This course will provide a practical knowledge of bike care and basic maintenance for new and more experienced cyclists alike. It will focus on the main components found on all types of bikes, how they function and how to keep them working. It will include practical lessons in emergency roadside repairs to enable you to get home in the event of a breakdown. Anyone who owns a bike is encouraged to bring it along and everyone will be given a basic tool kit, which will be used on the course and will be available for you to take home afterwards.

Monday

Introduction. The course will begin with an open forum discussion to establish the individual requirements of each student and, if already a cyclist, what type of bike they use. The course will begin with an introduction to the bike and how to select the most suitable type to meet individual requirements. Using examples of the main types of bike on the market (road, mountain, hybrid and electric) we will learn the names of the main components and how to select the correct size of frame and wheels. We will look at how to check that the bike is safe to use and how it is adjusted to ensure a comfortable and efficient riding posture. We will discuss the various accessories that can be fitted to a bike and the essential tools required for conducting home maintenance and road-side repairs. The students will be given their complimentary tool kit.

Tuesday

Wheels, Tyres and Tubes. Types and sizes of wheels and tyres fitted to most modern bikes. How to select the most suitable tyres for your bike. How to check that your wheels and tyres are safe and secure. How to remove a wheel and tyre to repair a puncture. Care and maintenance of wheels and tyres.

Wednesday

Brakes and Gears. Different types of braking systems. How to ensure that your brakes are safe and working properly. How to use brakes correctly. How to replace worn brake pads. Care and maintenance of braking systems. Different types of gear systems. How to check that your gears are working properly. How to use the gears correctly. How to replace a thrown or broken chain.

Care, maintenance and lubrication of chains and gears.

Thursday

Bearings, Forks and Frames. The types of bearings fitted to most bikes and how they are maintained. Different types of bike frames, forks and suspension systems. How to check that the frame, front forks and handlebars are secure and correctly adjusted. How to check that the suspension is working and correctly adjusted.

Friday

Accessories, Clothing and Equipment. Discussion about the various accessories available and which ones are best for you; this includes the main types of saddles, pedals, lights, computers and carriers on the market. How to ensure that accessories are fitted safely and securely. Clothing and equipment for cycling, including helmets, gloves and shoes. What should be carried on every bike ride, including the essential tools and spare parts needed to carry out basic roadside repairs. Summary of course content and final questions.

Equipment. Students are encouraged to bring their own bike, helmet and accessories with them on the course if possible. Various types of bike will be available to work on during the course and all students will be given a basic bicycle tool kit to take away with them at the end.

References. 'The Bike Book' (Haynes, 7th edition, April 2017, James Witts) is an excellent reference book for all aspects of bike maintenance and worth buying. All bikes sold in the UK are re-quired to conform with British Standard 6102 Part 1 together with British and European Standards for Bicycles (BS EN 14764, 14766 and 14781), which will be referred to during the course.

Peter Wilson

About Peter