home mechanics week Archives

home mechanics week

How I built up my daughter’s first ‘grown-up’ bike with salvaged parts and a mystery £25 Reynolds 531 steel frame

A few clues may help to discover the maker of this classic frameset, even if I've not fully worked it out yet

Thu, Apr 09, 2026 14:32

Hookless wheels keep getting bad press — after several recent controversies, can brands sticking with the technology weather the hookless storm?

This is a "scam"-free zone, as we aim to take a balanced look at where and why hookless rims can be used in the road space, and if the technology has staying power

Tue, Mar 17, 2026 15:44

The cheapest ways to make your bike faster and more comfortable

There are plenty of ways you can increase your speed and comfort all at once. You'll need a few pennies, but not too many of them if you take our budget tips on board

Tue, Feb 24, 2026 16:44

How to make your own versions of some popular bike workshop tools — a savvy cyclists’ guide to upgrading your tool collection

A guide to what is possible to make with access to a lathe, a modicum of skill, and some determination. It will cost you less than buying the 'Name' tools too

Tue, Oct 07, 2025 15:02

Park Tool BMT-1 tyre bead breaker

Excellent option for removing tight tyres without damaging your rims or fingers

£44.99

Fri, Sep 26, 2025 08:45

Dynamic Slick Wax

Thin wax-based lube that falls short on all-weather durability and is more difficult to apply than many of its competitors

£12.99

Thu, Sep 18, 2025 14:45

Top tips for removing old sealant from tyres August 2025

To seal, or not to seal? Top tips for removing old sealant from your bike tyres

Are you looking to freshen up your tubeless tyres, or decided to switch back from tubeless to tubes? Here's what I discovered cleaning the old sealant from several sets of tyres

Wed, Aug 27, 2025 14:08