Q: I've recently discovered the passion of cycling (in my later years; why didn't I get this 20 years ago!). Anyway, can you please advise me of any cycling maintenance courses that will teach beginners to strip and rebuild their bike and for general servicing? Is this possible around the York [UK] area?
>David Riley, email
A: We're not sure about courses in the York area in particular, David, but there are several places offering courses. Cyclewales.net are in North Wales and offer all sorts of courses, from one-day maintenance to 10-day City & Guilds qualifications. They're near Caernarfon, tel 01938 570680/07733 121585, www. cyclewales.net.
Park Tool School (tel 01296 468468, www.atg-cyclemechanics.co.uk) run more specialist courses in Leeds, or you could try PJCS (tel 07050 207369 www.pjcsonline.co.uk, who run courses for the cycling enthusiasts as well as for cycle shop mechanics. Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative (tel 0845 257 0808, www.edinburghbicycle.com) also run bicycle maintenance courses at all their shops, one of which is in Leeds, and they also offer private tuition. >