Ladies and Bike Shops

I was thinking about doing a CTUK course; they sound fun! I like that you get to work on your own bike, and I'd rather maintain my bike myself than have to go to a shop every time I have a problem.

I think there's a discount on the maintenance course if you do some cycle training too. Has anyone tried the cycle training - is it worth doing?

I have done both the maintenance and cycle training with CTUK and wholeheartedly recommend them. My problem was my memory is rubbish and what would have helped me is having some old crappy parts lying around to practise on at home because I didn't want to take my own bike apart in case I forgot something and fucked it up.

Point to note that may not be in the threads linked to: you may well be the only woman doing the mechanic course - I was one of two, admittedly a few years ago. Not that I'm suggesting anyone should feel uncomfortable about that - it's all just people learning about bike maintenance. Just thought I'd mention it as this is posted in the ladies' forum.