Sharpen Your Skills & Learn from Experience – A Day with Cycle Tech UK
As part of joining our network, you'll benefit from the strength and delivery of the Cycle Tech UK brand, systems, and support.
Whether you're a newly qualified bicycle mechanic or have recently set up your own workshop, this is your chance to boost your confidence, refresh your knowledge, and gain real-world insights alongside an experienced Cycle Technician.
Focusing on areas beyond Level 2 training, including business planning and development. The day is designed to help you apply your new skills in real-world scenarios, build a solid foundation for your business, and develop the capability to grow and succeed in a competitive market.
🔧 What to Expect:
● Hands-on practice in a fully equipped workshop and mobile workshop set-up.
● Essential setup tips – tools, layout, and workflow.
● Brake bleeding techniques (hydraulic systems) & Basic disc brake adjustments.
● E-bike diagnostics: Shimano STEPS, & Bosch, with and without software.
● Real-time component checks – when to repair vs replace.
● Final checks and adjustments to brakes, gears, and common issues we see every day — or anything. that could potentially cause problems down the line.
● Customer interaction tips – from booking to bike handover.
● Business advice: trade accounts, managing WIP, pricing strategies.
And of course – a chance to chat, ask questions, and enjoy a coffee while you're at it.
Whether you're looking to build confidence, fill in the gaps, or just see how Cycle Tech works – this is a great opportunity to develop your craft in a relaxed but professional setting.
Available UK wide with myself the founder or with a lead member
📩 Interested? Drop us a message to find out more and book your place
The Difference Between Good and Great
Even great mechanics are human—they can make mistakes. Bicycle mechanics is an art as much as a science. We know this as our craft. Some procedures may require multiple visits to get right, especially on complex bikes or when issues are subtle. Mistakes are not the end — they’re a golden opportunity. Handle them with integrity and care, and you don’t just keep a customer — you create a lifelong advocate.
Within the profession, not every mechanic excels at everything. One might be brilliant with Campagnolo components, another a wizard with suspension systems, and another a wheel builder. Expertise is often specialised.
What You Can Expect From a Good Mechanic
● Communication: A good mechanic will advise you, keep the customer informed, and recommend appropriate actions.
● Transparency: Especially with new customers, a mechanic should want to speak in person to discuss symptoms, diagnoses, and the scope of the work before diving in.
● Product Knowledge: They’ll have trade accounts with major suppliers, access to high-quality parts, and they’ll use the right tools for the job.
● Professional Standards: Qualified to industry standards, carrying liability insurance, and holding stock of good-quality, appropriate parts for your bike.
A Word of Caution: Spotting a Bad Mechanic
(From Alf Webb @ The Bike Inn)
Bad mechanics often use phrases like:
"See how that goes."
"It needs bedding in."
"I think it's OK now."
"Let me know if you have any more problems."
In other words, they didn’t really know what the issue was—they're just hoping it works.
This article still holds true today, a testament to Cycle Tech UK’s lasting values and principles….
High Wycombe-based entrepreneur Martin Wilkins is celebrating the 35th UK set-up of his mobile bicycle service and repair business, Cycle Tech UK. 17/06/2014
Just four and a half years after setting up the business as an independent organisation, Mark Fairhall of Cycle Tech Shropshire is the latest and 35th Cycle Tech UK Member, joining 34 others spanning Britain from Glasgow through to Bournemouth.
A car mechanic by trade, Martin returned to his first love—bicycles—in January 2007. At the height of the global recession, he set up Cycle Tech with no intention of starting a network. Within two years, the first Member, Cameron McAdam of Cycle Tech Glasgow, joined Cycle Tech to meet the growing demand for high-quality bike servicing and repairs. By offering mobile service—visiting customers at home or their workplace—Cycle Tech UK was born.
The business now provides maintenance services for clients including Canyon Bikes UK, Active Cycling Projects, Coventry City Council, and the RAF.
Why Has Cycle Tech UK Been So Successful?
“Success breeds success,” says Martin. Cycle Tech UK, known as “The national network of Cycle Technicians,” has grown rapidly due to a few key factors:
1. A strong support network among Members
2. A focus on great value and outstanding customer care
3. Convenience—servicing bikes at the customer’s home or workplace Customer care is essential in any service business.
By offering an on-site service where the technician can speak directly with the customer, provide a bike wash, fine-tune setup to the rider, and road test the bike after repairs, Cycle Tech UK minimizes issues and increases satisfaction.
Martin adds: "I often get comments from customers saying they didn’t expect this level of service—which, in a way, is very sad for the bicycle service industry as a whole.”
Commenting on the Business Growth
“It’s been a tough six and a half years,” says Martin, “but the rapid growth of the business has been built on a winning combination: skilled mechanics providing top customer service to riders of all ages.”
We’ve built bikes bought online, completed bespoke builds for individuals, serviced all kinds of bikes for mums and families across the country. We’ve also introduced home mechanical classes to help customers maintain their own bikes, and we’ve provided maintenance support at numerous cycling events and sportives across the uk"
Supporting Local Riders
As part of its mission to promote cycling and a healthy lifestyle, Cycle Tech UK sponsors two local amateur cyclists:
Past sponsorships:
● Steve Merrett, mountain biker and cyclocross rider from Aylesbury
● Will Houghton, road racer and time trialist from Great Missenden WHF
Park Tool Home Mechanic Bike School
Want to learn how to look after your own bike with confidence?
Cycle Tech UK offers one-to-one and group sessions through our Park Tool Home Mechanic Bike School, with practical, hands-on learning to help you understand bike maintenance and basic repairs.
Whether you're a beginner or simply want to improve your skills, our half-day school is a great place to start.
Find out more and book your place HERE
Our members — both new and established — value the strong support network behind them, knowing they’re never working alone.
Join the Cycle Tech UK Network
We are looking for passionate individuals to become part of our growing network, running their own local mobile bicycle repair businesses in available territories across the UK.
Whether you're ready to take the next step, want more information, or are just exploring the idea — including joining fees and how our business model works — get in touch:
Martin Wilkins, Founder Email: martin@cycletechuk.co.uk
Discover the story behind Cycle Tech UK — and why our commitment to quality service still drives us today, on our About Page
