Learn Bike Repairs in London: Keep Your Bike Road-Ready This Autumn
Dan’s top tips & Bikeworks bike maintenance courses
Autumn in London brings wetter roads, darker evenings, and more wear on your bike. If you want to keep cycling confidently through the season, it’s vital to know how to check and maintain your bike at home.
Our Lead Mechanic, Dan, has created a short video to help you get started. He walks you through the M-Check — a simple step-by-step way to familiarise yourself with your bike and make sure it’s safe to ride.
“Before riding, it is very important to check your bike. We call this check an M check – and it is the safest, easiest way to make sure your bike is ready for the journey ahead.” – Dan, Lead Mechanic at Bikeworks
What is an M-Check?
The M-Check gets its name from the way you move across your bike in the shape of the letter “M.” It covers every key area:
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Brakes — make sure they’re working properly and not worn down
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Wheels & Tyres — check they’re secure and pumped to the right pressure
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Chain & Gears — ensure they’re clean, lubricated, and running smoothly
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Saddle & Handlebars — check they’re tight and comfortable
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Lights & Reflectors — essential for cycling safely in darker months
Doing this regularly can prevent breakdowns, costly repairs, and accidents.
Save money by investing in yourself
Why spend £25 every time you get a puncture, or £50+ when your brakes need attention, when you could learn to do it yourself? For regular London riders, those little jobs can add up to hundreds of pounds a year.
With a Bikeworks course you’ll gain the skills to keep your bike running smoothly, avoid big repair bills, and ride with the confidence that you’re in control. The best part? You’ll often save the cost of the course within just a few months.
Learn bike repair with Bikeworks
If Dan’s video inspires you to go further, why not join a Bikeworks bike maintenance course in London? We offer something for every level:
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One-Day Bike Maintenance Course
Learn the essentials — fix punctures, adjust brakes, and keep your bike running smoothly. Perfect for commuters and everyday riders. -
Three-Day Bike Repair Course
Go deeper into bike maintenance and gain the confidence to tackle more advanced repairs. -
Ten-Day City & Guilds Bike Mechanic Training
An accredited qualification for anyone wanting to train to professional standard and open up opportunities to work or volunteer as a bike mechanic.
All our London bike maintenance courses are hands-on, practical, and taught by experienced mechanics in small groups.
New: Bikeworks Vouchers
We’ve just launched Bikeworks Vouchers — the perfect gift for any cyclist. They can be redeemed against all our courses, from beginner sessions to our accredited City & Guilds bike mechanic training. Whether for a friend, a loved one, or yourself, it’s a great way to invest in bike skills that last a lifetime.
Keep cycling through the seasons
Autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of your cycling. With a quick M-Check and the skills to fix and maintain your bike, you can ride safely all year round.
Explore our London bike maintenance courses.
Watch Dan’s bike repair video here.
Buy a Bikeworks Voucher.
Why buy social with Bikeworks?
When you book a Bikeworks bike maintenance course, you’re not just learning new skills — you’re supporting a social enterprise.
As a not-for-profit, we reinvest funds back into our mission because we believe everyone should have access to cycling. This includes our free-to-access All Ability Clubs, which engaged over 3,400 people last year — disabled people, older people, and carers discovering the joy of cycling together.
So when you buy social, you’re supporting and being a champion for inclusive cycling — making it possible for more people to experience the freedom, fun, and community that cycling brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bike repair cost in London?
Even the simplest repair can sting your wallet. A puncture fix in a London bike shop often costs £20–£30, and brake or gear adjustments can quickly add another £30–£50. Ride regularly and those “little jobs” can add up to hundreds over a year. By learning the basics on a Bikeworks course, you’ll save money, keep your bike running smoothly, and gain the confidence to tackle repairs yourself.
What is the best bike maintenance course in London?
Bikeworks offers courses for every level — from a one-day essentials workshop to a three-day intermediate course, right up to our ten-day City & Guilds accredited bike mechanic training if you’re ready to go professional.
Our sessions are practical, fun, and run in small groups with friendly, knowledgeable tutors who love passing on their skills. You can train at our hubs in East or West London — including the iconic Lee Valley Velodrome. And because we’re a social enterprise, you’ll leave not just with new skills, but also knowing you’ve been a champion for inclusive cycling.
Can I buy a voucher for a bike maintenance course?
Yes — our Bikeworks Vouchers make a brilliant gift. They can be used on any of our courses, whether that’s a one-day beginner session or a full City & Guilds qualification. Perfect for friends, family, or even yourself, they’re a gift that lasts far beyond the ride. And with every voucher, you’re also backing our mission to make cycling accessible to everyone.