Cytech
Technical one

The first step in your accredited bike mechanics journey

A woman signalling to turn while cycling, with an instructor in a hi-vis jacket riding behind her.
Where
Bristol
When
Regular courses
Price
£450

About the course

Cytech Technical one in cycle mechanics provides a strong foundation for anyone looking to build a career in the cycle industry. This two-day, practical course will give you the essential skills to work in a bike shop, both in a workshop setting, and on the shop floor in a customer-facing role.

You’ll be working in an inclusive, supportive environment, where our tutors facilitate an interactive training experience and work to your pace.  

You can take Technical one as a stand-alone course. However, to get the full Cytech Technical one accreditation, you’ll need to complete both the Cytech Technical one practical course and the Cytech Theory one course.

Course content

You’ll learn how to assemble a bike out of a box in line with the latest European and manufacturer standards, gaining hands-on experience with a professional tutor. Skills you'll cover include:

  • Truing a wheel
  • Setting up hydraulic and cable disc brakes
  • Using a torque wrench to ensure components on a bike are tightened correctly
  • Removing and refitting a rear wheel
  • Removing and refitting rim brake pads, cables and casing
  • Indexing front and rear derailleurs -including using a DAG tool
  • Adjusting threaded and threadless headsets
  • Setting up the cockpit area and saddle position optimally for a rider
  • Checking a frame’s alignment (including forks)
  • Working safely and responsibly in a cycle workshop

The legal requirements of working in a bike shop, including the latest health and safety standards, will be embedded into the course: you'll learn these while working on the bikes.

We also provide a Cytech and a Life Cycle step-by-step guide to take home with you. These manuals cover everything you learn on the course, to help you put your new skills into practice.

Our tutors

Our friendly tutors are experienced, Cytech-qualified bike mechanics. They can adapt to your unique learning style, working in a way that best suits you.

Book your course today!

Whether you donate, volunteer, buy a bike or join a programme, you're helping more people experience the life-changing power of cycling.
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Theory one

To gain a certification in Cytech Technical one, you must complete both the Technical one practical and Theory one.

Cytech Theory one is an online course that you can complete in your own time. You have two months to complete the course.
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What bikes will I be working on?

You’ll be working on a range of bikes equipped with derailleur gears and cable and hydraulic braking systems, including Genesis adventure bikes and city commuters.
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Is this the right course for me?

Cytech technical one is intended for individuals entering the cycle trade who require a foundational level of expertise to work safely in a workshop or retail environment.

If you're unsure whether this course is right for you,  email us or give us a call.

For a shorter course, check out our Cytech Home mechanic course

FAQs

  • Where is it taught?

    Our courses are held at our Life Cycle Hub, based in HMP Bristol car park. You’ll be working in our professionally equipped workshop located right next to our bike shop.

  • How is it taught?

    Our courses are taught in small groups (max six). Each student has their own work station equipped with a large selection of professional tools, gloves, aprons and detailed teaching notes. You’ll also have your own bike stand and a ‘teaching bike’ to work on. You don’t need to bring your own bike.

  • Assessment & qualification

    This is an intensive course delivered at a brisk pace, covering a broad range of knowledge and practical skills. For each module, your tutor will demonstrate the required techniques before giving you time to practise and develop your competence. You will be expected to follow detailed service manuals and workshop instructions with support from your tutor where needed. Progress will be assessed continuously throughout the course through practical activities and observations. 

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    Full attendance is strongly recommended, as each module builds on the knowledge and skills covered in previous sessions. To achieve the full qualification, you must successfully complete all modules. However, if you are unable to attend part of the course, you may still receive accreditation or certification for the individual modules that you have successfully completed. 

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    • What others say

    Smiling face in a cycle helmet inside a white circle, helmet icon
    ''I completed the course with my tutor, Mike. The workshop was really well equipped. Mike was a brilliant tutor and explained the ‘how’s’ and ‘why’s’ really well.''
    Megan
    Smiling face in a cycle helmet inside a white circle, helmet icon
    "The course was absolutely fantastic! I learned so much. I was a bit nervous but Rich, the best teacher ever, made me feel at ease and really encouraged me. I would recommend this course. It really will give you the confidence!"
    Joe

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