CLASSES
Here at Back in the Saddle Bikes we have a range of different classes on offer for 2025 (listed below) and 2026 (to be announced).
If you’re after a bespoke session dedicated to working on your own bike, you could try one of our 1-to-1 classes which can be booked by calling 07852 521577 or emailing info@backinthesaddlebikes.co.uk
On the other hand, if you’d like to join a class in 2026 rather than studying by yourself, we’ll be running sessions once or sometimes twice a month on a Saturday. Tickets can be booked at bit.ly/BIKEFIX-In-Depth-sessions
Once you’ve chosen a class(es) from the schedule below, please head over to our Eventbrite page to book and pay for your place. When that’s done, we look forward to seeing you in class! If you find that you have Covid, flu or cold symptoms on the date of the class, don’t worry, we can reschedule your booking to another date as the classes take place on a regular basis.
1-TO-1 CLASSES
The most effective way to learn how to repair or service your own bike is one of our 1-to-1 classes where your own bike is being worked on. We offer two ways to do this in sessions which can be booked with flexible scheduling to suit you. For more detailed information or to book a session, please call 07852 521577 or email info@backinthesaddlebikes.co.uk
Full hands-on class
One of our mechanics will teach you the topics you want to learn so you can fix your own bike as you yourself work on the bike. You will have the full attention of the mechanic for as long as you’d like the session to last, up to a maximum of six hours in one day. These sessions cost £35/hr and can be booked in half-hour increments (with a minimum booking time of one hour). Any parts you buy to use on your bike during the session are charged at 10% off the normal retail price.
Watch and learn
One of our mechanics will be working on your bike carrying out the repair(s) or service you’ve booked, talking you through what’s being done while you watch and can ask questions. The cost for one of these sessions is £15/hr on top of the cost of the repair(s) or service being carried out. Any parts fitted to the bike are charged at the normal retail price.
FIX YOUR OWN BIKE MAINTENANCE CLASSES
These classes are aimed at people who are keen to learn about some of the key repairs almost all bikes will need but in a group rather than 1-to-1. Instead of just watching a mechanic doing these repairs, you’ll have a chance to do them yourself as our approach to teaching is that students should get hands-on experience. This gives you the chance to work with the relevant tools and parts yourself and helps to build confidence and the muscle memory that makes it easier to remember what you’ve learned once you leave the class.
The classes run on a Saturday and can be booked here on Eventbrite: bit.ly/BIKEFIX-In-Depth-sessions
Cable (not hydraulic) disc brakes (£20), 2 hours on a Saturday. Dates and times to be confirmed soon
In this class we’ll teach you how to fit new inner and outer brake cables along with new pads and discs, and then set up your cable disc brakes correctly. Cleaning pads and discs regularly is important so we’ll cover that too.
V-brakes and other cable rim brakes (£20), 2 hours on a Saturday. Dates and times to be confirmed soon
This class will look at replacing inner and outer brake cables and brake blocks before explaining how to oil and set up typical rim brake systems properly (such as V-brakes, cantilevers, dual pivots and side pulls). Another vital but often overlooked part of maintaining your rim brakes is cleaning the wheel rims and brake pads so we’ll learn about that as well.
Cable derailleur gears (£20), 2 hours on a Saturday. Dates and times to be confirmed soon
This class will deal with how to clean, oil and adjust your back gears to get reliable, smooth, fast gear changes. Replacing inner and outer cabling is part of this class too.
Puncture repairs, putting together a small toolkit, and bike safety checks (£30), 3 hours on a Saturday. Dates and times to be confirmed soon
Getting a puncture can be frustrating but needn’t slow you down for long as this class will show you. As well as practising how to repair punctures or fit a new inner tube (always carry a spare tube with you!), and remove and refit the back wheel of your bike, you’ll learn how to check that your bike is safe to ride, and what kind of tools you should carry with you when you’re out on the road.