Basic Bike Maintenance

All participants must be 16+ to attend this course. If the attendee is between 16 and 18 and will not be accompanied by an adult, please contact us before you book.

This 2.5-hour session is aimed at adults who would like to start learning how bikes work. This is an entry-level course so you don't need any previous experience of bike maintenance. We encourage you to bring your own bike along, but you can borrow a bike from us if you need to.

We will be adding more dates soon, so please check back if you can't find a date and time that works for you.

We will discuss why punctures occur and how to avoid them. You will all have the opportunity to practise removing a wheel, removing the tube from the tyre and then putting it all back together again. We’ll share tips for getting tyres off and on again.

We’ll talk through where and when to clean and lubricate and what to use. The tutor will demonstrate how to check a chain for wear and how to clean the chain.

The M-check is a simple way of making sure your bike is safe to ride by identifying any adjustments that are needed and repairs to be made. Together we will work through the M-check and carry out a couple of simple adjustments. The tutor will walk you through the check and you can carry it out on your own bike as we go along. We will also discuss when it’s best to get your bike seen by a professional.

We will provide nitrile gloves (or barrier cream if you’re unable to wear gloves) and aprons. Toilet and handwashing facilities are available.

Please remember to:

• wear clothes you don't mind getting mucky and make sure you have a warm layer if the weather is cold
• wear footwear suitable for a workshop (no open-toed sandals)
• bring your own bike (or let us know if you wish to use one of ours)

The course will take place at Leeds Bike Mill's workshop on 332a Meanwood Road (also known as Meanwood Close). Please check the directions at www.leedsbikemill.org/find-us. Please aim to arrive ten minutes before so that we can start on time.

There is free car parking outside the workshop, which is available on a first come first served basis; unfortunately we cannot reserve car parking for our students.

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