Is there anyone on here who works in a bike store and is local to Oxford that I could perhaps help out around a workshop or something in the afternoons for a couple of hours? I don't expect pay or any discount from a shop, I simply just want to learn how to fix bikes. I understand there may be issues with insurance etc. but I don't know what this involves?
Cheers for any replies.
It's really quite easy to learn. Loads of info available online. Have a look at [url= http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help ]Park Tools[/url], loads of how too's. I learnt by just taking things apart and putting the back together again as and when they needed servicing and using said online guides.
Probably not the answer you're looking for but there's not a lot that can go wrong.
A [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/do-bike-shops-want-volunteers ]similar question[/url] was asked a while ago, you job stealing swine 😉
See if anywhere nearby you runs a fix your own session that you could either go to, or help out at - I worked at one last summer and it taught me a lot about bike maintenance, especially older bits and bobs.
Get yourself a clunker from the tip, and the Park Blue Book and have a go. There's not much you can screw up frankly. I was nervous of servicing forks until I bothered to have a go, and discovered that a modicum of care and confidence (plus lubes, seals & the correct torque settings) was all that was required.
Working with (for) someone who's prepared to spend time showing you where to get started will, of course, be beneficial. Good luck.