Ready to ride? Sure? It’s always wise to give that bike a speedy check-over before you zoom of into the horizon. Check out this list.

Five practical tips from top man, Jim Blakemore, of Bikeworks

1. Keep your tyres fully inflated. It’s less effort – and you go faster!


2. It’s important to make sure your chain is oiled. But don’t over-oil it. This leads to further problems. You can hear when your chain needs oiling. It sounds dry

3. Get your cycle serviced regularly. At least once a year, if you can. This prevents bigger problems in the future

4. Check your gear and brake cables. The last thing you want is a cable to break when out cycling. Inspect them. You can see if they are rusty or fraying at the end

5. Make sure your bike is the correct size for you. There are many people riding bikes that are either too big or small for them. This can cause pain in the hips, back and neck. Ask the nice people in a bike shop if the bike you’re riding is your size!

Bicycle Maintenance Courses

Time you pulled that bike out of the shed? (If you can find it under that dust?) Well, here’s where you can find out how to get it serviced. Even better, learn how to service it yourself.

The Borough is offering free bicycle maintenance classes at the Bikeworks Hub under the Westway. Each course is five hours, held over two evenings, 6pm to 8.30pm, or a Saturday or Sunday from 10am to 4pm (including one hour lunch break).

 

John at Bikeworks teaching a bicycle maintenance session

Course dates

See Events calendar page

Basic Cycle Maintenance Course – Level 1

Essentially a ‘bicycle first aid’ course, it covers all the basics. Adjusting a bicycle to suit your posture – and dealing with common roadside repairs so that you and your bike can always get home. Or get to a bicycle shop safety.

For more advanced tuition, consider our Intermediate course.

Intermediate Cycle Maintenance Course – Level 2

Important: you should complete Level 1 before applying for Level 2.

Where do I go?

Bikeworks West, Maxilla Walk
(Access Landsdowne Close)
W10 6NQ

How do I  book?

For information and booking details go to www.rbkc.gov.uk/cycling or call 020 8980 7998