Bike Tune-Up Events
Need basic tune-ups on your bicycle?
North York Cycles hosts or partners with other groups to host free bike tune-up events across North York so that you can access the service and start riding with confidence.
Ask us anything cycling-related, whether it’s learn about cycling safety!
Scroll below to learn what goes into our free basic tune-ups. Also, learn when and where we will be offering these services in North York.
Basic Bike Tune-Up Expectations
North York Cycles provides free basic bike tune-ups, which include several of the following inspection points. Anything that requires complex labour and parts will be referred to a bike mechanic shop for professional support.
North York Cycles is not liable for any damages that may result from a basic bike tune-up.
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Ensuring that there is adequate air in the tires.
Ensuring there are no punctures, wear, or other visible damage to the wheel that causes air loss in tires or presents danger to the rider.
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Checking for squeaks or grinding noises when braking.
Ensure brake pads aren’t worn thin (replace if less than ¼ inch thick).
Test brake levers for responsiveness and stopping power.
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Shift through all gears to ensure smooth transitions.
Look for skipping gears or resistance when shifting.
Check the chain for rust, dirt buildup, or stiffness.
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Inspect the frame for any visible cracks, especially around welds.
Check the fork alignment by viewing the bike from the front.
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Ensure handlebars are tightly secured and aligned.
Check that steering is smooth, neither overly tight nor loose.
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Spin the pedals and crank arms to detect any looseness or grinding.
Confirm that pedals are securely fastened and crank arms are tight.
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Test any bells or horns to ensure they’re working properly.
Ensure reflective tape or reflectors are visible and securely attached.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
We want to thank everyone who came out to one of our many bike tune-up events that we have been running this season 🙏
A special thank you to LivegreenTO and the City of Toronto to have given us this opportunity to deliver our bike tune-up events through the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grant (NCAG). We will share our impact report soon.
📣 In the meantime, we are asking our participants to help us out! We need your feedback on how our service was, where we can improve, and ultimately if people did start cycling as a result of our work. ⚠️ SURVEY DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026 AT 11:59 PM.
The survey link is available below.
💸 To incentivize you to complete the survey, we have ten $25 Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) e-gift cards to give away in a random prize draw to those that successfully complete the survey.
Bike Tune-Up Feedback Survey
Thanks to the City of Toronto, we can provide a limited number of physical $10 PRESTO cards to low-income individiuals who are getting to our bike tune-up events by transit only.
No need for proof or questions asked - we just trust and hope you are honest and genuinely need the support.
Financial Accessibility Getting To Our Bike Tune-Up Event
This project is supported by the City of Toronto through Live Green Toronto and the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants program.
HOW IT WORKS
Send us an email at northyork.cyclingadvocacy@gmail.com to request a physical $10 PRESTO card at least 24 hours in advance. We will prepare only a limited number of cards based on the emails sent.
Attend our bike tune-up event that you stated that you would be attending. We will then give you your $10 PRESTO card for you to use.
No drop-in or last minute requests!
If you have any questions, please email us at northyork.cyclingadvocacy@gmail.com.