BIKE MECHANICS Training COURSEs
5 Week Mechanics Training
Winter/Spring 2026 Sessions:
Mondays 6:30-9:30pm @ OCB (2429 Main St)
Series 1: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2
Series 2: Feb 9, (skip week for Family Day,) Feb 23, Mar 2, 9, 16
Series 3: Mar 23, 30, (skip week for Easter Monday,) Apr 13, 20, 27
Fridays 6:30-9:30pm @ OCB (2429 Main St)
Series 1: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6
Series 2: Feb 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20
Series 3: Mar 27, (skip week for Good Friday,) Apr 10, 17, 24, May 1
Our 5 week course offers an introduction to the major systems on the bicycle. Structured classes are taught by experienced mechanics and combine supervised hands-on practice with theoretical instruction. Small class sizes ensure that the program is tailored to each participants needs and interests. From beginner to intermediate this program is sure to elevate your skills.
$600 + tax /person registration fees.
Visit Eventbrite for details, updates, and to register.
If all sections are full, or we are on a seasonal hiatus from offering full courses, check out our single session workshops and complete this form to get on the 5 Week Mechanic Course wait list.
- Night 1 - Intro to bikes and flat fixes
-Learn about bike anatomy, frame materials, and proper bike fit
-Flat fixes
- Night 2 - Intro to cup-and-cone bearing systems
-Intro to adjustable hubs, bottom brackets and headsets
-Hub overhauls
- Night 3 - Brakes
-Intro to different types of cable-actuated brakes
-Cable and brake pad replacement
- Night 4 - Shifting
-Intro to bicycle drivetrains and derailleur function
-Adjust shifting
- Night 5 - Wheel mechanics
-Overview of wheel function
-Intro to radial/lateral truing, dish, and tension
NOTES
We provide all the tools, consumables, and work space necessary. We do recommend you bring your own bike to learn on, but can provide a bike for you to use in the course if you do not have one.
ACCESSIBILITY
We want to ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone accessing our programs. If this is cost prohibitive, email info@ourcommunitybikes.org to outline who you are, why you are interested in attending this course, what you hope to gain from it, and what level of subsidy you need/are requesting.
single session workshops
As well as our 5 Week Mechanics Course, we also offer individual workshop sessions focused on specific systems on the bicycle. These are also run with small class sizes, and offer participants the opportunity to get hands on mechanical training in a fun and inclusive environment. If you have a specific workshop you'd like to see us offer, reach out to suggest it!
WORKSHOPS
Intro to Brakes - More dates coming soon! Reach out to request this workshop.
- In this workshop participants will learn the mechanics of various common braking systems.
- OCB Eventbrite Page
Intro to Bike Maintenance -
- In this workshop participants will gain familiarity with the basic systems that interact to make bikes roll, and when & how to adjust them.
- OCB Eventbrite Page
Dive Into Derailleurs - More dates coming soon! Reach out to request this workshop.
- In this workshop participants will learn the ins and outs of the shifting and derailleur systems on their bicycle.
- OCB Eventbrite Page
Wheel Servicing and Maintenance 101 - More dates coming soon! Reach out to request this workshop.
- In this workshop participants will learn how to service and maintain the wheels on their bicycle.
- OCB Eventbrite Page
wrench with a mechanic @ ocb
Work one-on-one with a mechanic. Ideal for when there is something specific you've been wanting to learn more about on your own timeline.
If you are putting together a bike from the ground up, swapping over to tubeless, installing some new parts, or just want to learn more about mechanics on your bike in a personalized setting, our Wrench with a Mechanic program is just the ticket!
Reach out for scheduling options or fill out the form here to let us know what you're looking to work on and we'll follow up with possible times.
Cost: $80 per hour (min 1 hour, max 4 hours per session).
Gear Up
Gear Up is a free 13-week program that equips youth ages 15 - 30 with the skills, certification and employer connections necessary to work as a bike mechanic. This program is a partnership between Our Community Bikes and the YWCA.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Five weeks of in-class skills development workshops, including Introduction to Bike Mechanics Certificate
- Five weeks of work experience with a local bike repair shop (honorarium provided for completion of milestones)
- Two weeks of one-to-one job search support
