We have already started with our large BIKE reader survey keep an eye on what you are particularly interested in. But the number of visitors to our website also provides daily information about which topics are popular with you. Time and again, older articles also make it into the annual top 10 ranking - evergreens, so to speak, on traditional screwdriver topics.
In this article you will find the most popular screwdriver articles 2022 from the following areas:
> Brakes
> Circuit
> Chassis
What to do if the brake grinds, squeals or has no pressure?
Disc brakes are still THE hot topic in your garages, bike cellars and hobby workshops. Even in 2022 - when we fly to Mars - disc brakes still have problems with annoying squeaking or lack of pressure. MTB brakes and brake pads are also one of the top wearing parts on mountain bikes. It's clear that you want to replace and adjust them yourself.
Eliminate noise from the disc brake
Before the brake pads are replaced, they need to be used. Unfortunately, this often leads to unpleasant noises, for example due to incorrectly adjusted brake calipers or glazed pads. So it's no wonder that an article from 2021 is your absolute favourite on the BIKE website - not just in terms of mechanic topics, but among all articles!
In 5 tips against squealing disc brakes we explain in five simple steps what you can do yourself - without much effort or cost. We have also produced a video tutorial for this, which has already been clicked on almost 150,000 times. Or did you know that sandpaper should be part of every bike workshop's basic equipment?
If instead of "quiiek, quiiiiek" more "rrrrsst, rrrrsst" from the disc brake, i.e. the brake pads tend to rub against the disc, other measures are required: 5 tips against dragging disc brakes. This can be caused either by a brake calliper that needs to be readjusted or a brake disc with a "knock". Neither is a problem - we also show you how to get the noise under control in a how-to video (already 315,000 clicks!).
Changing and braking in brake pads
However, if a thorough inspection of the brake system reveals that the brake pads are rocked down, burnt or even oily, then we have the right solution. Instructions: Changing disc brake pads quickly and safely. This one from last year also made it to the top again in 2022 and helped you change the brake pads on your MTB disc brakes.
Logically, this leads to another article: anyone installing new brake pads also wants to know how to treat them perfectly right from the start. The 3 most important tips for braking in the brake pads come from the professionals and reveal how to do it right. Did you know: The discs actually have to get really hot!
Brake has no pressure
If the brake lever can be pulled all the way to the handle, then it becomes dangerous, but at the very least a remedy must be found quickly. In this article, we show you the possible causes and how to fix them - including a video: Brake lever pushes through - change disc brake without power. Whether it's just the pads that are worn (no problem at all), the grip width is incorrectly adjusted (also easy) or there's air in the brake system (ok, it's better to call in a professional mechanic), we'll help you find the fault and find a solution.
Adjusting the gears on the bike
The internet NEVER forgets - what luck! So we can also help you with our all-time favourite article on adjusting your MTB gears. Apart from the new electronic gears, not much has changed in this area since the 90s as far as the mechanics themselves are concerned. Adjusting the Shimano derailleur: Instructions for rear derailleur and front derailleur - In many pictures and another video, we show how to correctly adjust the derailleur and the thing at the front, which is now almost extinct. The chain runs smoothly and silently again.
Adjusting the MTB suspension
You like the fact that the title tells you exactly what you can expect here: Set up MTB suspension: Perfect setup explained in the video. Of course, ambitious mountain bikers want to get the best out of their bike's suspension. Current suspension elements from Fox, Rockshox & Co. now offer numerous - sometimes confusing - options. However, with our help, the basic settings for compression and rebound can be made quickly and, in the best case scenario, significantly improve the handling characteristics of a mountain bike.
Problems with bearings on the MTB
If you have five or more mountain bikes in the cellar, you often have problems with the bearings of the bikes. But even the first bike can cause noise in the bottom bracket or on the wheels. Both are unpleasant at first, but in the vast majority of cases they are easy to fix. However, you shouldn't wait too long to have them repaired, as things don't run smoothly where such noises occur - and serious damage can occur in the medium term, for example if the bottom bracket has been ridden dry or the hub has not been sufficiently tightened. Both areas were of great interest to you again this year. Here are your top screwdriver articles on the subject of "bearing care".
The bottom bracket creaks
It is probably a matter of time before a bottom bracket absorbs dirt and/or is ridden dry. The exceptions here are pressed bottom brackets (inexpensive and actually absolutely leak-proof) and press-fit bearings, which are installed without grease from the outset. However, if there are suspicious noises from below, this is not a problem: in the article Noises in the MTB bottom bracket - How to make your bike fit again you can find out everything you need to get your pedalling back on track. In this article, you will also find further links on how to eliminate unwanted noises on the bike - for example on the Stem or the Rear end - simply be eliminated.
Adjust hub play
Hub play is also a common problem and our article on this topic was very popular this year. No wonder, because over time a hub can become loose and you have to adjust the play with simple steps but a little patience. In the BIKE article Adjusting the hub bearing play we explain in simple steps how to do it in no time at all.
Marc Strucken
Editor
