Bike Mechanics Course

Sigma Sports is happy to announce the reintroduction of our winter bike mechanic courses, to be held at our Hampton Wick, Oakham and Letchworth stores.

Upcoming courses

Sigma Sports Workshop Mechanics Course - Hampton Wick - Check Availabilty

Sigma Sports Workshop Mechanics Course - Oakham - Check Availability

Sigma Sports Workshop Mechanics Course - Letchworth - Check Availability

PLEASE NOTE: The below relates to Hampton Wick only.

During this bike mechanic course, our mechanic will guide you through everything you need to know about building the confidence to perform minor repairs at home and address roadside mechanicals that you may encounter.

The purpose of this mechanic course is for the participant to develop the skills and learn how to use the tools needed to make these types of repairs. Where possible, we aim to use tools that you can purchase yourself in-store and avoid relying on workshop tooling that can cost hundreds of pounds.

Course Format

Tubeless tyres and wheels

Discussing all things tubeless
Demo wheels will be provided, already set up tubeless, and participants will have the chance to try tyre plugs and understand how they work
Explaining how a tyre gator works and the importance of having one with you
How to apply tubeless rim tape, valve, sealant, and complete a tubeless setup
What to look out for, explaining compatibility with different tyre and rim brands

Cassette Removal and Reinstallation on Both SRAM and Shimano Systems

Removal and reinstallation of the cassette
Correct use of the necessary tools
Explaining the differences between the two systems

Brakes

Differences between disc and rim brakes
Demonstrate how to remove pads, check for wear, and identify signs that pads need replacing
How to safely refit new pads and correctly push the pistons back into the system
Inspection of worn rotors and rims, and what to look out for
Demonstrate a brake bleed to show how the process works and give students an idea of how the system operates

Gears

How to correctly inspect a worn chain on SRAM and Shimano systems using the proper tool
Using old chains as a demo, allowing participants to use a chain breaker multiple times to get a feel for how it works
Correctly fitting and measuring a new chain and what to look out for during this process
Explaining how wear affects other drivetrain components and how replacing a chain more frequently can preserve these parts
Using a handheld chain cleaner and the importance of avoiding getting cleaner or oils on the disc rotors
Demonstrate how to clean a chain using an ultrasonic cleaner and how to hot wax a chain
The importance of and correct use of limit screws on the mechs and proper setup
Firmware updates on both SRAM and Shimano systems
Why it is important to have a spare mech hanger

Extras

Discuss different handlebar and seatpost setups to help packing your bike in a bike box for travel
If time permits, any requests can be taken, and repairs can be demonstrated and explained