Overview

This hands-on workshop by Bower Bikes is designed to help riders understand and maintain their bike’s derailleur and gearing system. In just 2.5 hours, participants will learn how to diagnose common shifting issues, set correct chain length, and adjust gears for smooth, reliable performance. Held at The Bower’s Summer Hill workshop, this session blends theory, demonstration, and practical experience.

Who is this workshop for?

• Beginner to intermediate riders who want to learn how their bike’s gears work.

• Commuters and recreational cyclists looking to improve shifting performance and reduce wear.

• DIY bike enthusiasts interested in gaining hands-on experience with drivetrain maintenance.

• Anyone curious about how to fix skipping gears, chain drops, or poor shifting.

• No prior mechanical experience is required—just bring your bike (or use one provided) and a willingness to learn.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 2.5 hour workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key components of a bike’s gearing system, including shifters, derailleurs, cassette, chainrings, and chain.

2. Understand how gear shifting works, including the role of limit screws and barrel adjusters.

3. Diagnose common drivetrain issues such as skipping gears, slow shifting, and chain drop.

4. Use essential bike tools safely and effectively for drivetrain inspection and adjustment.

5. Measure and set correct chain length using the “Big-Big, No Derailleur” method.

6. Perform basic cleaning and wear checks on the drivetrain.

7. Adjust front and rear derailleurs for smooth and reliable shifting.

8. Build confidence in hands-on bike maintenance through guided practice and peer learning.

Workshop Modules

Module 1: Welcome & Safety (0:00 – 0:15)

• Acknowledgement of Country

• Workshop overview and facilitator introduction

• Participant introductions

• Safety briefing: tools, PPE, and workspace awareness

Module 2: Gearing System Theory (0:15 – 0:30)

• Overview of drivetrain components: shifters, derailleurs, cassette, chainrings, chain

• How shifting works

• Common issues: skipping, chain drop, slow shifting

• Visual aids and Q&A

Module 3: Tools & Preparation (0:30 – 0:50)

• Introduction to essential tools

• Demonstration: mounting bike, inspecting drivetrain, basic cleaning

• Group activity: inspect own or provided bikes

Module 4: Chain Length Setup (0:50 – 1:10)

• Why chain length matters

• Step-by-step “Big-Big, No Derailleur” method

• Visual checks and tips

Module 5: Hands-On Gear Adjustment (1:10 – 2:10)

• Guided practice adjusting derailleurs

• Troubleshooting shifting issues

• Peer learning and instructor support

Module 6: Wrap-Up & Q&A (2:00 – 2:30)

• Recap of key concepts

• Final questions and discussion

• Resources for further learning

• Feedback and workshop close

Location

SUMMER HILL

Inner West Sustainability Hub, 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill NSW 2130

Transportation and parking
Bower Bikes is located within 10-minute walking distance of Summer Hill Train Station. Both metred and unmetered parking are available nearby.