Who can use the Velowerkstatt?

The Velowerkstatt is open to all students enrolled in and all employees of ETH, Universität Zürich, ZHAW, PHZ. Using the Velowerkstatt is for free.

Where is it located?

You can find our pin-point location here on google maps. We are located in the student village on the Hönggerberg campus of ETH. Our location is highlighted on this map of the campus.

Opening Hours

Tuesday	17:00-19:00
Thursday	17:00-19:00

These hours are subject to change, so please always doublecheck the Facebook page before you come by. Also our location has changed a few times in the past so if you haven't visited us in a while, make sure you are heading to the right location.

What spare parts are available?

We stock a selection of spare parts at the Velowerkstatt, check the list of spare parts currently in stock.

Before your visit

If you already know how to fix your bike, just swing by and feel free to use our tools. In case you are not certain what the problem is or how you can fix it, please have a quick look at the list of common problems below — about 90 percent of all problems fall into one of these — click to expand and see some details about each problem.

NO PREPARATION NEEDED

Need air in my tyres

Just swing past and use our pump.

Cannot switch to highest/lowest gear

Adjusting your derailleur is simple and often solves the problem within minutes. If your cables are worn off, you might want to buy new ones from a bike shop and replace them in the werkstatt (about CHF 3 each)

Brakes feel mushy (for rim brakes)

Learn how to adjust your brakes. However, often the brake pads, cables or cable housings need to be replaced. If you come early, you will have enought time to swing by a bike shop and get replacement parts if needed.

GET SOME PARTS BEFORE STARTING

I want to replace my chain

If you don't know what chain to get and you don't want to bring your bike to the bikeshop, count the nubmer of sprockets on your rear wheel (5,7,8,9,10,11?) and remember the manufacturer of your rear derailleur. This information should suffice. If you don't bring your old chain, you will need to calculate the length of the new chain.

Need a new inner tube/tire

Roughly 30 minutes.

READ UP ON THE PROCESS (and maybe get some parts)

I want to replace my bottom bracket

This is major surgery so it is best come early. Actually, when you read up on the process it may sound easier (especially for some of the newer styles), but you should remember that removing the bottom bracket currently on your bike usually takes some time due to rust and dirst. Be sure to double check that you are looking at instructions for the bottom bracket type that is actually on your bike, this Park Tool repair help page gives a good starting point.

My wheel is not true

The procedure is relatively simple but in practice it can be tedious, this Park Tool repair help page gives good starting point. Time required depends on your craftsmanship. Minutes to hours. Very zen though.

THINGS YOU CANNOT DO AT THE VELOWERKSTATT

Soldering, welding.
Repair electric components E-bikes.

General recommendation: Do not wear you favourite white clothes (we do have gloves though).

Help us to improve

If you have visited our Velowerkstatt and performed repairs on your bike, then help use improve by completing the Velowerkstatt Feedback Survey.

Get invloved as a helper

If you are passionate about helping your fellow students to repair their bikes and keep them rolling, them we are always looking for new helper to run the Velowerkstatt. If this is something for you, then let us know via this Registration Form.