Trailside Fixes: What Every Rider Should Know (And Carry)
- CHARLOTTE BATTY
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
From broken chains to ghost shifting, here’s your go-to guide for handling common trailside mishaps so you can stay confident, calm, and cruising.
Picture this: you’re halfway through a great ride, sun’s out, flow’s dialled... and then clunk. Your chain snaps, your derailleur throws a tantrum, or a mystery noise starts making you question your trail choices.
Knowing what to do in that moment — and having the tools to do it — can turn a frustrating hike-a-bike situation into a quick fix and a triumphant roll back to the trailhead.
We teamed up with Ruel from BikeMage to break down the essential trailside fixes every mountain biker should know. Whether you're brand new or building confidence on intermediate trails, this guide's for you.
Top 5 Tools That Will Save Your 🍑
As the lead mechanic at BikeMage and a trusted go-to for riders across Ontario, Ruel has seen (and saved) his fair share of trailside mechanical mishaps. We asked him what gear he always carries whether he's out for a solo ride or supporting his friends and family along the trail.
Here’s what he never leaves the trailhead without:
A quality multi-tool with a chain breaker
“Look for one with a chain tool, a range of hex keys, and a Torx bit for brake rotors. You’ll use it more often than you think.”
Quick links that match your chain “Fixing a snapped chain trailside takes 5 minutes if you have these. Zero minutes if you don’t — because you're walking.”
Tube, Tubeless Plug Kit + Tire Levers + Mini Hand Pump (CO2 Optional)
"Even with tubeless tires, you're not invincible. Plugs seal most punctures fast, while tubes fix larger holes or tears. CO2 can save your arms - just make sure you know how to use it, however, a mini hand pump is always foolproof."
A derailleur hanger (specific to your bike) “Bent hanger = poor shifting or derailleur disaster. A spare hanger can be the difference between riding out or calling for pickup.”
Zip ties + duct tape “The trailside MacGyver tools. Broken straps, rattling cables, torn shoes... duct tape has saved my day more often than you’d think.”
Trail Side Fix: How to Fix a Snapped Chain (Without Tears)
Snapping a chain can feel like a ride-ender — but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick fix we often walk through in our clinics:
Find the broken link and remove it using your multi-tool’s chain breaker.
Add a quick link to reconnect the chain. Make sure the direction is correct (some links are directional).
Tension and pop it into place — either with your hands, or by gently backpedalling to snap it into place.
⚠️ Pro tip: A snapped chain is usually a warning sign. Swap it out soon to keep the rest of your drivetrain happy.
Trail Side Fix: Wobbly Derailleur
Did you crash or hit something, and now your shifting feels off? A bent derailleur hanger is one of the most common causes of ghost shifting or poor gear alignment. Here’s how to troubleshoot it trailside:
Step 1: Check if the hanger looks bent or misaligned.
Step 2: Gently try to realign it with your hand. (Yes, really.)
Step 3: Shift through gears slowly. If it’s still off, limit your ride to the most stable gears and spin back to the trailhead.
🛠️ Optional tool: A compact derailleur alignment tool can work in a pinch — but it’s advanced. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ride it out and book service with BikeMage, they can get things dialled properly.
When to Fix It and When to Walk It Out
Not every problem is worth solving on the trail. Here’s the general rule of thumb from Charlotte:
🟢 Fix it if...
Your toolkit has what you need
You know how to repair it safely
The issue won’t get worse while riding
🔴 Walk it out if...
You’re unsure what broke
The repair would compromise safety (like brakes or frame damage)
You don’t have the tools or a replacement part
Sometimes the smart move is to hike it out, hit the bike shop, and come back stronger next time.
Keep Calm and Carry a Multi-Tool
Trailside issues are part of the MTB experience but they don’t have to ruin your ride. A little prep, a few tools, and some know-how go a long way toward keeping your stoke alive.
If you want to dial your setup or get a pro-level tune-up, head over to BikeMage where Ruel and the crew will get you trail-ready in no time.