Netizens think SCF’s basic bike mechanics course at S$500 per pax “overpriced”, say lesson content “can be learned from youtube”

The Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) will be conducting a three-day basic bike mechanics course in June, which will cover a full range of bike maintenance topics such as how to quick release skewers, with a course fee at S$500 per pax.

SCF first announced the basic bike mechanics course on its Facebook page on 10 May.

The course will be conducted in two sessions, with the first session from 2 June to 4 June, and another session from 23 June to 25 June. The venue will be located at RS Works, 500 Changi Road.

According to SCF, the course comprises 16 hours of theoretical and practical lessons by a certified mechanics course instructor from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

“The theoretical part of the course will introduce and cover a full range of bike maintenance topics (even the more advanced contents!), while the practical part will focus more on the basics,” it wrote, adding that the course is SkillsFuture Credit claimable.

SkillsFuture Credit is a one-time S$500 top-up given by the Government to all Singaporeans aged 25 years and above to encourage them to learn new skills. The top-up will expire by the end of 2025.

According to SCF’s advertisement, the basic bike mechanics course content includes guidance on how to quick release skewers, remove front and rear wheels, repair a puncture, change a tube and tires, and bike cleaning.

Participants will also be guided on how to fix drop chain, remove and install pedals, headset, gears adjustments, basic bike fit, routine checks and safety tips.

SCF noted that bicycles and toolkits will be provided to participants during the course.

In addition, participants who complete the course at a satisfactory level will be awarded a certificate of completion endorsed by SCF.

However, many netizens were surprised that SCF would charge S$500 per pax for a basic bike mechanics course that “can be learned from Youtube”, saying that the fee is “overpriced” and “super expensive”.

One netizen commented on SCF’s post saying that “all these are taught by the shop” when buying a brand new bicycle.

“Singapore Cycling Federation actually endorse this course? Extremely overpriced for such a basic content. This is very wrong,” another netizen wrote.

One netizen commented that the maximum fee for such courses should be at least S$150 to S$200.