Mechanics courses

[livpoksoc]

Im due to take some time off between jobs this year, and want to take in a maintenance course so I can have a crack at servicing and maintaining my own bikes better.

I am based in Hants, but happy to travel a couple of hours if the course is worth it. Can anyone recommend some places that run something like this?

 

[Dayvo]

I did a two-week C&Gs course in Spalding, Lincs a few years ago.

It might be too long for your liking, and possibly too expensive (you'd probably find something more local and shorter in length) but it was very rewarding and great fun.

http://www.bike-inn.co.uk/training_courses.asp

 

[simongt]

The Edinburgh Cycle Co-op do courses and have a few branches at various points around the country. I've also seen courses advertised in Cycle magazine of Cycling UK - used to be the CTC.

 

[Tojo]

I did a two-week C&Gs course in Spalding, Lincs a few years ago.

It might be too long for your liking, and possibly too expensive (you'd probably find something more local and shorter in length) but it was very rewarding and great fun.

http://www.bike-inn.co.uk/training_courses.asp

Wasn't long enough for me did my level 2 there and learned more than I expected as I've been building bikes since my early teens, and the plus was that I stayed at a cracking campsite with a good Chinese take-away down the road and a couple of local pubs, and best of all a traditional butchers shop in the next village, A good two weeks well spent......

 

[Drago]

How handy are you with tools already? I did Cytec L1 through work about 10 years ago, and learned not a single thing I didn't know already. Never had formal training, but my Dad was an engineer and taught me from a young age (we built petrol go karts, that sort of thing) so I was a pretty fair spanner twirler to begin with.

If you're already fairly handy with the tools then a decent book might be more useful than a course.

Wherever you're at, good luck on your quest.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

If you can wire a plug, fix a cupboard door and follow instructions you can maintain a bike.

As and when stuff needs doing, just hit YouTube.

 

[livpoksoc]

How handy are you with tools already? I did Cytec L1 through work about 10 years ago, and learned not a single thing I didn't know already. Never had formal training, but my Dad was an engineer and taught me from a young age (we built petrol go karts, that sort of thing) so I was a pretty fair spanner twirler to begin with.

If you're already fairly handy with the tools then a decent book might be more useful than a course.

Wherever you're at, good luck on your quest.

My lbs has held a couple of evening sessions on 'basics' which focussed on things like indexing and checking brake pads. I'd like to learn how to redo cables, checking bearings etc. but any time I start playing with threads, I worry about types of grease/pressure etc. and want to attend something where I can learn about not just how to undo the bolts and pull the things apart, but safely putting them back together.

If you can wire a plug, fix a cupboard door and follow instructions you can maintain a bike.

As and when stuff needs doing, just hit YouTube.

Likewise here - it's making sure I haven't cocked it up. All youtube videos tend to end with 'if you aren't confident, seek a professional', and I'd like to eliminate the latter for things.

My first road bike is currently hung up in the garage with no wheels, and starting to rust on the chain. I'd like to use it as a practice to rebuild it.

 

[overmind]

If you can wire a plug, fix a cupboard door and follow instructions you can maintain a bike.

As and when stuff needs doing, just hit YouTube.

Cannot upvote this comment enough.

There is a YouTube channel called RJ the Bike Guy and another called BikeMan4U. They have hundreds of videos on how to do everything from fixing a puncture to removing a stuck bottom bracket.

 

[r04DiE]

If you can wire a plug, fix a cupboard door and follow instructions you can maintain a bike.

As and when stuff needs doing, just hit YouTube.

Cannot upvote this comment enough.

There is a YouTube channel called RJ the Bike Guy and another called BikeMan4U. They have hundreds of videos on how to do everything from fixing a puncture to removing a stuck bottom bracket.

I agree with all this ^^

 

[Jody]

Most of it isn't hard to do. I taught myself as a kid before Youface came along. Now there are so many online resources you can have a crack at most things and be guided through it

 

[robgul]

Cannot upvote this comment enough.

There is a YouTube channel called RJ the Bike Guy and another called BikeMan4U. They have hundreds of videos on how to do everything from fixing a puncture to removing a stuck bottom bracket.

Yep - there's also https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/ Global Cycling Network - and there's loads of stuff on the Park Tools website - I work p/t in an LBS and anything unusual we just Google and always seem to find the answer, tips, tricks etc

The other suggestion is to an old bike (tip, charity shop, whatever) and take it to bits.

You'll obviously need a few specialist tools - Edinburgh Bike Coop has a good starter kit for not a lot of money.

Rob

 

[benbrangwyn]

As someone who has been fixing bikes since 1970, I can say that I found the two courses I did exceedlingly worthwhile. They were Level 2 and Level 3 here: http://www.cycle-systems.co.uk/cycle-systems-academy. I did the courses in London, and they've since moved to Devon (just down the road, ironically).

Everyone on the courses is super motivated and it's damn good fun - hard work too, of course, but a great learning environment.

Unreservedly recommended, even to youtubers and gnarled mechanics.

 

[Dirtyhanz]

I did two weeks on the course in spalding it was great fun really enjoyed it learnt a lot quit expensive though but also agree YouTube is your friend bikeman4u is my favourite

 

[Domus]

Never fear.............the Bikeman for you is here.