Maintenance Courses

Does anyone know of, or can recommend, a beginners bike maintenance course. I have seen one operated by Downland cycles in Canterbury (http://www.downlandcycles.co.uk/2day.htm) that looks good but would prefer one in London if possible.

Thanks.

I believe Evans do a very basic couple of hours on a Sat. Check out their site.

http://www.lbk.org.uk/

seems good

Look Mum do them too

Ctuk offer introductory, basic and intermediate maintenance courses.

http://www.cycletraining.co.uk/index.php?pg=143

Many local boroughs heavily subsidise the maintenance if you also have a cycle training session (which is also heavily subsidised).

I can't imagine anything being better than the ones here: www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk/. Some of the courses are subsidised. The standard of teaching is exceedingly high, and the workshop is stunningly equipped. Very highly motivated staff, trainers and students. Plus you get a recognised qualification. I'm going back for a level 3 later in the year and I'm really looking forward to it.

Is there an industry-recognised course?

Thanks for all the suggestions guys..

Also might like to check sidcup cycles, graham who works all over Europe.on pro tours runs a velotech operation, Google it.for.info very pro.gl.

Is there an industry-recognised course?

Isn't it Cytech?

Weldtech standard.

Is there an industry-recognised course?

Yeah, Cytech is the most common one, I think; I did levels one and two. For the home mechanic I wouldn't recommend them, it's nothing you can't learn from Sheldon or Parktools websites (so long as you have a bike to practise on, that is...). I got sponsored to do the courses by my (ex) employer, so I was happy to do them, but I wouldn't pay unless I wanted to be a bicycle mechanic as a career (and I would go all the way to level three, too).

The jump from level two to level three is enormous, though; strip-down and servicing of suspension forks and hydraulic brakes, use of specialist and proprietary tools etc.

That said, even the most complicated bicycle is a rather simple thing. Unless you have a very fancy, expensive and brand-new bicycle, or you need to do frame repairs, there really isn't anything you can't do in your living room with some basic hand tools and a few bicycle-specific ones.

I was interested in doing the courses once, when my other half said she'd support me so I could start a bike shop like I'd wanted to for a while. I was taken aback when she said it though and ran a country mile.

Heh, I don't blame you - my six months of self-employment was terrifying (although I will almost certainly end up being self-employed... and hopefully in the cycle industry).

Yeah, that pipe dream of mine needs to remain a pipe dream, I think...

I think Look Mum do one, they certainly have in the past. I did the level 2 C&G course over at Bikeworks last winter. Certainly rounded out some areas of knowledge for me, and I really enjoyed the wheelbuilding.

Ctuk offer introductory, basic and intermediate maintenance courses.

http://www.cycletraining.co.uk/index.php?pg=143

Many local boroughs heavily subsidise the maintenance if you also have a cycle training session (which is also heavily subsidised).

Big dredge. I attended the CTUK basic course today and it was excellent. As a Lewisham resident, the cost was £10! I was not technically inept, but really appreciated some systematic instruction. I'll be booking myself onto the intermediate course this week.

Jacek is a lovely guy, quite a humorous instructor. Really glad you enjoyed it.

Went on a bicycle maintenance course at a coffee shop on Old Street last Saturday taught by this incredibly amusing fellow who was just covered in tattoos.

Would strongly recommend.

Will definitely be doing the intermediate course.