What to buy and bring for a Bike Repair Day

A Bike Repair Day needs more than spare parts and a few tools. You will need enough equipment for several workstations, clear information for visitors, protective gear for volunteers and a simple drinks station. Plan quantities around your expected attendance and the number of repairers working at the same time. This checklist covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, including lighting, power, storage, cleaning supplies and refreshments.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Work tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Bike repair standsqty 6
Storage cratesqty 12
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Tool casesqty 6
Bike pumps with pressure gaugeqty 6
Tire leversqty 12
Master keysqty 3
Cordless drill driversqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 6

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 8
Work glovesqty 12
Work jacketsqty 8
First aid kit

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee potsqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Clipboardsqty 6

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Sparkling water - 6 liters
- Still water - 12 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Halal chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Butter - 500 grams
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 2 packs
- 28-inch bicycle inner tube - 20 pieces
- 26 inch inner tube - 10 pcs
- 24-inch bicycle inner tube - 6 pieces
- Puncture repair kits - 20 sets
- Rim tape - 10 rolls
- Brake pads - 20 pairs
- Brake cables - 20 pcs
- Gear cables - 20 pieces
- Outdoor cable - 10 meters
- Bicycle chains - 8 pcs
- Chain oil - 6 bottles
- Degreaser - 4 bottles
- Assembly grease - 4 tubes
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Reflectors - 20 sets
- AA batteries - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one bike repair stand and one complete tool setup for each repairer working at the same time. Add at least one spare pump, tool case or key item so one missing tool does not stop a workstation.
Provide safety goggles, work gloves and work jackets for every person regularly handling repairs, rather than only for the organisers. Keep the first aid kit at the reception desk and make sure it is accessible throughout the day.
Count extension cords and power strips before shopping for electrical equipment. Use work lights where stations are shaded, and keep cables away from walkways so visitors and volunteers do not trip.
Prepare storage crates and buckets before the event, not during setup. Use the crates to sort repair parts by type and the buckets for used parts, rubbish or quick cleanup around each workstation.
For refreshments, match reusable cups, plates and cutlery to your expected attendance and prepare coffee, tea and chilled drinks before visitors arrive. Bring cutting boards and bread knives if food will be served at the reception area.

Frequently asked questions

How many bike repair stands do I need for a Bike Repair Day?: Start with one stand per repairer working at the same time. For example, six repairers need six stands; add one extra only if you expect a high number of complex repairs or want a backup station.
What safety equipment is needed for a bike repair event?: Provide safety goggles, work gloves and work jackets for every active repairer, plus a first aid kit at the reception desk. Check the quantities at least 1 day before the event so missing sizes or damaged items can be replaced.
How much power equipment should I bring for the repair workstations?: Count every powered tool and work light, then bring enough extension cords and power strips to reach each station without joining cables across walkways. Test the setup before opening, ideally during venue setup at least 2 hours before visitors arrive.
What should I buy for drinks and refreshments at Bike Repair Day?: Plan reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the full expected attendance, with a small reserve of about 10 percent. Chill drinks and prepare coffee and tea before opening, allowing at least 30 minutes for the drinks station.

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