Basic Bike Maintenance (REGISTRATION CLOSED Mondays Oct 20 - Nov 10)

Name of facilitator: Jason Tanzman
Address: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue, St. Paul MN 55104 www.bikeped.org
E-mail: classes@bikeped.org Phone: 612-232-2737
Course description:
Registration for this class is now closed! Sorry, we'd love to let everybody in but our shop is just too small. Keep an eye out for classes (possibly in Nov/Dec?) and be sure to register early next time!!!
This class is designed as a complete introduction to the basics of maintaining your bicycle yourself. Learning to fix your own bike can save you money, ensure access to reliable transportation, and be a rewarding personal experience to understand how your vehicle functions. You aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is your lovely selves, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
The class will begin the first week with a quick discussion of why we bike and why we want to know how to fix our bikes ourselves. From there, we learn the basics of fixing flat tires – the most common repair that all riders will experience. Week 2 of class consists of adjusting brakes as well as shifting mechanisms. Week 3 addresses wheels – specifically, maintaining/adjusting/overhauling hubs as well as truing/straightening rims. In week 4 we will learn to adjust and overhaul headsets and bottom brackets.
Participants are encouraged to attend regularly, as each week builds upon skills and theories developed in previous sessions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycle to work on; however, shop bicycles will also be available for tutorial and repair.
Class Time: 6:30-9pm Monday Evenings
Class Dates: October 20 - Nov. 10 (Four consecutive Monday evenings)
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Ave in St. Paul
Class size: Minimum _________ Maximum __25__
What experience do you bring to this class?
I have taught several classes on basic bike maintenance through EXCO in 2007 and 2008, including 5 different classes this Spring and Summer. I have been a volunteer mechanic at Sibley for three years, and I am also a full-time paid mechanic at the Hub Bike Cooperative in Minneapolis. I focus the class on effective teaching at whatever skill/experience level the participants are at. I focus on making explanations simple and straightforward, while offering more extensive technical explanations upon request. I believe that teaching is a give and take of knowledge; this requires active listening on the part of the teacher, in order to understand where each student is at. I make sure there are at least two, and usually three, instructors at each class to ensure one-on-one attention. This class will be HANDS ON – which is the only way to learn how to fix your bike.