two-day course

bicycle maintenance

venue: Hackney City Farm, London

The course is run by professional bike mechanic Therese Kilpatrick of the Bike Project, a community co-operative set up in 2006 to encourage a shift away from non-sustainable forms of transport and towards safer, cleaner transportation alternatives.

Students will use their own bikes for the class. Tools and workstands are provided. Participants will receive a basic grounding in all of the tasks necessary to keep their bikes running, and for reference, a set of comprehensive handouts outlining procedures in simple logical steps.

The course includes:

  • a comprehensive safety check essential for assessing whether your bike is ready to use, or for buying a new or second-hand bike, including the best way to check for frame and fork damage
  • troubleshooting and servicing the brake system: how to know when to change components, and what affects brake function
  • diagnosis and repair of the transmission, including indexing gears, straightening the gear hanger, replacing cables, and how to upgrade; how and when to replace your chain, cassette, and chainrings
  • understanding bearings in the hubs, bottom bracket, and headset: what they do & how to make adjustments and a comprehensive strip down, service, and replacement demonstrating the use of specific bearing and frame tools
  • how to clean and lubricate your machine: hassle-free maintenance tips on how to keep your bike clean and reduce wear and tear

Here's a more detailed timetable

dates: see 'book online' below

more on cycling


how to book:
  

if you can't open the booking form, you need Acrobat Reader - it's free
arrive:
  
for a 10am prompt start each day
depart:
  
after the course finishes at 5pm each day
directions:
  
click here for directions to Hackney City Farm
what to bring:
  
work clothes; pen and notebook; packed lunch (if you're not using the cafe)
let us know:
  
if you have any special needs
price:
  
£120
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
lunch:
  
bring a packed lunch or you can get lunch at the cafe
car sharing:
  
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 

a student setting up her brakes properly during a brakes service

 

 

 

 

lots more of us are cycling in London and other cities - so let's keep those bikes safe and roadworthy

 

 



 

demonstrating how to 'true' (i.e. straighten out) a buckled wheel