ETCAL
Level 3
QN: 610/5854/3
Curriculum Active
ETCAL Level 3 Certificate in Bicycle Mechanics
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by ETCAL. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 262 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
ETCAL
Syllabus Units
13 Units
Guided Hours
262 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Bicycle Brakes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to repair bicycle side pull brake calliper assemblies
- Understand how to repair bicycle mechanical disk brake calliper assemblies
- Understand how to repair bicycle hydraulic disk brake systems
- Understand how to repair bicycle hub brake assemblies
- Understand the variety of available bicycle brake friction materials and their application
- Understand the selection of bicycle brake calliper mount adaptors
2
Bicycle Engineering Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to use chemical compounds in bicycle repairs
- Understand how to use heating/cooling techniques in bicycle repairs
- Understand how to use hand fitting techniques in bicycle repairs
- Understand how to use threading techniques in bicycle repairs
- Understand how to use thread replacement products in bicycle repairs
- Understand how to use riveting techniques in bicycle repairs
- Understand the tolerancing typically used in bicycles and how to measure components to decide if they meet the requirements
- Understand how to correct a bicycle disk brake assembly that rubs despite aligning the calliper correctly
- Understand the possible repairs to bicycle components according to their base material
- Understand how to overhaul bicycle pedals
3
Bicycle Fitting for Comfort
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the relationship between a rider and their bicycle
- Understand how to select a suitable bicycle for a new cyclist
- Understand how to adjust basic components on a bike fit for comfort
- Understand how to conduct a basic bike fit for comfort
4
Bicycle Fitting for Performance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the aspects of human physiology that determine cycling performance
- Understand how the geometry of a bicycle affects handling and fit
- Understand the alternative components that can be used in a bike fit for performance and how to fit them
- Understand the tools and devices that can be used to enhance a bike fit for performance
- Understand how to perform a bike fit for performance
- Understand how to document the changes and adjustments made during a bike fit for performance
- Understand the common areas of a rider’s body affected by bike fit and what to do when it can’t be corrected
- Understand how different bicycle disciplines affect fit
- Understand facilities needed in a bike fit studio and the commercial options to structure a bike fit business
5
Bicycle Gears
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to diagnose and rectify faults in mechanical gear changing systems on bicycles
- Understand the features of the different electronic gear shift systems used on bicycles
- Understand how to install electronic gear changing systems on bicycles
- Understand how to maintain electronic gear changing systems on bicycles
- Understand how to maintain bicycle gearboxes and gear hubs
6
Bicycle Suspension Maintenance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the technology used bicycle suspension
- Understand how to maintain bicycle suspension
7
Bicycle Suspension Tunning
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the theories of suspension technology as they apply to bicycles
- Understand the adjustable parameters of bicycle suspension
- Understand how to evaluate the owners riding style and their bicycle suspension settings
- Understand how to tune bicycle suspension to suit a rider
- Understand the need to document the changes made to the suspension parameters
8
Bicycle Wheel Building
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand that a bicycle wheel is a prestressed structure
- Understand the loads applied to a bicycle wheel in motion
- Understand the modes of failure in a bicycle whee
- Understand the factors that give a bicycle wheel strength and durability
- Understand how to select components used in bicycle wheels
- Understand how to measure the components needed to build bicycle wheels
- Understand how to build bicycle wheels
- Understand how to repair bicycle wheels
9
Bicycle Wheel Maintenance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the common bicycle wheel lacing methods other than 3 cross spoke pattern
- Understand how to repair bicycle wheels based on spoke patterns lower than 3 cross spoke pattern
- Understand how to maintain freehub mechanisms
- Understand how to specify a bicycle tire to suit both bicycle and riding styles
10
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Awareness
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the criteria for an electrically assisted pedal cycle to meet the electrically assisted pedal cycle regulations
- Understand the key components in an electrically assisted pedal cycle
- Understand the devices available to overcome the speed, power and assistance restrictions of an electrically assisted pedal cycle
- Understand how to decide if an aftermarket bicycle electrical assistance kit meets the EAPC regulations
- Understand the safety implications associated with maintaining EAPCs
- Understand the moral and commercial consequences of working on electrically assisted bicycles that do not meet the EAPC regulations
11
Introduction to Bicycle Frame Building
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the hazards and safe working practices needed in a bicycle fabrication environment
- Understand the design principles of bicycle forks
- Understand the special tools and techniques used to make bicycle forks
- Understand the finishing processes used on bicycle frames to enhance and protect them
12
Performance Bearing Systems 3
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the design principles used in performance bearing systems in bicycles, against their standard systems
- Understand the materials used in performance bearing systems in bicycles
- Know how to select bicycle performance bearing systems based on their performance advantages
- Know how to overcome poor bearing fits in bicycles
13
Repairing Bicycle Frames
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the possible frame repair operations in bicycle workshops
- Understand the specialist frame repair operations that are available for bicycles
- Understand the range of bicycle bottom brackets introduced to replace the cartridge unit
- Understand the maintenance requirements of the range of bicycle bottom brackets introduced to replace the cartridge unit
- Understand the in-service issues found in the range of bicycle bottom brackets introduced to replace the cartridge unit
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/5854/3
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- ETCAL
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Jun 2025