Build Your Own Bike Courses

We have just finished our first course of Build Your Own Bike since November 2020 and it is great to be back! So what is Build Your Own Bike (BYOB)? 

BYOB is the chance for participants to get a ‘new’ bike and a chance to change habits. With the freedom of a bike, people can access new opportunities, and learn how to tackle the city.

BYOB gives you a chance to build your own bike exactly how you want it and gain a sense of ownership from the bike that you have built.

Previously, we have used new bikes on the course. This year no new bikes were available so we had to use second hand bikes. This gave us the opportunity to fully customise the bike with paint and new parts. With a bit of TLC these previously unloved bikes have had a fresh lease of life ready for a new adventure. 

A bike frame stands in front of a wall next to a wheel.Another bike frame stands in front of two wheels.

Over the week, participants learnt bike components, how to fix punctures (very important), how to set up brakes and change brake pads, how gears work and how to change brake/gear cables. With a fresh coat of paint, some new parts, and lots of careful adjustments, the participants revived the old bikes.

Two people stand fixing a bike, one adjusts the wheel whilst the other holds it in place.A person adjusts a bike wheel that's attached to a frame holder.A person pumps the tyre on a bike wheel.Another person pumps a tyre on a bike wheel.A group of people fix bikes in a workshop.

Check out the results!

A group of people with bikes stand smiling wearing helmets, behind them a large sign reads bike for goodA person stands holding a bike outside of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.Another person holds a bike outside of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.A person stands holding a bike outside of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.Another person stands holding a bike outside of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

If you think you could benefit from attending a Build Your Own Bike course and currently face additional barriers to the employment market, please contact our Skills & Development team to register your interest.

Thanks to The Henry Smith Charity for funding our Build Your Own Bike courses!

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