Symptoms
- Wheel stops spinning quickly when lifted off the ground and spun by hand
- Bike feels harder to pedal than it should
- Rubbing or scraping sound while riding
- One wheel drags more than the other
Likely causes
- CommonBrake pad rubbing the rim or rotorMisaligned or improperly released brakes are a very common cause of drag.
- CommonOver-tightened hub bearing or axle nutHub adjustment that's too tight creates friction and prevents free spinning.
- PossibleBent rim or rotor causing intermittent brake contactA wheel that isn't true can catch the brake pad at one point in its rotation.
- PossibleDebris caught between the tire and frame or forkSomething lodged in the frame can create constant friction.
What to do
- Check that brakes are fully released and pads aren't contacting the rim or rotor when the wheel is at rest.
- Spin the wheel by hand off the ground and listen and feel for where drag occurs, if it's constant or only at one point in the rotation.
- If drag is only at one point, suspect a bent rim or rotor causing intermittent brake contact.
- Check for visible debris caught between the tire and the frame or fork.
- If the wheel has a quick release or thru-axle, check hub adjustment isn't overly tight (should spin freely with no side play).
- For older cup-and-cone hubs, adjust the cone nuts slightly looser if they've been over-tightened, then recheck for play.
- If drag continues after ruling out brakes and hub tightness, a bike shop can check for a bent axle or damaged bearing.
Tools and parts
- Cone wrenches (for older hubs)
- Allen key set
When to call a pro
A bike shop can properly adjust hub bearing preload or replace a bent axle if basic checks don't restore free spinning.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.