Image: Restorative Cycle / Chilliwack Restorative Cycle, a part of Chilliwack Restorative Justice & Youth Advocacy Association, invites Chilliwack residents to gain essential knowledge in bicycle repair and maintenance from seasoned bike mechanic Mark Stewart (pictured) through three free bike repair clinics happening in October.   

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Free bike maintenance clinics

Chilliwack non-profit to offer 3 free bike repair clinics

Sep 17, 2024 | 11:12 AM

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack non-profit will offer a series of free bike maintenance clinics to the public starting in early October as a way of giving back to the community.

Chilliwack Restorative Cycle, a part of Chilliwack Restorative Justice & Youth Advocacy Association, invites Chilliwack residents to gain essential knowledge in bicycle repair and maintenance from Mark Stewart, who’s described by the non-profit as a seasoned bike mechanic and head mechanic at Restorative Cycle in Chilliwack.

Whether you’re a bike enthusiast, or seeking to enhance your skills as a cycle shop pro, or just interested in fixing your own bike, and are over the age of 15, Stewart will offer comprehensive information on the ins and outs of bike repair and maintenance at three bike lab clinics.

The labs run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting Thursday, October 3 at Restorative Cycle, 9282 Main Street. The cost is free, but people need to register by Monday, September 23. Space is available for eight people per lab.

The objective of the first lab is to introduce participants to basic bike components and simple maintenance tasks. Details are as follows:

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Lab 1: Beginner (Oct. 3)
Objective: Introduce participants to basic bike components and simple maintenance tasks.
1. Introduction (15 minutes)
Welcome and overview of the session
Safety guidelines and tool introduction
2. Basic Bike Anatomy (15 minutes)
Identify and name major bike parts (frame, wheels, brakes, gears, etc.)
Explanation of the function of each part
3. Tire and Tube Basics (30 minutes)
How to check tire pressure
Demonstration: Removing and installing a wheel
Hands-on practice: Patching a tube and changing a tire
4. Bike Washing (30 minutes)
Washing a Bike: Why we do it
Demonstration: Hose, brush, and soap use
Hands-on practice: Washing for proper service and sale
5. Chain Maintenance (20 minutes)
Importance of a clean and lubricated chain
Demonstration: Cleaning and lubricating the chain
Hands-on practice: Cleaning and lubricating chains
6. Q&A and Recap (10 minutes)
Answering any questions
Recap of the key points covered

The second lab on Thursday, October 10 has an intermediate approach to bike maintenance and repairs:

Lab 2: Intermediate (Oct. 10)
Objective: Teach participants more advanced maintenance and minor repairs.
1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)
Quick recap of beginner level topics
Overview of the session
2. Gear System Basics (30 minutes)
Explanation of how gears work
Demonstration: Adjusting derailleurs (front and rear)
Hands-on practice: Adjusting gears on participants’ bikes
3. Brake System Maintenance (30 minutes)
Advanced brake adjustments
Demonstration: Replacing brake pads
Hands-on practice: Replacing brake pads on participants’ bikes
4. Wheel Truing Basics (20 minutes)
Explanation of wheel truing
Demonstration: Using a truing stand to true a wheel
Hands-on practice: Basic wheel truing
5. Bottom Bracket and Cranks (20 minutes)
Explanation of bottom bracket and crankset
Demonstration: Checking and tightening bottom bracket and cranks
Hands-on practice: Basic bottom bracket maintenance
6. Q&A and Recap (10 minutes)
Answering any questions
Recap of the key points covered

The third lab on Thursday, October 17 contains an advanced focus:

Lab 3: Advanced (Oct. 17)
Objective: Equip participants with skills for comprehensive bike repairs and overhauls.
1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)
Quick recap of intermediate level topics
Overview of the session
2. Advanced Drivetrain Maintenance (30 minutes)
Explanation of the entire drivetrain system
Demonstration: Removing and replacing the chain, cassette, and chainrings
Hands-on practice: Drivetrain maintenance and replacement
3. Hub and Bearing Maintenance (30 minutes)
Explanation of hub and bearing types
Demonstration: Overhauling hubs and replacing bearings
Hands-on practice: Hub maintenance
4. Suspension Basics (30 minutes)
Overview of different suspension types (front and rear)
Demonstration: Basic suspension maintenance and adjustments
Hands-on practice: Suspension adjustments and maintenance
5. Bike Assembly and Safety Check (20 minutes)
Steps to assemble a bike from components
Demonstration: Comprehensive safety check
Hands-on practice: Performing a safety check
6. Q&A and Recap (10 minutes)
Answering any questions
Recap of the key points covered

To sign up, visit this registration link.