British Cycling has announced a series of bike maintenance workshops across the UK, following a successful pilot at the end of last year.
They have again teamed up with former GB Cycling Team head mechanic Peter ‘Spike’ Taylor and Pro Tool School, with the aim of building confidence for bike self-maintenance. Starting in Preston on 3 June, workshops will continue in 17 cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bath, Ipswich, Glasgow and Newport.
Beginner half-day workshops are aimed at new cyclists with little or no maintenance experience. They will offer an introduction to bike anatomy, riding position, puncture repair, brake and gear maintenance as well as oiling, cleaning and component care. Advanced workshops for more experienced cyclists will begin in November. This will be a chance to learn more technical tips for keeping a bike running smoothly. Prices start at £45 for the half day introductory course, while the full day intermediate course costs £125. The advanced course, which begins in November, costs £165. A 10 percent discount applies for all British Cycling members. Lunch is included on the full day courses, which run from 9.30 till 17.30.
Taylor, who has repaired and maintained bikes for Britain’s most successful elite athletes including the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, Mark Cavendish and Nicole Cooke, said: "These workshops are designed to teach anyone who rides a bike some easy tricks and techniques and give them the confidence to do the job themselves, saving them time and money. Even the athletes would admit that popping a puncture can be pretty daunting for anyone starting out, but I urge any cyclist to come and see there’s nothing difficult about basic bike maintenance and repair.”
The workshops will be hands-on in a relaxed atmosphere. Bikes and tools will be provided, so attendees don’t need to bring any of their own equipment. Refreshments are also included and anyone who registers for a workshop will receive British Cycling Ride membership worth £24 free of charge. To book your place visit www.britishcycling.org.uk or contact British Cycling on 0161 274 2049. For the full workshop schedule, click here.
