Tune-Up Stations: Saddle, Brakes and Chain

Four basic maintenance stations to leave the bike safe and comfortable: saddle, brakes, chain and wheels. Students learn to tune their own bike without relying on a shop.

How to play

1. Intro to the four stations and the photo cards (3 min).
2. Saddle station: with your heel on the pedal at the bottom, the leg should be straight; adjust and test with a lap (8 min).
3. Brake station: the lever must not touch the grip; pads centered on the rim, adjust the barrel adjuster (8 min).
4. Chain station: wipe with a rag, one drop of lube per link and wipe off the excess (8 min).
5. Wheel station: pump to the pressure printed on the tire sidewall and check the quick release or axle nuts (8 min).
6. Wrap-up: each group teaches the class one trick in 30 seconds (4 min).

Rules

• Tools stay at their station and go back in the box when you rotate.
• No brake adjustment counts until it has been tested by pushing the bike.
• Lube never touches rims or brake pads.
• Bikes rest on stands, against a wall or upside down on bars and saddle.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: tools color-coded by size and a hands-on explanation of the barrel adjuster.
• Wheelchair users: work with the bike upside down on a table at their height.
• Students without a bike: bring a family member's or use a school bike, and take the card home.

Learning goals

• Set saddle height correctly.
• Check and adjust brakes and tire pressure.
• Keep the chain clean and lubed.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bicycles: 8
• allen keys: 8
• wrenches: 4
• chain lube: 2
• rags: 8
• bike pumps: 4

Teacher tip

If you're short on Allen keys, ask families or a local bike shop for sets. Common mistake: raising the seat post past the minimum insertion mark; point it out.

More main activities for Middle School