Bicycle Maintenance Course - Dublin

ColumnLunch

Hi guys,

Anyone know of any cycle club or shop that offer bicycle maintenance course in Dublin over the next few weeks? Preferably west dublin.
I'm doing the Ring of Kerry in a few weeks and want to make sure I can carry out any maintenance if needed.

There is a course on http://www.rothar.ie/ but next available one is after the Ring of Kerry.
There is another on http://www.bikemaintenance.ie but the dates don't suit.

jon1981

This should be enough to get you over the basics until you find a course. The only courses I know of are the ones you have already listed. I found these really helpful and easy to follow. Again depends on what you want to know. You can search global cycle networks website for pretty much any "how to" related to a bike.

1 hour tune up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYaeVDnSK2c

Gear indexing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbk5RcH0bbQ

cython

Wheelworx near Liffey Valley often offer (basic! probably more basic than those linked) free maintenance courses (you don't say what extent of maintenance you want to learn), though I haven't heard of one in a while, and the last one on their site was in May. They might be worth inquiring with though depending on what you are looking to learn

ColumnLunch

jon1981 wrote: »

This should be enough to get you over the basics until you find a course....

Cheers i will give these a look!

cython wrote: »

Wheelworx near Liffey Valley often offer (basic! probably more basic than those linked) free maintenance courses (you don't say what extent of maintenance you want to learn), though I haven't heard of one in a while, and the last one on their site was in May. They might be worth inquiring with though depending on what you are looking to learn

Never thought of Wheelworx! I will give them a buzz to see if they have another course coming up. It's pure beginners stuff I'm looking for to be honest.

Weepsie wrote: »

Bike institute used to do them in Dorset street, not sure if they still do though

Another good option for me. Will check them out

GeneralC

What about online sources? Would they be as good as 'real' world classes?

07Lapierre

YouTube.com is your best friend.

Do you know how to replace an inner tube?

Do you know how to replace a broken gear/brake inner cable?

Do you know how to repair a broken chain?

Master these and your good to go.

GeneralC

07Lapierre wrote: »

YouTube.com is your best friend.

Do you know how to replace an inner tube?

Do you know how to replace a broken gear/brake inner cable?

Do you know how to repair a broken chain?

Master these and your good to go.

No!

I was thinking about spending a full day/weekend stripping my old bike and replacing them again with the help of YouTube, not sure though if this is a good idea for a complete novice!

Recommend tools/equipment?

nialljf

any maintenance classes in Cork?

caviardreams

Just wondering if people would recommend either the rothar or bikemaintenance courses? Basically I am just looking to do the basics like change a tube, pump the tyre, deal with chain issues etc. on my road bike (seriously, I'm that inept! ) so the basic rothar one looks good to me.

GeneralC

caviardreams wrote: »

Just wondering if people would recommend either the rothar or bikemaintenance courses? Basically I am just looking to do the basics like change a tube, pump the tyre, deal with chain issues etc. on my road bike (seriously, I'm that inept! ) so the basic rothar one looks good to me.

Same boat as yourself. Maybe try YouTube?

Unknown Soldier

caviardreams wrote: »

Just wondering if people would recommend either the rothar or bikemaintenance courses? Basically I am just looking to do the basics like change a tube, pump the tyre, deal with chain issues etc. on my road bike (seriously, I'm that inept! ) so the basic rothar one looks good to me.

As said previously, Youtube is your best friend. Honestly.

Don't just watch one video on one issue. Watch a few, as some simple techniques might differ.

Unfortunately with the likes of changing tubes & punctures, practise make perfect. In my case, I've had lots of practise

rp

caviardreams wrote: »

Just wondering if people would recommend either the rothar or bikemaintenance courses? Basically I am just looking to do the basics like change a tube, pump the tyre, deal with chain issues etc. on my road bike (seriously, I'm that inept! ) so the basic rothar one looks good to me.

I'd say Rothar would be the best value, they know their stuff, esp. how to re-use/adapt rather than just unwrapping new parts and bolting them on: valuable skills!

B Morrissey

Buy tools as you need them if you're a home mechanic. There's a tool for every possible use and you can use some tools for a variety of jobs with the right knowhow. If you're not doing a pile of servicing or home mechanics cheaper tools may do.The likes of park tools and Pedro's are really well made and should last a life time. Bike24 online has a particularly good park range. -if you're buying s couple of items it works good value even with €10 postage fee.

GeneralC wrote: »

No!

I was thinking about spending a full day/weekend stripping my old bike and replacing them again with the help of YouTube, not sure though if this is a good idea for a complete novice!

Recommend tools/equipment?

rp

Must-have item from Park Tools: BO-2

Macy0161

caviardreams wrote: »

Just wondering if people would recommend either the rothar or bikemaintenance courses? Basically I am just looking to do the basics like change a tube, pump the tyre, deal with chain issues etc. on my road bike (seriously, I'm that inept! ) so the basic rothar one looks good to me.

I've done the Mountain Bike one with bike maintenance. It was essentially a service of the bike, so a bit above changing a tube etc. I thought it was very good, and it has given me the confidence to use youtube as a refresher/ to do more. Time and currently space are what holding me back now rather than anything else.

MrSkinny

Is anybody here familiar with the Bicycle Maintenance for Beginners course at the Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute? The information in the prospectus is brief:

"Delivered to Cytech certificate standards by qualified mechanics from Hollingsworth Cycles. On completion students will be proficient in puncture repair, brake and gear maintenance, lubrication, cycling efficiency skills and safety etc."

I am thinking that €60 for five 90' sessions may be good value to learn a few basics.

Qualitymark

Might be an idea to offer yourself as a cheapo intern for a few Saturday mornings in your local bike shop? Train as you work?

Incidentally, a question from a mechanical dolt: I bought a can of that stuff that's supposed to repair tyres instantly if you whoosh it into a valve. Does that make the tube useless forever after, or what?