About this Event
A bike maintenance workshop with Bike it Better. Bring your own bike and toolkit (if you have one). This 2 1/2 hour workshop is an interactive, hands-on bike maintenance experience. Includes demonstration and explanation of bicycle maintenance essentials, and opportunities for participants to practice on their own bikes. For 13 year-olds and upwards (teenagers to be accompanied by an adult).
Who is this session suitable for?
Anyone wanting to learn about maintaining and performing basic repairs and safety checks on their bike or their kids' bikes.
Participants must live, work or study in Merri-bek.
Who will be running the session?
Bike it Better's coaching style is supportive, gentle and down-to-earth. Our qualified instructors will guide and challenge you with positive encouragement and enthusiasm, with the hope that you will also gain the confidence and curiosity to continue to develop your skills and explore new terrain and possibilities after the session concludes.
Bike it Better instructors are passionate about reaching people from marginalised groups, including women and gender diverse, multicultural, neurodiverse, and LGBTIQA+ communities, and we hope that fostering a supportive and inclusive approach to coaching and skills instruction will appeal to an audience who are looking for something a little different to the 'boot camp' approach!
What does the session cover?
Welcome and introduction.
ABCD check: the essential safety check before every ride. Participants practice on own bike.
Bike fit: how to set your seat at the correct height, and other adjustment related issues.
Inner tube replacement: what to do when you get a flat tyre, what essentials to carry when riding.
Brakes: how to adjust brakes, replace worn brake pads, and know when to take it in for repair.
Chain replacement: what to do if your chain comes off during a ride.
Chain/drive-train clean and re-lube: how to clean and maintain your chain and gears, and when to take it for a service. Chain lube: what type is best, how to correctly use it, and how often.
Puncture repair: how to patch a punctured tube (better for the environment). If time, opportunity for participants to repair own punctured tube(s) along with instructor.
General maintenance demonstration and parts identification.
The workshop will finish with an open time allocation for participants to work on your own bike, ask questions, and get assistance and advice regarding maintenance issues.
Session notes will be provided to participants via email before the session.
What should I bring?
Optional: you may bring your own bike to conduct maintenance checks and obtain assistance in resolving any basic maintenance issues identified.
If bringing your own bike, please ensure your bike is clean (in particular the wheels), to avoid making a mess in our indoor venue.
Our instructors will have tool kits with them which you may use during the session. However, feel free to bring your own tools to use on your own bike, or obtain assistance in learning how to use them. Please note that any shared tools will need to be wiped with disinfectant after each use.
What is the start/finish time?
The program will take place between 10am and 12.30pm. Please arrive 5 - 10 minutes early to sign in.
Where should we come for the training?
Coburg Library meeting room, Victoria Street Mall, corner of Victoria and Louisa Streets, Coburg.
You will also be sent a reminder email with these details a few days before the session.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket?
You don't need to bring your ticket on the day. We will have a list of registered participants.
What if I can’t make it on the day?
Please get in touch so that we can offer your place to someone on the waitlist.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Merri-bek Libraries Community Programs team on [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
Coburg Library, Cnr Victoria and Louisa Streets, Coburg, Australia
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