Bicycle Maintenance - Zero Waste Pop-Up Event

A bicycle maintenance workshop focussing on the everyday checks and adjustments needed to keep a bike running safely and smoothly, with an emphasis on making the most environmental choices. Keeping a bike in ideal condition can mean a couple minutes of maintenance bi-weekly, so keep this in mind when considering if this workshop is for you.

The workshop will start with a full check of the bikes present on the day – learning names of parts, checking for rusted-in components, loose bearings, and worn parts.

Then we will focus on the brakes: a 4-step check/setup system for any of the styles of brake that are present on the day, how to adjust them over time and maximise component lifespan.

Followed by tyres and inner tubes: Checking tyre condition and pressure, reading tyre and tube sizes, removing and fitting tyres and tubes, tube patching.

And finishing with a basic introduction to the gears on a bike: troubleshooting sloppy gear shifts, chain maintenance, and general cleaning.

All those attending should bring their own bike to work on, any relevant tools they might have to practise with those specific tools, wear clothes which can get a little dirty, and possibly bring something to kneel on for when we are working on the bikes, in particular the brakes, especially if they are not comfortable kneeling on the ground, squaring or bending over.

Mark has been working with bikes, voluntarily and professionally, for over 6 years, always with a focus on repairing over replacing, and working systematically to get ideal and consistent results. His current work includes refurbishing discarded bikes and running public maintenance classes, certified mechanics courses, creative reuse of bike part workshops, and private adult cycling lessons. If you ever see Mark out cycling and need help with you bike (and he’s not running late!), he’s always up to stop and help with whatever tools and parts he has with him at the time.

This event is organised by the Zero Waste Festival Ireland team as part of the 2020 spring series of pop-up events. Check out our website https://www.zerowastefestival.ie/ or social media for more info.

This event is free of charge but to collect donations that will go to our speakers/facilitators in the form of a voucher to support local zero waste businesses.