Sunday Tech Clinics

Learn to maintain and tune up your bike!

This 4-part series is great for those who wish to delve deeper into bicycle maintenance. Taking advantage of our slower season, we’re able to offer this in depth workshop, giving you instructions, hands-on practice, and even time to address some specific problems in unhurried 3 hour workshops (see below).

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This comprehensive 4-part workshop will be offered in two separate sessions. Classes can be taken individually ($30 per session), or as a complete course ($120 for all four).

• January session: four consecutive Sundays, Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 1-3 pm.

• February session: four consecutive Sundays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 1-3 pm

• Each session will include 2 hours of informal lecture followed by hands-on demonstrations. An additional hour will be designated at the end of each session to allow for specific questions and extra practice.

The classes will cover the following topics:

CLASS 1 — INTRO, SAFETY CHECK & FLAT REPAIR

After familiarizing you with all the component of the bike, their functioning and terminology, we’ll do a brief safety check, and show you how you can spot and forestall potential mechanical issues on your bike.

This class will also cover flat prevention and repair, with a hands-on flat fixing demonstration.

Class 2 — Wheels & Bearings

Although some consider wheel work to be the most complex part of the bike, there are reasons wheels have to come before everything else. We’ll cover wheel retention and removal, parts of the wheel, hub bearing adjustments and wheel truing.

While on the topic of bearings, we will also touch on adjusting the bearings in the headset and bottom bracket.

Class 3 — Brakes

In the second session we’ll cover brake adjustment and repair, replacement of brake pads and cables, as well as address some common braking issues.

Class 4 — Drivetrain and Shifting

In the final session we’ll cover cleaning and maintaining the drivetrain, diagnosing chain wear, and correct adjustment of derailleurs.

General schedule

Each class is 3 hours long. The first two hours will be informal lecture and hands-on demonstrations. The last hour is optional, and will be reserved for less structured Q&A, and addressing in more detail issues of particular interest to participants.

Other things of note

These workshops are best suited to multi-geared modern bikes, such as hybrids, mountain or touring bikes. Please bring your own bike to class. We can store your bike between sessions if you prefer.

Class participants will receive a 15% discount on any bike repair tools and materials purchased during the course of the series.

FAQ’s for the tune-up class

Q. Can I take just one class?
A. Yes! Each session is a stand-alone unit and priced individually, however you get a discount if you register for all four sessions together.

Q. Is it just for adults or can a teen sign up?
A. Teenagers 16 and up can take the class alone. Teens younger than 16 can take the class with a parent for a single registration fee.

Q. I can’t make either of these sessions. Will you offer this class again?
A. The next time the Tune-Up Series will be offered again in the Fall.

Q. What if I don’t finish everything on my bike during class?
A. Class participants’ bikes will vary quite a bit in their condition and state of repair. In addition to class hours, you can book additional time at the shop during our business hours to complete your project through the end of February.

Q. Is my fee refundable?
A. Your fee is 100% refundable until 3 days before the class (or the first class if you sign up for the full series). Unfortunately we cannot issue refunds for cancellations after that time, so please consider your schedule carefully before signing up.