Posted on 7th Jun 2010 @ 10:17 AM

Have you ever wanted to learn how to service your own bicycle? Fix a flat while out on a ride?  Tweak your derailleur for precision shifting?  We can help you learn!

The Urbane Cyclist is pleased to offer maintenance classes to meet on Saturday mornings at 10am.  Each session meets for one hour and includes a pick-me-up cup of tea or coffee.  Classes will be conducted in a professional, friendly environment will plenty of time for hands-on mastery of the morning’s featured skill set and one-on-one time with the instructor for questions and assistance.  All necessary tools and repair stands will be furnished by The Urbane Cyclist.

Classes will be taught by David Gordon, shop proprietor and master mechanic.  David possesses nearly 15 years experiencing working on bicycles and has earned professional accreditation from both Barnett’s Bicycle Institute and Slowtwitch Fit Institute.  David enjoys sharing his knowledge to help other cyclists get the most out of their riding experience. 

All class sign-up is by preregistration only. Register in-store or by phone at least 24 hours prior to the class.

All students will receive 20% off any tools or related items upon completion of the class.

Bike Maintenance 101: Saturday, February 11th, 10-11am (Again on Saturday, March 10th, 10-11am)

This is by far our most popular class. The 101 session will give you the knowledge and confidence to go out for a ride by yourself. No more need for a cell phone to call for a ride home. When something goes wrong you can impress your friends by taking charge of the situation. This class offers the basic knowledge that every cyclist should know.

• Fix a flat
• Chain maintenance
• Brake pad replacement
• On-road repairs
• Travelling with your bike
• and more!
  

Drivetrain Systems: When a single speed isn't enough:  Saturday, February 18th, 10-11am

• Problem identification
• Derailleur adjustment (front & rear)
• Overview of Shifters & Cable replacement 

Brake Systems: Stop on a Dime: Saturday, February 25th, 10-11am

• Problem identification
• Adjustment technique on popular brake styles
• Emergency repairs

Wheels & Hubs: The Spoken Word: Saturday, March 3rd, 10-11am

• Wheel truing
• Spoke replacement
• Hub adjustment
• Discussion of loose ball vs. cartridge bearings
• Remove & repack bearings

Required materials: Students should bring their own bike and clothing that is okay to get dirty.  Park Tools Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair is HIGHLY recommended and can be purchased for $22 ahead of time when you register at the shop. This will be an indispensable guide to use while we learn and a fantastic reference to keep for years to come. 

Class fees:

            Single session: $15 due at sign-up

            All four sessions*: $50 due at sign-up

Preregistration is required by stopping into the shop. Class size is limited to ensure maximum hands-on learning time.

*If for any reason you cannot attend a session, absences are okay but non-refundable. We will gladly have you attend the next scheduled session for that topic. Classes will generally occur once every month.