I decided that it was time to take the plunge and face up to my bike maintenance phobia once and for all! Up till now, hubby has always come to the rescue, but I’m a grown woman and I should be able to do it! And sure enough, by the end of a day of clear, methodical instruction by Mike and Julien, I was confident enough to understand why my bike did what it did sometimes, and have a go at tweaking it to make it work better. Both Mike and Julien were very patient, helpful and friendly and my fellow students were a really good bunch, so it was a laugh too. I’m hoping to volunteer on Wednesday afternoons so that I can keep up what I’ve just learnt and also help out at the Bike Project. One day I’ll pluck up the courage to do Day 2 of the Intensive course!

This course was a bit over my head as it tried to cover too much (for me) in one day & was aimed at a mix of beginners to people wanting more specialist knowledge. This was he one day course aimed at beginners and also people with more knowledge. For me I’d need even more basic, for example I don’t know the names of parts of the bike, I don’t know how gears work or what’s a “high” or “low” gear, so felt a bit stupid and sometimes confused during explanations. My aim was to be able to change the inner tube on the back wheel at home (not on a bike stand) but came away still not confident I could do this as changing the back wheel was covered very quickly and using a bike stand. I’d need to repeat the course I think to have any hope I could use any of what I was taught in practice. The tutors were helpful, the group was friendly & I’d give other courses a go now. I think though that mixing up absolute beginners with people who already know a lot was not that helpful.

I’m ham fisted and frankly a bit thick where anything mechanical is concerned. But despite cross threading my rear derailleur hanger and destroying a chain removal tool, the guys at the BBMP were very patient and great teachers. I learnt a great deal and really enjoyed the course. Bike maintenance isn’t beyond anyone, know your limits but definitely give the Course a go.

Did both days of this course about a year ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Teaching level was perfect and it’s given me the confidence and knowledge to maintain my own bike now. Thanks!

Such a worthwhile course and great value too.I really feel confident tweaking things on my bike now I know what everything does.I’ve been down after too to the Bike kitchen and surprised myself by how much I remembered whilst replacing parts. All the staff are really helpful too.