This award is the natural step up from Velotech Silver and looks at solving common issues on bikes that often lead to the removal and replacement of components and systems.

The gold award builds on the knowledge and process of both Silver and Bronze levels. To enjoy the two days and be successful in the completion of the award, it is really important to be comfortable and practised with all aspects of these precursory awards.

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to identify, adjust and replace like-for-like components found on bicycles (except e-bikes), including the removal and refitting of a headset and bottom bracket, and have an understanding of considerations required for changes in specifications. You will also be able to solve common issues found with wheels.

Aims:
As always there is a relaxed tone to the process, building to an assessment task on the second day and multiple choice question papers to complete the accreditation process. The aim is that you leave as an accredited Velotech Gold award holder.

Is it for me?
Are you looking to work as a cycle mechanic for work? Are you looking to gain great professional development to supplement your existing qualifications in cycling? The Velotech Gold award more than fills the gaps in your knowledge to enable you to fully maintain most cycle components and systems (with the exception of suspension systems). It is ideal for; experienced bike mechanics who are supervising the ongoing maintenance of a fleet of bikes, those that want to work in a bike shop as a mechanic, enthusiastic bikers looking to work on their own bikes and MTB leaders/coaches looking to formalise their knowledge (and certify them to work on clients bikes).

Content:
This course is run in conjunction with Velotech Cycling and follows their syllabus and requirements, including:

• Moving from recreational practices to professional standards
• Workshop etiquette and safety
• Health and safety considerations
• British Standards requirements
• Recording your work
• Fault finding
• Considerations for change in specification of components 
• All aspects of stripping, servicing, replacing and ensuring serviceability of:
  
  • brakes – both rim and disc (bleeding practical)
  • gear systems (gear capacity, correct chain length and full gear system set up [from scratch])
  • headsets (including setting star nuts, stack height and headset types)
  • hubs (how to fully disassemble and adjust)
  • bottom brackets (BB) (removal and fitting of a new BB; shell widths, threads, press fit and chainline)
• Introduction to frame preperation tools (derailleur alignment gauge and fork end alignment tools)
• Wheels (basic wheel trueing, spoke replacement, dishing and offset)
• Bleeding hydraulic braking systems

The Gold award does not look at suspension systems i.e. fork internals and rear shocks. These are manufacturer specific and fall outside the scope of the award.

Gift vouchers available

Give the gift of adventure with one of our activity vouchers and receive a printable gift voucher with every order. Buy your gift vouchers here.

Pre course requirements:

• 1 month must have passed since completing the Velotech Silver Award
• Be aged 18 or older

Additional information:

• Course times: 9am - 5pm
• Protective gloves and workshop aprons are provided, however we are working with greases/oils etc so we advise not wearing your best clothes! For safety, please refrain from wearing open toed footwear.
• Lunch is not included, however tea and coffee will be provided
• Parking is included for the duration of your course

• If accommodation is required, please contact us at tilebarn@hants.gov.uk

If no suitable dates are available and you're a group or organisation looking to book a closed course, please contact the centre to discuss dates and requirements.