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.
Session content
M-check
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.
Tyre and tube removal and replacement
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.
Cleaning
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.
Covid-19
Please do not attend if you believe you have symptoms consistent with a respiratory infection.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you can no longer attend (see 'Cancellations' below).
What to expect
This session will take place indoors inside the Leeds Bike Mill workshop.
We will provide nitrile gloves (or barrier cream if you’re unable to wear gloves) and aprons. Handwashing facilities are available. There is a toilet.
Please remember to:
- wear clothes you don't mind getting mucky and make sure you have a warm layer if it's a bit chilly
- wear footwear suitable for a workshop (no open-toed sandals)
- bring your own drink
- bring your own bike (or let us know if you wish to use one of ours)
Access
Our workshop is on the first floor up a flight of stairs. The tutor will offer to carry your bike upstairs however if you have accessibility requirements that mean you would be unable to access a session on the first floor, please contact Leeds Bike Mill to let us know as we do have the option of booking a ground floor space to run a session in. This would need to be arranged in advance so please hold off booking a place until you have spoken to us.
Please bear in mind that in winter our workshop can get very cold as it is poorly insulated. We do our best to heat the space but we recommend wearing multiple layers on top and bottom half for comfort!
The course will take place at Leeds Bike Mill's workshop which is upstairs at 37 Mabgate Green, Leeds, LS9 7DS. Please check the directions at www.leedsbikemill.org/find-us. When you reach Mabgate Green you will see a door with our logo next to it and a doorbell. Ring the bell and the tutor will come down to let you in. Please aim to arrive ten minutes before so that we can get settled and started on time.
There is some limited free car parking outside the workshop - let us know if you would like us to lower the barriers so you can use this - and payable parking in nearby streets. Check our website for help with directions.
