1. • CommentAuthorsnowdrop
   • CommentTimeMay 24th 2008

    
   Does anyone know of Bike repair lessons in the Guildford area please?
   
   I have no idea how to change an inner tube or even how to fix a puncture, I take all the stuff with me and at the moment just hope that if I break down someone who does know will come along and help (pathetic!) so I want to become more independent.
2. •  
     CommentAuthorGanbatte
   • CommentTimeMay 25th 2008

    
   Hi Snowdrop,
   I'm in the US so I don't know if my advice would help. For some fairly in-depth bicycle repair help there may be a bicycle kitchen in your area. They aren't everywhere, but if there is one, it is a fantastic resource. An example: http://www.bikekitchen.org/
   
   There are also outdoor or sporting goods shops that offer classes for a fee like REI [if you have one in your area]. Also, if it is as simple as a flat repair, any local bicycle shop worth their salt should show you something that basic. If there is no shop that will show you, here is a wikihow link that gives the basics: http://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Bicycle-Tire
   
   For a more serious repair issue that has you stranded in the middle of nowhere, if you are in the US, you can go so far as to get a service like The Better World Club: http://www.betterworldclub.com/bicycles/bike_assistance.htm This might seem pricey, but if you are a good distance from home or from friends who can pick you up, it might come in handy.
   
   I hope this helps.
3. • CommentAuthorbuggie
   • CommentTimeMay 28th 2008

    
   Hey snowdrop-
   
   I changed a tube last night for the first time ever, and while it took me a while, it was pretty easy to learn- I just watched an instructional video online (http://www.ehow.com/video_224_change-flat-tire.html) and I used the users manual that came with my bike for the rest of the process (I also had to stop at the shop to get a tube and the guy gave me some advice). The only difficult thing was getting the rear wheel back on with only 2 hands- holding up the chain, balancing the bike, trying to get everything in place. I *did* run into trouble with closing the breaks back up. I spent a good hour just trying to push them back together to no avail, so I will have to take it to the shop in the end, which is pretty annoying, but at least I learned that changing a tube isn't bad, and I'm probably the most mechanically disinclined person on earth. I think the worst part is that, unless you take repair class, you never really learn how to do it until you have to!
   
   Also Ganbette mentioned REI- they do have repair and maintenance classes. That's the one chain I know of. Sometimes local bike shops offer them too- I would just check their web sites.
4. • CommentAuthorsnowdrop
   • CommentTimeMay 29th 2008 edited

    
   Thank you everyone, that's been really helpful and supportive, I am determined not to be so feeble and dependent on others and I will learn to fix things myself and not do the helpless blonde babe thing.....although that can come in useful sometimes and I am always so grateful. B
5. • CommentAuthorjimnyboy
   • CommentTimeJun 20th 2008

    
   Hi Snowdrop,
   
   Don't know if this is any good to you but ATG do a home mechanics course at their base in Aylesbury. Not sure how close that is to you as I'm based in Derbyshire. I'm just in the process of doing my Level 2 mechanics course with them in Manchester. If the home mech course is anything like as well run it should be very good.
6. • CommentAuthoralanm
   • CommentTimeJun 20th 2008 edited

    
   For some really good online tutorials, here are two places I refer people to all the time:
   
   1) The Park Tool website at http://www.parktool.com/repair/ Instructions are clear and well-illustrated with colour photographs. Park Tool keeps the advice updated, and you can count on them to stay true to manufacturers' recommendations.
   
   2) Bicycle Tutor at http://bicycletutor.com/ This collection of videos grows weekly. Alex Ramon, the fellow who runs it, has invested tons of time and effort into producing good instructional videos.
   
   I'm a bike mechanic and instructor, and can vouch that these sites are well done and probably the best out there.
   Cheers,
   ...alan
   www.WinterborneBikes.com
7. • CommentAuthor2JohnK
   • CommentTimeSep 6th 2008

    
   Park tool
8. • CommentAuthorYorkshire11
   • CommentTimeSep 29th 2008

    
   I bought a bike repair book and a set of tools and within a weekend had done most jobs, it feels really good to have done it yourself.
   
   The problem is that in London a basic bike maintenance course can be £60, followed by the intermediate course another £60.00 then the advanced course again at £60.00. Whilst this is generally worth it a quick look in the book and a quick look on YouTube seems to cover most things.......
9. • CommentAuthorhbrogan57
   • CommentTimeOct 21st 2008

    
   DOn't know if this thread is still active. But here is a pretty decent site to check if your are considering your own repairs.
   
   http://bicycletutor.com/
10. • CommentAuthortony huntington
    • CommentTimeOct 25th 2008

     
    All good advice, I presume you are not a military policeman( you may be too young for that to make sense.) When you have learned to mend punctures don't be too proud to use a tyre lever to put the tyre back on ( I know this is sacreligious but we dont all have the hand strength.) I learned the correct way 60 yrs ago but I find modern tyre levers dont damage the tube if used carefully. Very slightly inflate tube first - I have never got a pinch punture from this in the last 10 yrs.

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