Bike maintenance ...

[ScotiaLass]

...no, not the kind you have to pay for because your ex has custody of the bikes...

Does anyone know of classes where I can go to learn some basics?
I'm not good at learning from a book or videos, I need to be shown and helped.
I'd like to learn the basics then maybe go on to do my own servicing etc.

 

[young Ed]

...no, not the kind you have to pay for because your ex has custody of the bikes...

Does anyone know of classes where I can go to learn some basics?
I'm not good at learning from a book or videos, I need to be shown and helped.
I'd like to learn the basics then maybe go on to do my own servicing etc.

what you need:
a cheap bike you aren't too bothered about
a camera (could be the worlds best slr or it could be a cheap camera phone)
a note pad and pen/pencil
basic set of spanners and allen keys etc
other workshop essentials like kitchen roll for wiping off old grease and you of course need new grease and some oil

you then proceed to remove say the front wheel and take photos and notes and sketches of how stuff is and then you start undoing it all and seeing how it works and then putting it back together with the photos/sketches/notes to help you
do this for all the easiest seeming parts and ask us when ever you are stuck even if it is which way do i turn this nut to undo it! or what tool do i need for this
Cheers Ed

 

[ScotiaLass]

what you need:
a cheap bike you aren't too bothered about
a camera (could be the worlds best slr or it could be a cheap camera phone)
a note pad and pen/pencil
basic set of spanners and allen keys etc
other workshop essentials like kitchen roll for wiping off old grease and you of course need new grease and some oil

you then proceed to remove say the front wheel and take photos and notes and sketches of how stuff is and then you start undoing it all and seeing how it works and then putting it back together with the photos/sketches/notes to help you
do this for all the easiest seeming parts and ask us when ever you are stuck even if it is which way do i turn this nut to undo it! or what tool do i need for this
Cheers Ed

Good idea!
I have three bikes in the shed that all need attention....wasn't going to bother as the kids have just about outgrown them but may take the best one and try fixing it so the youngest can use it. I know the front brakes have issues and something is very loose and making a rubbing noise....

 

[young Ed]

Good idea!
I have three bikes in the shed that all need attention....wasn't going to bother as the kids have just about outgrown them but may take the best one and try fixing it so the youngest can use it. I know the front brakes have issues and something is very loose and making a rubbing noise....

brakes are pretty easy to fettle with and really a childs bike just has smaller components of your bike, well almost!

one thing i can guarantee you will struggle with is the gears, everyone does!

one of these helps with all bike maintenance loads and makes it 100 times easier!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150544733103?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

at 30 quid it is a bargain and i have managed to make loads of people on here buy it and they love it!
(no affiliation with company not even on a commission! )
Cheers Ed

 

[Hardrock93]

How about a one day class at EBC?
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/bro...ebcTag_content=navbar&ebcTag_campaign=classes

Recyke-a-bike in Stirling/Falkirk sometimes run maintenance classes, though they don't appear to have any sessions coming up in the near future.
http://www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk/

 

[fossyant]

EBC are your best bet, or do you have any community cycle projects in a city near you, as these often do basic courses for not much money.

Bikes are pretty damn simple to work on. Just take your time and work out what bit does what.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@ScotiaLass the Stirlin bike hub are doing free classes, check out their FB page xx

 

[slowmotion]

Some branches of Evans do maintenance courses ( I think ). They might even be free.

 

[Smurfy]

young Ed has got the right idea. Just take things apart and have a look, but best not to start on your pride and joy. If you get stuck just post words and pictures on CC. To save money on tools, consider buying a kit with some of the most common tools, then add extra tools when you need them.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Especially since your pride and joy is only about a week old!
Seriously, though, there are many resources online and on youtube that offer good advice, although I would also recommend classes, as you can get better information tailored to your specific needs there. In the US, most Community Colleges offer classes, not too many other places outside of co-ops . Oh, and our local Anarchists, for some reason.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Thanks all.
I have 3 dead'ish bikes in the back yard although two are in reasonable condition, they just need some fixing.

 

[stuee147]

try the bike station in edingbugh they are very helpful and have classes and even open days where you can take your bike and use there tools and workshop and there is advice if you need it
http://www.thebikestation.org.uk/