A wonderful introduction to easy things all bike owners should know how to do. This class will cover:

• Parts of the bike and their function.
• Important skills for any rider
• How to remove/install wheels.
• Proper quick-release skewer operation.
• Brake release operation.
• How to use brake barrel adjusters.

Proper Chain Care

• How to lubricate and clean the chain.
• How often the chain should be lubricated and cleaned.
• Different types of lube and what works under which conditions.

How to fix a flat tire.

• Tools needed.
• CO2 vs pump.
• Patching vs new tube.
• Proper tire inflation.
• Things to expect as the bike wears.

The next level class for riders who have a firm grasp of the concepts covered in the Essential Home Maintenance class. This class will cover:

• The different types of modern brakes.
• How to adjust modern brakes.
• An introduction to disc brake adjustment.
• How derailleurs work and how to adjust them.
• Diagnosing noises and problems.

A two part class designed to give interested cyclists the knowledge and skills they need to build and maintain their own wheels. There is an option for those not interested in the hands on experience to opt out of the second portion. The first part of the class will cover:

• Wheel Theory.
• The types of wheels, hubs, spokes, rims, and their benefits.
• Dropout spacing and axle length.
• A demonstration of a wheel build.
• Tools required.
• Truing technique.
• How to adjust traditional hub cones.
• Help with the selection of components for those attending the second part of the class.

The second part of the class is the hands on wheel build portion in which students will build their own wheel under the supervision of one of our skilled mechanics.

For the mountain biker who wants to know more about how to take better care of their bike. This class will cover:

• Proper cleaning.
• The importance of and how to check wheel true on Disc brake wheels.
• How often and how to tell when shocks need service.
• How to tell and what common causes are for brakes needing to be bled.
• Cleaning.
• Derailleur adjustment and alignment.
• Adjusting hydraulic disc brakes.

Structured to provide a good working knowledge of how to ride in the city as safely as possible. It is targeted at people who want to commute by bike and is suited to anyone who rides in the Pacific Northwest. This classes covers:

• Laws concerning bikes on Seattle roads and how those laws match up with what really happens on the road.
• The importance of paying attention and spotting threats before they become problems.
• The importance of, and methods for increasing visibility.
• Basic concepts of bike handling. Speed and balance. The danger of curbs, cracks, and trolley tracks.
• How weather affects riding.
• Road rage and conflict diffusion.
• What to do if there is an accident.

Our touring class is the most flexible in terms of what is covered. This class can take one of two forms. The first is as an introduction to the concepts of bicycle touring, using a tour that one of our instructors has taken part in as an example. The second option is for the class to be tailored to a specific trip you may already have in mind. Either way you will come away with a better understanding of what goes into a successful tour. In general the class will cover:

• Choosing the type of trip you want to have.
• Bike options.
• Gear; tools, racks, fenders, panniers, clothing, shoes, etc...
• What skills one should have before setting out.
• When and where to go.