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Posted

A few weeks ago, at the end of May 2016, I decided that I wanted to host and run a basic Bicycle Repair Course. This would bring in some revenue for the initiative. Seeing as I have my workshop at the PwC Bike Park, I decided to host it there.


More than that, it would be great for the cycling industry in South Africa and it would also benefit cyclists themselves.



Benefits of a basic bicycle repair course:

How does knowing how to fix your bike benefit you as a rider?
  • You’ll no longer be scared of breaking down while riding and becoming stranded
  • You will be less likely to have a mechanical issue while out riding that will totally end your ride and prevent you from continuing, or at least you’ll be able to ride back home or to the car
  • You will be less reliant on your bike shop for repairs and servicing your bike, or replacing worn or broken parts
  • Leading from the previous point – this will save you money
  • You’ll feel more comfortable upgrading your bike yourself if you feel the need

How does this benefit the industry? (The bike stores)
  • Riders will buy more parts
  • Riders will buy more tools
  • You, as a bike shop, will have to do less basic work and can concentrate on the more complicated and higher price repairs
  • New cyclists will enjoy cycling more, leading to higher rider and customer retention, increasing the number of return customers

Is there a downside? I don’t think so. Service revenue for shops may dip slightly, but spares and tools revenue should more than make up for that.


I feel the largest benefit will be that more new cyclists will have a better cycling experience and continue cycling – and continue spending money in bike shops.


Check out the courses we offer and let me know if you have any questions or comments.


Posted

How often will you be presenting these courses? I'm in KZN but visit the family in Gauteng periodically. Except if you feel like going on a road trip to KZN..  :D

Posted

How often will you be presenting these courses? I'm in KZN but visit the family in Gauteng periodically. Except if you feel like going on a road trip to KZN..  :D

 

Once a month in Jhb.

 

My day job and young family pretty much precludes me from travelling to present these. And cost obviously.

 

That said, I'd love to find a way to do this....

Posted

This was really cool, tx divernick for a really comprehensive and patient hands on session - must say my bike is a lot less scary now.

 

And I found out why I could never get my gear shifting adjusted properly - found out why they're called "limit" screws.  :blush:

Muchos gracias!!! 

Posted

This was really cool, tx divernick for a really comprehensive and patient hands on session - must say my bike is a lot less scary now.

 

And I found out why I could never get my gear shifting adjusted properly - found out why they're called "limit" screws.  :blush:

Muchos gracias!!! 

De nada!

 

Thanks for attending and being the first bunch of guinea pigs. Overall the timing was good and the response from everyone was positive.

Posted

if you ever host a course to self service front and/or rear shocks, I would definitely join!

 

I'd like to attend one too! That's something I know just enough about to service my own Manitou Tower, but I have no experience with other makes/models unfortunately.

Posted

Thanks Nick for a really well presented course, in English (not Technicalese :) ). Would definitely recommend it for other people who want to tackle tasks with more confidence (especially rear derailleur adjustments!)

Posted

Thanks Nick for a really well presented course, in English (not Technicalese :) ). Would definitely recommend it for other people who want to tackle tasks with more confidence (especially rear derailleur adjustments!)

Glad you enjoyed it Eugene, and thanks for the support!

Posted

During the course we used the Holdfast stands to keep the bikes upright. They worked so well! They sell for R250. I can get these for anyone interested in buying one.

 

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