Cycle maintenance

Clunky gears? An annoying puncture? Dodgy brakes?  It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your bike regularly yourself, and to learn some basic maintenance skills.

The Bike Hub runs monthly ‘Bike Maintenance 101’ training sessions which are open to all staff and students. They’re designed to help you learn some basic skills to keep your bike safe to ride and in top condition.

Bike maintenance stations are available across campus close to bike racks. You can also access tools, equipment and further help from our qualified mechanics at the Bike Hub.

Bike checklist

  1. Check the tyre pressure and inspect tyres for cracks, etc. Whilst you’re at it, check that the quick release wheel levers (if you have any) are secure and tight.
  2. Lubricate your chain with chain-specific lube (olive oil is not acceptable!)
  3. Have you got your lights? Are they working properly?
  4. Check that your brakes work and don’t stick or catch.
  5. Check your headset: apply pressure to the front brake and rock the bike back and forth. If there is any movement, do not ride your bike as your headset needs adjusting. This is serious and it could cause extensive damage to bike and limb.
  6. Bonus Tip: Have you got a multi-tool, a mini-pump, a spare inner tube, tyre levers and should the worst happen to your bike, money for the taxi home (or a slice of cake after your ride)?

Maintenance at the Bike Hub

The Bike Hub is entirely funded by the University, and operates on a cost neutral basis. In other words, we are not here to make money, but to help you cycle safely and enjoy it!

When you visit the Bike Hub, we will have a look at your bike and give you a straightforward opinion to help you decide what you would like to do next. Please note that we do not charge for labour, however, you will have to pay for parts (at cost price).

Things we do:

  • Assist you and show you the way around your bike
  • Provide sincere and honest advice
  • Make sure your bike is safe to ride

Things we do not do:

  • Store your bike
  • Service suspension forks and shocks
  • Bleed hydraulic brakes
  • Clean your bike for you (but you are welcome to borrow our equipment!)

Cycle maintenance skills

How to wash a bike:

How to remove a bike wheel:

How to fix a puncture:

  • There is a useful tutorial on YouTube is you need to fix a puncture.

How to adjust brakes:

Rim brakes

  • Find out what kind of rim brakes you have by watching this helpful tutorial on YouTube about rim brake identification so you can learn to adjust them correctly.

Road brakes

Mountain bike / touring / hybrid brakes

Disc brakes

How to adjust gears