokes
This typically results in bending the derailleur.
What should you do if a jockey wheel falls out of the rear derailleur?
Attempt to fix it as described in section 3-10
This may involve specific repair techniques outlined in the text.
What is a potential solution if the return spring of the rear derailleur breaks?
Refer to the fix in section 3-11
This section provides guidance for dealing with a slack chain.
What is a recommended action if the front derailleur has rotated?
Reposition it so the cage is above and parallel to the chainrings
Proper alignment ensures effective shifting.
What is the procedure for opening a front-derailleur cage?
Remove the screw at its tail
This allows access to the chain for repairs.
What is the purpose of a rear-derailleur hanger?
It attaches the derailleur to the dropout of the bike frame
The rear-derailleur hanger is crucial for the proper functioning of the derailleur.
What should you always carry when riding a mountain bike?
A spare derailleur hanger
This is especially important for aluminum, carbon, and current frames.
What should you do if the derailleur and hanger cannot be bent back into position?
Replace the hanger
This involves removing the rear wheel and derailleur.
How can you check if the derailleur jockey wheels are aligned correctly?
Ensure they line up vertically under the cogs
Misalignment can lead to poor shifting and damage.
What might happen if the derailleur jockey-wheel cage is bent inward?
It may shift poorly and could get caught in the spokes
This can lead to further damage to the bike.
What is a method to fix a bent derailleur jockey-wheel cage?
Bend the cage straight and reposition it past its stop
Tools like pliers or a screwdriver may be needed.
What should you do if the rear derailleur is broken and you cannot pedal?
Route the chain around the derailleur to turn the bike into a single-speed
This allows you to continue riding home.
Fill in the blank: If you have a lockout on the rear shock, you can use that and continue with the following instructions: Open the chain and pull it out of the _______.
derailleur
What is the first step to take if the rear derailleur is damaged?
Open the chain and pull it out of the derailleur
A chain tool can be used for this purpose.
What should you do to ensure the chain does not fall off the cog when rerouting?
Make sure the chain line is tight and aligned straight
The chain must parallel the frame.
What is a potential solution if you lost the upper jockey wheel but have the bolt?
Put the lower wheel on top first
Tighten the bolt back in place, ensuring the chain is routed correctly.
What can you use if you cannot find the jockey wheel or bolt?
Wire or a zip-tie
These can help rig up the derailleur to work without shifting.
What should you do if the rear derailleur’s lower knuckle spring is broken?
Use a bungee cord to maintain tension on the jockey-wheel cage
This will help keep the chain taut.
What happens to the chain when the front-derailleur cable is broken?
The chain remains on the inner chainring
You will still have access to all rear cogs.
What are the three options for riding home if the front derailleur cable is broken?
- Leave it on the inner ring and ride home
- Tighten the inner derailleur limit screw for the middle chaining
- Bypass the front derailleur by putting it on the big chainring
These options depend on the desired gearing for the ride home.
What happens when riding with a broken rear-derailleur cable?
The chain will be on the smallest or largest rear cog, depending on the type of derailleur, but you can still use all three front chainrings.
Most derailleurs use spring tension to move the chain to the small cog, while Shimano Low Normal or Rapid Rise derailleurs will leave the chain stuck on the largest cog.
What are the three options for riding home with a broken rear-derailleur cable?
- Leave the chain on the cog it’s on and ride home.
- Adjust the derailleur limit screw to align with a larger or smaller cog and move the chain accordingly.
- Use a stick to jam the derailleur in place if you don’t have a screwdriver.
The specific adjustment depends on whether you have a standard or Shimano Low Normal/Rapid Rise rear derailleur.
How should you ride if you have a blown or leaking air-spring fork?
Ride back slowly and keep your weight back. Tighten the lockout lever or compression-damping adjustment if available.
There is little that can be done if the fork cannot be pumped.
What is a potential solution for rigging broken seat rails or a seatpost clamp?
Wrap gloves or clothing over the seatpost or use an inverted water bottle to pad it.
If these methods fail, remove the seatpost and ride home standing up.
What should you do if the seatpost shaft breaks?
Splint it internally with a stick and tape it up, or ride home standing up.
Riding carefully is crucial if you choose to splint the seatpost.
What is the recommended action if the handlebar breaks?
It is best to walk home. If needed, splint the handlebar with a stick and duct tape or adjust the clamp to hold the broken piece.
Riding carefully is essential to prevent loss of control.
How can you fix a broken linkage bolt on rear suspension?
Stick a hex key into the hole where the bolt was and tape it in place.
What should you do if the freehub or freewheel is seized?
Squirting chain lube into the mechanism may help. If unavailable, use water if above freezing or urine if below freezing. Hitting the freehub with a stick might also assist.
This is necessary to prevent damage to the rear derailleur.
What precautions should be taken when mountain biking in the backcountry?
Prepare properly and take personal responsibility for safety to avoid getting lost or hurt.
Past incidents highlight the dangers of riding in remote areas.
True or False: A broken rear-derailleur cable will prevent you from using the front chainrings.
False
Fill in the blank: If you have a flat suspension fork and can’t pump it, you should ride back _______.
slowly and carefully
What popular trail were the two who died in Moab riding?
Porcupine Rim Trail
What canyon did the riders miss the turn into?
Jackass Canyon
Which canyon divides the Porcupine Rim Trail from the Slickrock Trail?
Negro Bill Canyon
How long did it take for the bodies of the riders to be discovered?
17 days
What did the riders do after they got lost?
Abandoned their bikes and tried to walk down to the road
What natural features made it difficult for the riders to reach the road?
Numerous cliffs
What ultimately led to the discovery of the riders’ bodies?
A helicopter searcher saw the bodies on the ledge
How did the Forest Service ranger reach the bodies?
Rappelled 160 feet down
List three risks associated with biking in canyon country.
- Cliffs
- Steep hills
- Natural features
What happened to Paul Willerton in Winter Park, Colorado?
He crashed and broke his leg, unable to walk
Fill in the blank: You can survive a long time without food but not without _______.
water
What should you always do before going on a ride?
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
What should you assume if you find personal effects on the ground?
Someone could be lost or in trouble
What should you do if you get lost?
Backtrack
What is one important item to bring in case you need to signal searchers?
Aluminized emergency blanket
What should you do if the area is new to you?
Go with someone familiar or take a map and compass
What is a critical safety item to wear while biking?
Helmet
What should you do when it’s appropriate instead of riding?
Walk your bike
What should you avoid if you are a long way out?
Riding beyond your limits
List two basic backcountry survival skills.
- Always take plenty of water
- Bring basic first aid stuff
What are the International Mountain Bike Association Rules of the Trail designed for?
Safety and responsible riding
What does the rule ‘Leave no trace’ signify?
Do not leave any evidence of your presence in nature
True or False: It is acceptable to ride on closed trails.
False
What is the consequence of endangering yourself while biking?
It can also endanger those trying to rescue you
What is the key takeaway regarding cycling in the backcountry?
Make appropriate decisions and learn survival skills
Fill in the blank: Ignorance can make us oblivious to danger, which sadly becomes the _______.
danger itself
