What to expect when you attend a free basic bike maintenance session
A Learn to Fix session is part of The Big Bike Revival, a national programme from Cycling UK that offers free, friendly cycling support in local communities. Whether you’ve never touched a tyre pump or want to feel more confident maintaining your bike, these free basic bike maintenance sessions are designed to help you gain practical skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Learn hands-on bike repair skills – at your pace
When you arrive at a free basic bike maintenance session, you’ll be welcomed by one of the organisers – usually a local community group supported by Cycling UK.
You’ll be asked to sign in and share a few details about your bike – like what you’d like help with, what condition it’s in or any concerns you have. Don’t worry if you’re unsure: our partners will help guide you from the start.
What will I learn?
At a free basic bike maintenance session, you’ll get hands on with your own bike and learn useful skills such as:
- Pumping up tyres correctly
- Lubricating your chain
- Checking your bike for wear and tear
- Replacing brake pads
- Fixing a puncture
- Removing and replacing an innertube
- Keeping your bike clean and roadworthy
You’ll leave knowing how to check your bike before a ride and spot small issues before they become big problems.
What should I bring?
- Your own bike – any condition welcome
- Any tools or parts you already have (we’ll help you learn how to use them)
- Curiosity and questions – no experience needed!
Everything else is provided on site, including tools and guidance.
What’s the session like?
Free basic bike maintenance sessions are friendly, hands-on and run in small groups or one-to-one with an experienced mechanic. There’s no rush and no pressure—you’ll be supported to try things out and learn bicycle maintenance essentials by doing.
You’ll get to:
- See repairs demonstrated
- Try practical tasks with support
- Ask questions and go at your own pace
Sessions take place in a workshop or community setting with full access to tools.
Who is it for?
These sessions are great for:
- Adults who want to learn how to look after their bike
- Anyone new or returning to cycling
- People who want to feel more confident and independent
- Anyone looking to save money on bike maintenance
This is bicycle maintenance for beginners. You don’t need to know anything about mechanics – just bring your bike and we’ll help you from there.
What people say
Since 2015, The Big Bike Revival has helped thousands of people build the skills and confidence to keep their bikes roadworthy. These free basic bike maintenance sessions do more than teach mechanics: they empower people to take control of their own journeys.
Here are just a couple of stories from participants who now ride with confidence, knowing they can fix a puncture, adjust their brakes or simply keep rolling.
It was close to work, and everyone was so friendly and helpful, and it was free too, which was great! But most importantly it was hands on, from the basics like dealing with a puncture and an inner tube right through to bearings and adjusting and fixing gears. You can learn the theory but there’s nothing like putting what you’ve been taught into practice
Ian, The Big Bike Revival participant, Gloucestershire
Find out how Ian gained the skills to keep his and his daughter’s cycling journeys rolling.
My brilliant experience of The Big Bike Revival and Bradford Bikery has given the confidence not only to cycle more, but in how I can care for my bike
Rasmik, The Big Bike Revival participant, Bradford
See how Rasmik went from repairs to riding miles with confidence.
What Learn to Fix doesn’t cover
To keep sessions simple and accessible, there are a few things that aren’t typically covered:
- Electric bike systems and hydraulic brakes
- Major repairs (like suspension servicing or gear overhauls)
- Bike security advice or theft-prevention accessories
- Full services – this is a confidence-building session, not a full bike tune-up
If your bike needs more specialist attention, your mechanic can advise on where to go next.
Ready to give it a go?
Learn to Fix sessions are free, practical and open to anyone who wants to feel more confident looking after their bike.
Find your local The Big Bike Revival session and take the first step toward feeling more capable and empowered
- Search for a grassroots organisation near you.
- Choose your session
Click on the organisation’s details to find their website, social media or email. Check their events schedule and available sessions. - Join a session
You can contact an organisation for an informal chat, drop by to see if it’s right for you, or sign up directly to join a session.
