As part of our Eco Living Online event, which will take place across the weekend of 18-20 September, we will be hosting a range of workshops and talks to promote a more sustainable way of living. One workshop that all Randwick City bike lovers will enjoy is the “Bike Repair Workshop”, which is being run by Stuart Olsen from The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre. The workshop will be an interactive Zoom event that will allow you to ask questions and take notes. Stuart will cover the basics for gear, brake and tyre checks and maintenance, as well as how to fix a tyre puncture.

Can't wait for the workshop? We spoke with Stuart to get three of his best, quick tips for bicycle repair and maintenance.

1. Maintenance is best! Spray a bit of WD-40 into break and gear cable tubes. Maintenance is always better than repair (prevention is better than cure!) and a little WD-40 will keep your cables from getting stuck inside the tubes and can solve other problems like your gears not working properly or your brakes not being as good as could be.
2. Keep it tense. Brakes not working as well as you'd like? Use the adjuster on either end of the brake cable to make the brake stronger and more effective. Keeping your brake cable at the right tension will help them work effectively.
3. Be prepared. Stuart recommends always carrying a small bag with pump, spare tube and two tyre levers when you go for a bike ride. You never know when a puncture might occur and it's always good to be ready.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to repair and maintain your bike, be sure to sign up for Stuart’s Eco Living Online event. The workshop is free, but registration is essential.  The workshop will take place Sunday 20 September from 3pm – 4pm. Here's where you can sign up: Bike Repairs & Maintenance by the Bower Reuse and Repair Centre 

If you love riding your bike around Randwick City, our ‘Exploring Randwick City by Bike’ workshop might also be of interest. We’ll talk about route planning and wayfinding, key destinations, and tips for staying safe while on your bike. Friday 18 September from 3:30PM – 4:00 PM.  Register here.