Training
At the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), training is at the heart of our mission to uplift communities and support sustainable mobility. We deliver targeted skills development across multiple platforms, including Western Cape IDC - funded training for small businesses, empowering entrepreneurs with essential mechanical and business skills. Our Community Partners and Bicycle Empowerment Centres (BECs) benefit from tailored social media training to enhance their visibility and reach. We also offer hands-on training like cargo bike building workshops and operate the innovative Caddy Mobile unit, which brings bicycle training directly to community events. In addition, BEN provides in-house bicycle mechanic training, equipping individuals with practical skills to support local mobility solutions and create employment opportunities.
In-House training
Bicycling Empowerment Network offers a variety of mechanical training courses from a one-day basic service and/or assembly course to an extensive 15-day course aimed at individuals who want to become qualified, capable bicycle mechanics.
Courses can be tailor-made to suit the needs and budget of each individual. Discounts can be negotiated if the training is for more than one individual.
Course 1: Basic Bicycle Mechanical Repair
The aim of the course:
This course will give the participant a good knowledge on how to do basic repairs.
Who would benefit from this course:
This course is designed for the individual cyclist who wants to know how to do minor repairs on a bicycle.
Required knowledge:
A basic understanding on how the bicycle works.
Course Content:
Identify basic bicycle parts
Bicycle assembly and disassembly
Cleaning and Lubrication
Puncture repair
Lubrication of gear cables
Lubrication of brake cables
Assembly and disassembly of headset
Knowing the different types of headsets
How to set your brakes and knowing the different types of brakes
Course 2: Basic Bicycle Mechanical Repair and Servicing
The aim of the course:
This is a 5-day course that will teach the participants how to service a mountain bicycle (MTB)
Who would benefit from this course:
This course is aimed at anyone who wants to learn the solid basics of mechanical repairs and servicing of a MTB.
School leavers
Bicycle washroom
Any private person wanting to improve their skills
Organizations with bicycle fleet
Cycling clubs
Required knowledge:
Some understanding of the bicycle
Course Content:
Know and understand bicycle parts
Bicycle assembly and disassembly
Cleaning and Lubrication
Puncture repair
Lubrication of gear cables
Lubrication of brake cables
Assembly and disassembly of headset
Knowing the different types of headsets
Headset service
How to set your brakes and knowing the different types of brakes
Bottom bracket service
Front hub: Service
Rear hub: Threaded and cassette
Brake service
Gear service
Minor wheel truing
Course 3: Advanced Bicycle Mechanical
This course can be done consecutively or intermittently
The aim of the course:
This is a 15-day course that will give the participant an in-depth knowledge about the service and repair of bicycles.
Who would benefit from this course:
This course is aimed at anyone who wants to be formally trained as a bicycle mechanic
Anyone who wants to pursue Bicycle Mechanics as a career
Bicycle repair shops
Organisations with a bicycle fleet that are require a skilled bicycle mechanic
Required knowledge:
A sound understanding of the bicycle
Course content:
Part 1 (5 Days)
Mechanical training on bicycles with grip shift and rapid-fire shifters
Know and understand bicycle parts
Bicycle assembly and disassembly
Cleaning and Lubrication
Puncture repair
Lubrication of gear cables
Lubrication of brake cables
Remove and install a headset
Knowing the different types of headsets
Headset service
How to set your brakes and knowing the different types of brakes
Bottom bracket service
Front hub: Service
Rear hub: Threaded and cassette
Brake service
Gear service
Minor wheel truing
Individual assessment
Part 2 (5 Days)
Mechanical training on bicycles with thumb shift and down tube shifters
Service a hub
Remove and install a headset
Adjust the crank/ bottom bracket
Adjust the front changer
Adjust the rear derailleur
Trouble shooting
Individual assessment
Part 3 (5 Days)
Mechanical training on different types of bicycles (i.e. back pedal and 3-speed bicycles)
Replace spokes
Build a wheel
True a wheel
Hydraulic system maintenance and brake bleeding
Individual assessment
Course 4: Wheel building
The aim of the course:
To be able to lace and to balance a basic wheel in 2 days.
Who would benefit from this course:
Anyone wanting to know how to build and balance a bicycle wheel
Required knowledge: None
Course Content:
Check the components before lacing hub
Wheel lacing
Tensioning
Wheel balancing
Wheel dishing
Course 5: Hydraulic systems, brake bleeding
The aim of the course:
To be able to maintain hydraulic systems and learn how to bleed brakes.
Who would benefit from this course:
Anyone wanting to know how to bleed brakes and maintain hydraulic systems.
Required knowledge: Basic bicycle
Course Content:
Learn how to use syringes
Learn when to use mineral oil and Dot4 oil
Procedures on how to use mineral oil and Dot4 oil
