Bike Maintenance and repair

[birdman]

Having just attended the Velo tech gold course at cycling training wales I can fully recommend the course to anybody wishing to learn more or even just learn!!

John and the team down at gabalfa industrial estate are all trained mechanics with years of experience. The company is a not for profit organisation and they are really keen on empowering people to reuse and maintain their bikes rather than just getting rid.

I also spoke to them about running some sessions for the club. He said they would be more than able to do that and could tailor sessions to suit. They have a fully equipped workshop for 7 - 8 people and can do servicing, wheel balancing, Bottom brackets, gear indexing and brakes etc. They would have to charge for any materials you use and there would be a small charge for using the facility. I would be more than willing to assist on the day if around.

Could be something we could offer new members or perhaps just those that want to service their bike without having to go to a shop but don't want to buy all the tools required.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Si.

[Nick Langley]

I'd be really interested in this. I'm reasonably comfortable doing the basics but some repairs/replacements I'm frankly scared of starting due to the uncertainty of being able to put it all back together again! I think even the most proficient mechanics in the club would appreciate some of the tips and tricks on offer, and I'm certainly looking to shave a few minutes off my brake cable replacement time.

Count me in for whatever's on offer

[Nige]

Yes I would be interested

[craig m]

also interested....

[Steven]

Moi aussi..

[Toestrapsteve]

et moi..

[harpo]

a fi

[Greg B]

Sounds good to me

[birdman]

It sounds like there's enough interest to get the ball rolling.

If people give me an idea of what they want to achieve, ie service of bike (brakes checked and toe'd in, headset checked, cranks and bottom bracket checked, chain wear checked and gears indexed). Because of the range of bikes available they don't stock all parts for all bikes so what might be advisable is if brakes are worn and bottom bracket is worn or has never been replaced then sourcing them before the day so that you have them ready to replace. If not we can still do the above but you might have to order the parts and fit later. If you want to look at your wheels it might also be advisable to order new bearings for these so that you can fit these when you remove the hub.

Let me know your ideas and I'll speak to John. I would probably say the best day would be a saturday morning?

Rgds.

Si.

[traine]

Well done Si !
I had no idea there were so many people who want advice.
Sounds like a great session
Tim

[birdman]

Sorry about the lateness in response work got in the way!!

Email from Nic:

Hi Simon

Are you imagining a course at our workshop? If you're club members, we'd charge £55 per person (minimum of 4).

If would be higher if you wanted to incorporate electronic shifting or wheelbuilding in the content. To be honest, something like wheelbuilding is a day in itself.

Rgds,

Nicholas Grant-Canham (029 20616783/ 07971 719626) (nick@cycletrainingwales.org.uk)