Bike Maintenence Courses

[sbeqs]

Hi, does anyone know of any courses, online or in real life where you can learn how to maintain your bike?
I just had a 6 week check on my new bike and I'm surprised at how faster and smoother my ride is after it.
I really need to learn how to keep it up, as I can't afford to take it to the shop as much as it most likely needs.

Thank you.

 

[mjr]

Local bike groups/clubs, bike shops or community centres/projects/enterprises may offer maintenance courses or just help as you need it. If you give some idea where you are, you might get suggestions.

There are tons of videos online from places like Park Tools and Arts Cyclery(have I spelt that right?) but it can be a bit taxing finding the right one for your bike. Lots of bikes and bike parts come with paperwork which describes maintenance.

 

[sbeqs]

Nottingham.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I recall Edinburgh Bikes offer various skill level courses and my local council occasionally run them.

The council seem to tweet stuff like this more than publicising it in other ways.

 

[derrick]

Where do you live, We have one local to us run by a local cycle club.

 

[tfg71]

I follow a facebook page for a cycle hub in Stirling which is just along the road from me. they have advertised they are doing free bike maint classes - pity they start when im on holiday .
Did mention I liked the idea and that I was on holiday they came back and told me they would be doing it again in August = result.

 

[sbeqs]

Nottingham

 

[_aD]

The basics for getting a smoother, faster ride are: clean and re-oil the chain, pump up the tyres.
I find if I let either of those two go for long, I am amazed at the difference once I sort 'em out! Chain cleaning guides are 10 to the dozen online and pump your tyres up as hard as you prefer, but not over the maximum listed on the tyre.
As far as safety is concerned - check over every single nut and handle you can find to make sure they're tight, look at the cables to check they're not fraying and give the bike a gentle "bounce" and listen for anything odd. Make sure neither of the wheels move to the side (have "play").

Sheldon Brown's site is a bit retro-looking and uses all the correct words (which makes it look like jargon) but is invaluable.

 

[bpsmith]

I would suggest qualify the above, suggesting that all bolts should be tightened to their required torque, rather than tight. Some are not meant to be as tight as others and can cause damage.