Having done a few longer rides in the ~90km range I decided it was time to learn some of the basics of B’cycle maintenance. I enrolled in 2x Bristol workshops, one was a free 1x hour workshop run by Cycle Republic and the second was a 3x hour affair run by The Bristol Bike Project.
Cycle Republic | Nightrider Bristol: Roadside Maintenance Workshop (Thursday 27th June)
A busy city-centre shop on a warm Thursday evening with customers coming and going sets the scene for my first nervous b’cycle workshop. I entertained myself while waiting for the workshop to start by browsing the shop and their marvellous array of bicycles.
Eventually the counter died down and they could begin a few minutes after the expected start time. Everyone filed into the back office to drop off their gear and then nervously and somewhat awkwardly (speaking for myself) donned and doled out black rubber gloves.
Replacing a Punctured Inner Tube
The awfully nice chap running the show began by showing us how to removed a tyre, replace the inner-tube with a new one and (after a colossal struggle) how to replace the tyre back onto the wheel.
Then it was our turn to do the same. For me, removing the tyre was easy with the tyre levers, as was replacing the inner tube. Putting the tyre back on the rim however, was a huge struggle. Unfortunately I punctured the inner tube with a tyre lever as I was attempting to force it back on. D’oh. My first self-induced pinch puncture.
Eventually I managed it sans levers but I wasn’t keen on doing it for real on the roadside. In the rain.
Afterwards we were shown how to adjust the rear derailleur in order to smooth out those gear changes, which I managed without drama. However, The Lionesses were playing Norway in the Women’s World Cup at 8pm so I had to make an early exit and b’cycle home as quickly as possible to catch the kick off.
Unfortunately I missed Jill Scott’s early goal 3 minutes into the game to put England 1-0 up!
Bristol Bike Project: Bicycle Basics
This was a more intensive, 3x hour affair on Saturday morning, 6th July. We had our names written upon masking tape and applied to our jerseys. There was also tea and coffee provided. Tim our instructor ran a tight ship and with the St. Paul’s Carnival setting up outside, he was keen to finish on time before Carnival got into full swing. We were also working on our own b’cycles!
Immediately we were shown how to remove a tyre and inner tube, and having recently mastered this I was quick to it. The difference this time was that we were given pre-punctured inner tubes upon which we were to adequately repair with a tube of vulcanised rubber and patch. Many useful hints and tips were provided which I am not about to regurgitate; please go on the course! I managed to replace my own tyre and non-punctured inner tube with relative ease.
Afterwards we were taken through the plethora of braking systems we had all turned up with on our various bikes. Then we were shown how to adjust and maintain a healthy braking system. Many hints and tips were provided, however it became apparent that I didn’t have barrel adjusters. Nuclear option only for me.
Seat posts adjustments were encouraged (mine was firmly welded in place) and brightly coloured grease was applied. Then we were talked through worn, dirty chains and drivetrains. Mucky work. We were encouraged to degrease and clean our chains regularly and that was the end of the workshop. Three hours flashed by and lots was learned.
I’m looking forward to booking myself on a day long bike workshop at Bristol Bike Project as soon as one is scheduled. Unfortunately their current location is being consumed by Capitalism (to be turned into shops and flats) so will have to wait for them to move I guess.
B'Cycle Rob Blog 