Whether you need to inflate your tires, tighten a loose bolt, or make minor adjustments, UCLA's bike repair stands are equipped with the tools you need to get back on the road quickly. Regular maintenance is key to a safe and efficient cycling experience. With these DIY repair stands, UCLA makes it easy for students, staff, and visitors to keep their bikes in top shape. The next time you notice something off with your bike, stop by one of these repair stations and take care of it yourself — no appointment necessary!
How to Use the DIY Bike Repair Stands
Using the bike repair stands is simple. The stands are designed to hold your bike off the ground securely while you work, leaving your hands free to use the tools. Simply mount your bike on the stand, select the tool you need from the provided set, and follow the instructions. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just learning how to maintain your bike, these stands make it easy to perform quick repairs or adjustments.
What’s available at the stands? Each DIY bike repair stand is equipped with:
1. Air Pump
- Purpose: Inflate your bike tires.
- How to Use: Attach the pump nozzle to the tire valve. Secure the nozzle and pump the handle until the tire reaches the recommended pressure. Inflate tires at least every week or two; recommended pressure can usually be found on a tire’s sidewall.
2. Phillips/Flat-Head Screwdrivers
- Purpose: Tighten or loosen screws on various parts of your bike.
- How to Use: Use the Phillips head (cross-shaped) or flat-head (single straight edge) screwdriver for tasks like adjusting derailleur limit screws, tightening brake levers, or securing bike accessories. Choose the correct screwdriver type for the screw you're working on to avoid stripping it.
3. 15/32mm Combination Wrench
- Purpose: Adjust or remove nuts and bolts of corresponding sizes.
- How to Use: The 15mm side is typically used for axle nuts or pedals, while the 32mm side may be used for larger components like headsets or bottom brackets. Place the appropriate end over the nut or bolt, and turn to tighten or loosen.
4. 8/9/10/11mm Combination Wrenches
- Purpose: Tighten or loosen smaller nuts and bolts.
- How to Use: These smaller wrenches are used for tasks like adjusting brake and gear cables, brake calipers, front derailleurs, or removing bolts on accessories like racks and fenders. Select the correct size to avoid damaging the bolt.
5. Tire Levers
- Purpose: Remove and replace tires.
- How to Use: Insert the curved end of the tire lever under the edge of the tire, then pry the tire away from the rim. Use a second lever to continue this action around the tire until one side of the tire is off. To put the tire back on, push it over the rim using your hands or the flat side of the lever.
6. Torx Wrench
- Purpose: Adjust components with Torx bolts, commonly found on disc brakes.
- How to Use: The star-shaped Torx wrench fits into the matching bolt head. Turn to tighten or loosen the bolt. This tool is essential for maintaining disc brakes, which require specific torque settings.
7. Allen Wrenches (Hex Keys)
- Purpose: Adjust components that use hex bolts.
- How to Use: Insert the Allen wrench into the hex bolt and turn to adjust. These are commonly used for tasks such as adjusting saddle height, handlebars, brake calipers, and gear shifters. Allen wrenches come in various sizes, so choose the one that fits snugly into the bolt to avoid stripping.
Each of these tools is essential for keeping your bike in good working condition. Whether you're tightening bolts, adjusting brakes, or fixing a flat tire, the tools at the UCLA DIY bike repair stands have you covered.
The bike repair stands are conveniently located at:
1. UCLA Bike Shop: Just outside the UCLA Bike Shop at the John Wooden Center.
2. Strathmore: In front of the Strathmore Building on the west side of Westwood Plaza, just north of the Police Station.
3. Covel: Adjacent to Sproul Hall on the Hill behind Drake Stadium.
4. Lu Valle: In front of Dodd Hall south of Lu Valle Commons.
5. Parking Structure Lot 9 (pump only): Across Charles E. Young Drive South from CHS, south of Lot 9, on the northernmost inverted-U-bike-rack.
6. 100 Medical Plaza: West of 100 Medical Plaza, south of Reagan, and just east of the stairway between Reagan and 100 Medical Plaza.
7. Sunset Rec: In front of the turnstile at the main entrance next to the bike racks.
8. Schoenberg: East of the Inverted Fountain, south of Schoenberg Hall.
9. Hammer Museum: Enter Parking Lot 38 from Westwood Plaza and proceed as though you are going to descend to the second level of underground parking. The pump/stand is on the ramp between the two levels.
