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, learn about cycling safety, and get free bike lights and bells from us, too!

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.

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.

Basic Bike Tune-Up Expectations

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Inspect the frame for any visible cracks, especially around welds.

    • Check the fork alignment by viewing the bike from the front.

    • Ensure handlebars are tightly secured and aligned.

    • Check that steering is smooth, neither overly tight nor loose.

    • Spin the pedals and crank arms to detect any looseness or grinding.

    • Confirm that pedals are securely fastened and crank arms are tight.

    • 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

📆 Friday, June 19, 2026

⏰ 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

📍 Ruddington Park (75 Ruddington Dr, North York, ON M2K 2J9)

Live around Ruddington Park? Come say hello, let us give your bike a nice tune-up, and chat about life. Weather-adverse event (we will cancel if it rains - check our website and/or social media an hour before visiting).

Community Bike Tune-Up - Ruddington Park

Community Environment Days - Councillor Colle

📆 Sunday, July 5, 2026

⏰ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍 Glen Long Community Centre (35 Glen Long Ave)

Come visit us at Councillor Colle’s Community Environment Days event! We’ll be there to do bike tune-ups. You can also drop off items for reuse, recycling, and safe disposal, and get free compost.

📆 Saturday, July 11, 2026

⏰ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍 Centerpoint Mall (6464 Yonge St)

Come visit us at Councillor Cheng’s Community Environment Days event! We’ll be there to do bike tune-ups. You can also drop off items for reuse, recycling, and safe disposal, and get free compost.

Community Environment Days - Councillor Cheng

📆 Sunday, July 19, 2026

⏰ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍 Old Cummer GO Station (5760 Leslie St)

Come visit us at Councillor Carroll’s Community Environment Days event! We’ll be there to do bike tune-ups. You can also drop off items for reuse, recycling, and safe disposal, and get free compost.

Community Environment Days - Councillor Carroll

📆 Saturday, July 25, 2026

⏰ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍 The Village at Black Creek (1000 Murray Ross Pkwy)

Come visit us at Councillor Perruzza’s Community Environment Days event! We’ll be there to do bike tune-ups. You can also drop off items for reuse, recycling, and safe disposal, and get free compost.

Community Environment Days - Councillor Perruzza

Thanks to the City of Toronto, we can provide a limited number of physical $10 PRESTO cards to anyone who is experiencing financial difficulty 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.

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.

No drop-in requests. Show up to our bike tune-up event, and you get the $10 PRESTO card! If you have any questions, please email us.

Financial Accessibility Getting To Our Bike Tune-Ups

This project is supported by the City of Toronto through Live Green Toronto and the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants program.

Toronto city skyline logo with stylized buildings and the word 'Toronto' in bold letters
Logo with the text 'Live Green Toronto' in blue and green letters.