Foundation course in cycle maintenance – 1/2 day

Course includes wheel removal and installation, puncture repair, gear tuning and basic brake adjustment. Want to know how to set up your bike correctly (vital if you’re going to be comfortable, cycle efficiently and avoid injury), we will cover this too. In summary then you will learn:-

To get the right fit  

Instant Bike care

Name that part

Safety Checks

Remove wheels

Tyre and wheel care / changing tyres and fixing punctures

Chain care

Gear tuning and how to use your gears

Basic Brake adjustment

Wash and Lubricate routine

 

   Basic wheel truing – essential for better braking

  Brake adjustment – for powerful, silent stopping (disk and cable brakes)

 Adjusting hub bearings – for maximum life and smooth running

 Gear adjustment – including fitting new cables and fine tuning to both front and rear mechanisms

Bottom bracket and headset adjustment

Recommendations for routine bicycle servicing

On ride repairs

 At your home, ½ & 1 day courses available.

 To Book your place on our courses. 

 Please email info@cycle-tech.co.uk

Practical Bicycle Mechanics from CycleTech.

I Started The Network Of Mobile Bicycle Mechanics. To give free business advice and a listing of mobile mechanics in the UK.

Mobile bicycle repair services provide the necessary checks, repairs and maintenance to keep a bicycle in good working order. Typically, a mobile bicycle repair service will be able to attend a customer on-site in order to carry out repairs and most will also provide a tune-up service in the process. It is strongly advisable to check local mobile bicycle repair specialists through word of mouth and any online information about them. Indeed, making contact with such specialists to find out a little more about them before any problem arises is usually sensible. Furthermore, this would allow the customer to save the mobile bicycle repair specialist`s contact details in their mobile. Although there are many things that can go wrong with a bicycle, it is important to check with the mobile bicycle repair specialist what services they provide. Indeed, most customers can expect a comprehensive tune-up to include basic frame and component cleaning, lubrication of the chain including a check on its length and material wear, alignment checks on critical parts such as the wheels and handlebars, adjustments to the steering, crank bearing and to the wheel hubs. Mobile bicycle repair specialists should adjust, lubricate or replace brakes, whilst performing other checks on derailleurs, tyres, seats, nuts and cables. Finally, it is always important for cyclists to look after themselves as much as their bicycles.

Find a mobile bicycle mechanic in your area . http://www.cyclefix.net/
Official website

Information: Start up mobile bicycle repairs Business

I have been running Cycle Tech for over 2 years. And I know the strengths and weakness of starting and running a mobile bicycle repair business. Which I would like to share with you. The mobile bicycle business can be very profitable. People are looking for new ideas as they are not happy with the standard of service found in some bike shops. And with the busy life style, are happy with the mobile service. No more putting the bike in the car and having to return 2 – 4 weeks later. Also able to give customer care.

I built cyclefix Summer 2009 to Start the network of mobile bicycle mechanics I am getting over 2 e-mails a day. From people who are interested. I was also having a large number of calls, from cyclists looking for service and repairs from all over the country. And I was unable to direct them to a mobile bicycle mechanic in there area.

Benefits of Network:

Listed on website. Cyclefix And use of Forum
with map of your work area. And what you offer and a link to your website.
Help with free advertising (Where and where not to)
Opening accounts with the big suppliers
Insurance: Discounts Butterworth Spengler are the UK’s leading
cycle shop insurance specialists
Websites built view > http://www.cycle-tech.co.uk and http://cycletech-worthing.myeweb.net/
Help with Listing website in top search engines Google, Bing, yahoo
Listing website in business listings
Help with building website.
You can add pages photos and blog to your website
Training where to go
Give advice on what parts to stock

Minimum standard: For free use of Cycle Tech Logo If you wish to use the name and logo under legal agreement.
1. Fully insured
2. Qualified Cyctec 1 & 2 or City & Guilds
3. Large Van (The mobile work shop)
4. Your Company name: Cycle Tech your business name or town. (Make’s you easy to find, when searched on the internet.)
5. Cycle Tech Logo
6. Stock of parts. Min £1750.00
7. There would be legal agreement under the common law of contract.
(Copyright © Users wishing to use images from this site, www.cyclefix.net or www.cycle-tech.co.uk Should Contact the author martin@cycle-tech.co.uk
The contents of this website (including all website design, text, graphics, the selection and arrangement thereof and all software compilations, underlying source code, software and all other material) are the copyright of M Wilkins under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
No photograph or text is placed on another website without my knowledge. Find this to be blatant copyright infringement. ALWAYS ask the artist for permission. All Rights Reserved. Don’t use without permission. All the websites are monitored continuously and all visiting url addresses are logged.)

Start Up Estimated start up cost From £10,000.00 don’t let this put you off. Most successful business started on a shoestring. I started part time for the first 6 months. I would book work in and do the jobs, on my way home from work. My other job was part time. The only thing, I brought a second hand van that was to small! I first built a website and listed on Google maps. Do a Google search > cycle shops your town. And list yourself. Have a description of your business and what you do and contact details saved. To copy and paste. And a photo or 2 to upload. Check out the other mobile cycle repair business websites cyclefix. I had a lot of tools, just needed to buy a work stand, and some Park tool specialist tools. And I just built up as I needed. For parts I brought from a cycle shop that had closed down. Who I had worked for over 20 years ago. Also one of the mechanics I worked with, now has his own shop. Who gave me discount. This is a help at first as you don’t need to stock the parts. But when you get busy, you will not have as much time to drive around picking up parts, if you are working the other side of town. I like to try and do a first time fix. If the bicycle is something special and I don’t have the parts I will try and take the bicycle back to the workshop and order the parts and deliver when I am passing. Also if you have the parts on the van you make a sale and that go’s for accessories. Pumps, track pumps, lights, locks, lubricants, locks are my top sellers.
The next big thing I did, was a Saturday cycle clinic. I set up shop in a pub car park. This came very popular. I put a sign on the main road and brought a marquee. Nigel from > cycletech-worthing. Came for a day to help and for experience. See link > Saturday Bike Shop If you would like to come for the day? Just let me know.
Also I do the same thing on Wednesday mornings at the train station.

Are you going to be 90% mobile or will you collect bicycles and do the work back at home in a workshop??????
You will need to find your market. The area you will cover.

Training: Please see Links page
Cyctech 2 weeks course 1 & 2 £ > pjcsonline
City & Guilds £ > The Bike Inn
The Cytech Qualification is the core industry qualification for cycle mechanics that is owned and developed by the cycle industry .With Cytech If you already have the skills, you can do a 1 day assessment £130.00 covers Part 1 & 2
ATG Cycle Academy CyTech professional workshop centres in Aylesbury or Manchester. Cycle Systems Academy full accreditation in the City and Guilds VSQ in Cycle Maintenance

Knowledge Go to cycle shows (Trade and public) Visit cycle shops. Read cycle magazines and search the web. There is more to bicycles than one first thinks.
You can meet up at the Core Bike Show. Please view Cyclefix blog.
Answer some questions on Bike Radar Forum

Tools £1000.00
Park Tools.
Sold trade only from Madison.
Cyclo Tools I can supply Trade to you
Pedros
I don’t recommend buying cheap tools. You need to make your living from using tools every day.
Trade Accounts
List on request. Sign up to ACT Association Of Cycle Traders bikebiz & the cycling experts
At first it can be difficult to find trade suppliers. And for them to open accounts.
It can be a catch 22 situation. You are supplying the service, but cant provide the parts. You will need to open accounts, to gain references to open accounts with the big suppliers. You may have to start your account on Pro rota. And there are minimum orders for free delivery between £100 – £ 150 The more you spend the better the rate. Pay your accounts on time and most suppliers give discount for this.

Van & racking/storage From £5000.00
Transit van High roof, medium wheel base. I built racking from dexion & ply. See > Tevo
I also used mesh racking to display products. And fitted it to the back doors and roof. Great for display at cycle events. I fitted a awning to the side of the van to work from in all weather. I have my tools in the side and I use the back as a show room. I find this is the best all-round working conditions. There is just not enough time, to work in the back of the van. Its not usual to have a fleet of bikes to work on.

Stock of parts: Minimum £1500.00
You will need to carry a stock of work shop parts: Tyres, tubes, wheels, chains, links, cassettes, brake & gear cables, brake blocks, lubricants & cleaning products, bottom brackets, gear mech’s When you are established. You will be able to bulk buy. Example: Chains in a box of 20. It can be easy to over order and not to have the items you need. Stock control is very important!

Bicycle sales. Good way to boost your profits. I just have a few demo bikes and then make orders. Also become a member of the Cycle scheme cycle scheme. Specialise in a style. Hybrids and lady’s bikes I find sell well. Research! If you sell BMX’s can you supply the parts?

Cycle hire. If you are in a good location. Buy last years models at a good price rent for 3 months and sell at cost. You will need to add cycle hire to your work from home insurance

Bicycle mechanics school. Why not teach! Schools and one day course or one to one
On-Line sales Show your peoducts and sell on-line.

Advertising. It will take time for you to become known! You need to be found. Most people now use the internet. And word of mouth is the best way. Local Cycle Events see > Bike week > Cycle Events > Dr Bike > Local Council, Police, Schools. And don’t forget Cycle clubs!!!!!!!

Sign write your van Be seen! £400.00

Business & Van Insurance £450.00

Business Bank Account Shop around, a lot of banks do free banking for small business. Borrow money If you need to borrow! You don’t need to borrow from your business account. Shop around.

Become Limited ???????? This may help you open trade acounts. Talk to your accountant

Business cards Flyers & Invoices £200.00

The big question: How much money will I make? ££££££££££££££££
It all depends with how much work you put in! The start of my second year, was spring time and I was working 7 days a week. Being at as many cycle events as possible. To get myself known.
You should be able to pay yourself £2000.00 a month. After your first year. And still invest in stock and also build a cash flow.

Its not easy running any business. There is lots to think about and challenges. Which you need to over come. You will need to do your accounts, payVAT, TAX & NI. No holiday or sick pay. I built a small office in the back of my garage. It’s good to keep everything in one place and be organized. Pay your accounts on time and most suppliers give discount for this. You may need to get advice from accountant. Also It’s a good idea to have a cash flow. Most business don’t make any money for the first 3 years, all the profit is put back in. But being mobile there is less overheads to a bike shop. The bicycle trade can be a roller coaster ride.
See Business Link. And The Federation of Small Businesses

Avoid Advertising Scams. Expensive web designers. Business that say they can make you number 1 on Google.

Help with keeping your website up to-date, from site pro news

Next
Get yourself on the web and go for it!

Always believe in your self, be positive and have Passion in what you are doing.

Technical help page. A list of how to videos, TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS, repair instructions and maintenance:
Links to technical, help & info
Hope How to…… down loads
PDF down loads
Operating Instructions

Bicycle usage in the UK has grown steadily throughout the years, although its popularity has risen sharply in more recent times. This is largely due to the fact that people have become more conscious of eco-friendly transportation methods and the damaging effects of cars and public transport on the environment. Furthermore, lengthy traffic jams, congestion charges, road tolls and inflated public transport costs (which, in theory at least, should have decreased during the recession!) have driven many people to using bicycles. Equally, riding bicycles to and from work each day is an excellent way for people to get into shape, which is another major problem affecting the world.
However, as with cars and other forms of transportation, the bicycle is not without its problems. Indeed, bicycles require regular maintenance and can tend to break down quite often if they are routinely neglected. Common mechnical and maintenance related problems affecting bicycles include punctured tyres, faulty brakes, loose wheel and frame nuts, slipped chains and misaligned wheels. Any of these problems can make the bicycle virtually impossible to ride properly. Furthermore, faulty or ineffective brakes can be very dangerous and, in the worst case scenario, these can even prove fatal. Indeed, the perils of bicycle riding should never be underestimated and this is why it is always important to have bicycles regularly maintained and serviced.

http://www.cycletherapist.co.uk/

0117 3270079

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BEDFORDSHIRE

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BERKS

Purple Bike Shed

andy.g@purplebikeshed.com

01252 673587

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Cycle Tech carry an extensive range of Bicycles, parts and accessories.

View Map of area Cycle Tech covers Cycle Tech Mobile Bicycle Workshop

View Cycle Tech Mobile Bicycle Workshop in a larger map

High Wycombe, Bourne End, Marlow, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Chalfont’s, Lane End, Beaconsfield.

http://www.cycle-tech.co.uk/

martin@cycle-tech.co.uk

07739 614 579

The Mobile Bicycle Workshop

Coming to your home or place of work. Providing repairs to all makes and types of bicycles.

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Saturday Cycle Shop from Cycle Tech

Great Kingshill. Prestwood, Great Missenden, hughenden valley, Naphill.
Cycle Tech Great Kingshill

Every Saturday White Lion Pub HP15 6JP
. View Web >

http://www.bicyclerepairs.org/Saturday_Bike_Shop.html

07739 614 579

Cytech 1 & 2

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Cycle Tech Great Missenden

Cycle Shop Great Missenden. Prestwood, Amersham, Wendover

Every Wednesday

At Great Missenden train station HP16 9AZ‎

07739 614 579

Cytech 1 & 2

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Cambridge
Qualified

The Cambridge Bicycle Doctor http://www.thecambridgebicycledoctor.com/

thecambridgebicycledoctor@hotmail.co.uk

07964 427151

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Dr Hub

jon@dr-hub.co.uk07856385246

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Cheshire

QualifiedMobile Bike Repairs http://www.mobilebikerepairs.co.uk/

info@mobilebikerepairs.co.uk

Tel:- 01260 226229

Mob:- 07976 571615

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Bicycle Check

Disley Stockport. Derbyshire Cheshire Borders
http://www.bicyclecheck.co.uk/

andy@bicyclecheck.co.uk

0791 3068278

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eze Rider Mobile Bicycle Repairs North Staffordshire & South Cheshire
Web – http://www.ezerider.com/

Email – kevin@ezerider.com

07549 178194
0800 043 1966

Cytech 1 & 2

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Cleveland

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Cumbria

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Derbyshire

QualifiedShmo’os Cycles Matlock Derbyshire
http://www.shmooscycles.co.uk/

andy@shmooscycles.co.uk

07876584561

Cytech 3

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Bicycle Check

Disley Stockport. Derbyshire Cheshire Borders
http://www.bicyclecheck.co.uk/

andy@bicyclecheck.co.uk

0791 3068278

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Devon

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Dorset

QualifiedBike Fixed http://www.bike-fixed.com/

dave@bike-fixed.com

07708 903513

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Essex

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Gloucestershire

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Hants

QualifiedPurple Bike Shed

andy.g@purplebikeshed.com

01252 673587

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Herfordshire

QualifiedBicycle SOS http://www.bicycle-sos.co.uk/

e- mail bicycle-sos@ntlworld.com

07867 875552

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Herts

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Kent

QualifiedMobile Bike Mechanic

http://www.mobilebikemechanics.com/07816947035

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http://www.markscyclerepairs.com/

e-mail mark@markscyclerepairs.com

07824 33 78 91

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The Mobile Bike Shop

http://www.themobilebikeshop.co.uk/dan@themobilebikeshop.co.uk

07912200828

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Lancashire

QualifiedWheely Good Bicycles

http://www.wheelygoodbicycles.co.uk/e-mail wheelygood@o2.co.uk

07789-915-710

Hope Parts

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Leicetershire

QualifiedPro Tune Cycles
Pro-Tune Cycles

IainCoop@aol.com

07515 899877

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Bike Repair Bike Repair

http://www.fixmybike.biz/home/news.php

E-mail – sales@fixmybike.biz

07948 188805

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Lincolnshire

QualifiedThe Cycle Doctor

Based in Grimsby. Humberston, Laceby, Waltham, Scartho, Cleethorpes
http://www.thecycledoctor.co.uk/

andy@thecycledoctor.co.uk

07967 473 415

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London

Qualified

http://www.cycledelik.com/

info@cycledelik.com

0845 371 2870

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Mobile Cycle Service
http://www.mobilecycleservice.co.uk/

0800 321 3303

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The Bike Doctor

Cycle Systems LTD
Web http://www.cycle-systems.co.uk/

Email info@cycle-systems.co.uk

020-7164-8008

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B Spoke Bikes

Queen’s Rd
Teddington, TW11
http://www.b-spokebikes.co.uk/

chris@b-spokebikes.co.uk

07753 611693

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Cycle 2 Job

Hub Kings Cross 34B York Way London N1 9AB
http://www.cycle2job.co.uk/

020 7099 1903

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Pedal Medic

South London
http://www.pedalmedic.com/

tony@pedalmedic.com

07951 048 556

020 8668 3908

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Mobe One

Tottenham London N17 7RP
http://www.mobeone.org/
MobeOne@aol.com

0800 0141549

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Manchester Qualified

Bicycle Inner Tubes

http://bicycleinnertubes.co.uk/default.aspxcontactmark@bicycleinnertubes.co.uk

07931293062

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Merseyside
Qualified

member of the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT)

The Bicycle Rack

http://www.thebicyclerack.co.uk/

info@thebicyclerack.co.uk

0151 677 7536

0798 220 9708

Cytech 1 & 2

Pashley Cycles

Sturmey-Archer Parts

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Bikeology

bikeology@hotmail.co.uk0151 486 3037

07732 635798

Cytech 1 & 2

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Middx

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Norfolk

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Northants

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Northumberland

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Notts

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Oxford

QualifiedCycle Tech Mobile Bicycle Repairs & Sunday cycle shop On The Phoenix Trail. Thame Oxfordshire. Princes Risborough, Horsendon, Haddenham, Aylesbury.

Pedal Push
Cycle Tech

http://www.bicyclerepairs.org/ Thame

martin@cycle-tech.co.uk

07739 614 579

Cytech 1 & 2

Merida Bikes

Tyres Magura Campagnolo KMC SKS

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On Ya Bike
http://www.onyabike.me.uk/index.html

LUKEA RIZKALLA

MOBILE: 07877 863523

EMAIL: l.rizkalla@hotmail.co.uk

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Scotland

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Shropshire

Go Cycling

http://gocycling-shropshire.com/

07950 397 335

E-mail enquiries@gocycling-shropshire.com

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Somerset

QualifiedAD Cycle Repairs

North Somerset and Bristol Areas
AD Cycle Repairs Web Site

adcycles@dsl.pipex.com

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Staffordshire

Qualifiedeze Rider Mobile Bicycle Repairs North Staffordshire & South Cheshire
Web – http://www.ezerider.com/

Email – kevin@ezerider.com

07549 178194
0800 043 1966

Cytech 1 & 2

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Suffolk

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Surrey

Qualifiedhttp://www.the-bike-tech.co.uk/index.htm

E: mark@the-bike-tech.co.uk

T: 07791 336116

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Purple Bike Shed

andy.g@purplebikeshed.com

01252 673587

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Sussex

QualifiedCycle Tech Sussex

Mobile Bicycle Repairs

West Sussex
Cycle Tech Sussex

07801 563 468

nigel.gardner@btinternet.com

http://cycletech-worthing.myeweb.net/

Cytec Parts 1 & 2

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http://www.greencounty.co.uk/

info@greencounty.co.uk

01273 464858 or mobile: 07818 434562

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Tyne and Wear

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Wales

QualifiedThe Bike Mechanic

http://thebikemechanic.co.uk/huw@thebikemechanic.co.uk

07810 863799

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J. MCIVER

Pencoed, Bridgend, South Wales
johnmciver135@btinternet.com

Phone 01656 759494

Mobile 0777 9561 387

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Warwickshire

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West Midlands

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Wilts

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Worcs

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Yorkshire

QualifiedJust Ride

http://www.just-ride.net/just-ride@live.co.uk

Stephen 07814 343291

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With all types of work carried out. From punctures to total rebuilds. Brake Hydraulic Repair Specialist. Brake hose replacements, system overhaul, brake fluid and bleed. Wheel building, gear & brake set ups, chain & sprockets replaced. Service checks, adjustments and lubricants. All done at your location.