Bike Maintenance Course

Saldawop

Will be picking up my new bike this week...hopefully.
I would like to maintain it myself,I havent touched a bike for years and wasnt a very accomplished mechanic when I did.
Would it be worthwhile attending a Bike Maintenance Course.
Having a quick Google I see that Evans do a 2 hour Free Course or I could pay £72 to London School Of Cycling for a one day course, or £85 for a one day Intermediate Course at Cycle Training UK.

I know I could watch YouTube videos, but I think I would feel better having someone there for when I mess up :oops:
For those have used such a Course, did you fid it worthwhile?

denzzz28

Not really to be honest,

i would not spend that much money on tutorials that you can learn for free over the internet (i.e. online forums, you tube). you could always join a group of weekend riders and they can teach you how to do things as well. its not as hard as you think it is but you may need to buy some special tools like the bottom bracket spanner and crank puller those one i have to buy but the rest is just your normal spanners and ratchets. for a new bike you only need to know how adjust things like brakes, saddle and stem those are quite easy, adjusting front and rear mechs are not hard but you need a good understanding of it before you start fiddling.

as you progress from basic adjustment you may want to learn a more advance maintenance like changing parts, greasing or changing bearings, changing tyres and brake pads, etc this requires disassembling components cleaning them and oiling them (not with the brakes though). just always remember when your dis assembling things you need to remember how you took it off and put it back in reverse. if it helps take pictures before you dismantle it.

but really you dont need to, but if it helps your confidence then by all means do it. if your not far away from London then come here and ill teach you some basic

Saldawop

Thanks, I am in NW London.
Things like tyre changes/saddle adjustment don't bother me .Its more things like gears and brakes,cables etc.Looking at a road bike and it all looks so complicated :roll:

denzzz28

Saldawop wrote:

Thanks, I am in NW London.
Things like tyre changes/saddle adjustment don't bother me .Its more things like gears and brakes,cables etc.Looking at a road bike and it all looks so complicated :roll:

im from the SW of London Streatham. im sorry i thought your are a complete newbie , i agree it does look complicated but its just basically pulling a lever with a cable and thats it. you pull the cable you move something. and also you can adjust this things using a simple bike tool.

Like i said dont waste your money, it can be learn easily. just let me know if you want a tutorial and we can meet up. where exactly are in NW London?

APIII

I've looked at courses before and have been tempted to give it a go. I'm fairly happy with most aspects of bike maintenance and have built a couple of bikes before, but to be honest, my LBS always do a better job. And so they should, as they are qualified and do it for a living. YouTube and forums are great, but I don't think you can beat one to one tuition from an expert.

If you do go on a course, I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

Saldawop

denzzz28 wrote:

Saldawop wrote:

Thanks, I am in NW London.
Things like tyre changes/saddle adjustment don't bother me .Its more things like gears and brakes,cables etc.Looking at a road bike and it all looks so complicated :roll:

im from the SW of London Streatham. im sorry i thought your are a complete newbie , i agree it does look complicated but its just basically pulling a lever with a cable and thats it. you pull the cable you move something. and also you can adjust this things using a simple bike tool.

Like i said dont waste your money, it can be learn easily. just let me know if you want a tutorial and we can meet up. where exactly are in NW London?[/quote]

Much appreciated. I suppose I could chuck me bike in the boot of me car.Sod riding all the way to Streatham!!!
im in Camden Town

steveadi

ive been on a beginners course which was free, brake and gear adjustment amongst other things and a more advanced course,bottom brackets, wheel truing, headsets,wheel bearings amongst a few other things £60 hopefully i will recoup that cost when things need repairing.agree with denzzz28 put things in order as you remove.

Saldawop

Cheers Steve, I know you can only speak for the course that you actually did, but did you think it was money well spent?

Xommul

Hi M8,

There are a hundred and one videos on you tube or meta cafe which show you hw to do everything in regards to bike maintenance.

Why not buy an old bike from ebay or second hand rag and bring it back to life and learn that way. You can then sell it at the end or give it away,

Xom

Saldawop

Thats a good idea Xommul.I may do that.

denzzz28

Xommul wrote:

Hi M8,

There are a hundred and one videos on you tube or meta cafe which show you hw to do everything in regards to bike maintenance.

Why not buy an old bike from ebay or second hand rag and bring it back to life and learn that way. You can then sell it at the end or give it away,

Xom

good idea? yes and no

yes because, you can get hands on experience and it doesnt matter if you mess it up. many people learn best that way like me. experience is still the best teacher

no, because if it will cost £50 -£70 to buy second hand one then you might as well go for the course and have more space in the house.

i have a working and usable mountain bike here that is welcome to be trashed, you can buy it from me if you want LOL!!

steveadi

Saldawop wrote:

Cheers Steve, I know you can only speak for the course that you actually did, but did you think it was money well spent?

I thought it was worth it only because i now know how easy it is to take the things apart and put them back together,i picked up an old wheel from a skip and i have since cleaned and replaced bearings and trued the wheel i wouldnt have done it on my own bike first.