History: ShopClasses

Bicycle Repair Classes

Here's one of the first things you need to know:
Bicycle Safety Check (PDF 8k)

Here is the other:
How to change a flat

There's no substitute for hands-on practice though, so that's what you'll find here: our Shop Class series will teach you everything you need to know to maintain and tune-up your bike, and entitles you to use the OCBC shop to do so.

The series of four classes repeat every month, and are held Saturdays from 4 to 6 pm, and Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Intro class is free for anyone, and is required before beginning the class series. It is held at the beginning of the first and third classes, and on the fourth Wednesday evening (at 6PM) of each month.

The next class series start Tues. April 4th or Sat April 7th

Class size is limited, and students should bring their own bikes, or may work on one of the Co-op's. Pre-register and pay on the calendar page of this website, please — If there are not at least two students signed up by 10 AM the day of the class, that class will be canceled, and notice will be sent by email or website message to those enrolled — call the shop if you are not sure.

Taking the course of Basic Shop classes is what constitutes co-op membership; so you must take them before extensively using the shop facilities for personal projects, even if you consider yourself a great bike mechanic. The goal is for all members to have basic repair skills, so we don't have to charge labor to members for individual instruction, as some other co-ops do; and for all members to know what beginners have learned, so they can help others more effectively.

The cost is $20/ class, or you may pay with volunteer hours. Please pay for the entire series when you sign up to guarantee your place. Current members may re-take classes as often as they wish for free, with priority for workstands given to first-time students.

Shop classes are best taken in order, especially for beginners, but this is not required, as long as the intro class is taken first.

There are brief descriptions on this page, or you can

look at more detailed outlines here.

Weekly: Intro to bike maintenance

(Free for anyone, prerequisite for class series and Bike Drivers' Ed)

• Safety Check
• Basic mechanical principals
• Fit adjustments for comfort and efficiency
• Lubing chain
• Airing tires

1st week: Tires and Flats

(Included with bike purchase; prerequisite for Bike Drivers' Ed)

• Hands-on remove and replace wheels, with bike on the ground
• Tire assessment
• Causes of flats
• Hands-on tire and tube change

This class will prepare you to fix the most frequent bike problem - flats. You will also learn how to make sure your bike is mechanically safe, and fits properly.

2nd week: Wheels and Bearings

• How to use the work stands and shop tools
• Hands-on remove and replace wheels, in the work stand
• Bearing types, function and assessment
• Bearing inspection and hands-on adjustment.
• Wheel and rim types and assessment
• Demonstration of wheel truing
• Hands-on spoke and rim maintenance.

This class covers how bearings work, and wear out; and how to keep wheels from wobbling — two of the more mysterious aspects of bike repair for most folks.

3rd week: Cables and Brakes

• Cable types, function, and assessment
• Hands-on cable maintenance and adjustment
• Brake types, function and assessment
• Hands-on brake pad maintenance and adjustment

This class covers the most vexing and mishandled repair jobs on the bike: you will learn the proper use of tools and how to avoid dangerous and time-consuming mistakes.

4th week: Drivetrain

• Chain function and assessment
• Hands-on cleaning and lubrication, and chain breaking
• Types, function and assessment of:
  • Bottom bracket
  • Gears
  • Shifters
  • Derailleurs
• Hands-on maintenance and adjustment

This class covers the most complex bike system - you will learn how to keep your
bike in top shape for the longest time possible. Best to have taken the other classes first, as it will be assumed you have knowledge of bearings and cables.