If your bicycle maintenance abilities are at full stretch with fixing a puncture, you might want to think about enlisting the professional help of the Park Tool School – a joint venture for Park Tool and established cycle maintenance trainer Promech.

Promech have been providing bicycle maintenance courses to the trade and public since January 2003 at their custom-built bike workshop in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The result of their collaboration with Park is an intensive two-day maintenance and repair course open to the public.

You’ll learn basic mechanical skills, as well as detailed instructions for repairing and maintaining wheels, bearing assemblies, braking and shifting systems. In fact, “everything you need to know to keep your bicycle rolling smoothly and safely,” it says here. Upon completion you’ll be given a certificate of attendance, a Park Tool Student Manual and goodie bag.

The courses start next month (February) and will also run in March, May, July, September and November. Cost is £180, which might sound like a lot but you’ll probably end up saving plenty of money by being able to do nearly everything yourself. We’ve booked ourselves in already – we’ll give you the full low-down when we’re done.

More details and bookings from Promech on 01296 395333/www.promech.co.uk or www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk.