Dr Bike information for customers

All the information you need to run a successful Dr Bike in partnership with Life Cycle.

Setting up a Dr Bike session

Planning your session

There are two ways you can structure your Dr Bike:

1. Ask people to book slots in advance
2. Allow people to ‘drop in’ (e.g. at a public event).

Booking slots in advance

Make sure each person arrives promptly with their bike - or leave bikes unlocked ready to be worked on.

If there is time left at the end, the mechanic may be able to squeeze in some "walk ins" – but this is not a given and the mechanic’s decision is final.

Drop in event

Our mechanic will work on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is a queue there may be the option for people to leave their bikes with the mechanic, then collect it later. Please note, this is at the mechanics’ discretion on the day and is done at the individual’s own risk.

The mechanic will not be able to take any unclaimed bikes with them at the end of the session.

Booking

Book online. We'll contact you to discuss your preferred date and time, then we'll match you with a qualified mechanic. We can accommodate most requests – including evenings and weekends.

Bookings must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you require a Dr Bike sooner, please email one of the addresses above.

We'll send you a confirmation of provisional booking. Once we have a mechanic booked in, we'll confirm your booking via email.

Preparing for your Dr Bike

Please promote your Dr Bike session as widely as possible before the event.

Ensure the facilities are prepared, key staff (e.g. security/reception) are briefed and inform us where the mechanic needs to go. If we need to bring special documentation (e.g. a DBS certificate), please let us know at least five working days before the session.

Choosing a location

Our mechanics comes to you – as long as the location is in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Derby.

One mechanic needs an area about the size of a parking space to work in. Ideally the session will take place somewhere warm and dry (especially in winter). Please also provide access to drinking water and a toilet!

What do I need to provide?

Our mechanics will bring all their own tools and replacement parts. Please also provide access to drinking water and a toilet - and bear in mind that mechanics will need a comfort break every few hours.

About Dr Bike

What will I get from the session?

Our mechanic will deal with common issues that prevent bikes running smoothly or safely. A Dr Bike is not a full mechanical service. People can stay and observe the mechanic, however, they will not have time to provide tuition.

We'll do our best to return each bike to a roadworthy condition, or (if there are serious issues) fix any manageable issues in the allotted time and refer you to a bike shop for the rest.

We'll issue a ‘prescription’ with details of the items they have fixed, issues that may need attention in the near future, and/or issues that need urgent attention and must be taken to a bike shop. If there are queries about this, the individual should speak to the mechanic, or contact Life Cycle.

How long does a Dr Bike take?

Some bikes need minor attention – others may have a lot of issues. We would recommend allowing time for our mechanic to service two bikes per hour. You can book multiple mechanics if needed.

What kind of bikes do you service?

We service push bikes of all kinds (from vintage to road bikes) and electric bikes.

What kind of jobs do you cover?

For each bike, the mechanic will prioritise what can be done in the limited time available. The most common jobs this might include are:

• Safety check ("M-check")
• Replace inner tubes
• Adjust/replace inner brake cables and/or brake blocks
• Adjust gear cable/indexing
• Adjust handlebars/saddle
• Lubricate working parts
• Inflate tyres
• Explain repairs to the bike owner and give recommendations for further work

Was is not covered in a Dr Bike?

• Cleaning the bike (the mechanic has the right to refuse to service very dirty bikes)
• Replace outer cables
• True wheels
• Replace spokes
• Service disc brakes, suspension forks, tubeless tyres or other high-end parts
• Fit spare parts the customer has bought off the internet

Special requests

Life Cycle works hard to be inclusive and accommodate the people we work with. For example, we can provide a female mechanic for Dr Bike sessions in all-female environments.

If you have any special requests please note this on your booking form (or email directly) and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Prices

• 4 hours (minimum): £196 + VAT.
• Full day (7 hours): £343 + VAT
• Additional hours and/or mechanics: £49 per hour + VAT.

Changes or cancellation

By booking your session you agree to our Terms & Conditions. We require five working days’ notice for cancellation.

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