United Bicycle Institute
"Professional Repair and Shop Operation"
Schedule of Classes
What our graduates say about this class.
Concentration! Who Will Benefit:
Beginner Mechanics         Home Mechanics
Career Mechanics             Those Seeking Certification

Prerequisites:
None - this is an entry level class.

What You Will Learn:
This is a comprehensive 2 week professional level course for students with limited or no bike shop experience. The major goal of the class is to prepare students to work in a bicycle shop, or to help them learn enough about professional bicycle mechanics to work on their own bicycles in a professional manner. This course also provides a solid foundation for those who wish to own their own bicycle shop. We emphasize a great deal of hands-on experience during both a component-by-component study of bicycle repair, as well as a study of the bicycle as a complete unit. The information presented is applicable to all types of bicycles.

Work Benches The basics of Bicycle Shop Operation are presented via formal lecture followed by an open question and answer session. This format allows us to tailor this part of the class to the individual needs of the students. We find that there is so much misunderstanding about bicycle industry and retail businesses in general, that this open discussion allows students to ask those sensitive questions that they cannot ask their local bike shops.

  • Component Standards
  • Measuring Tools
  • Thread Specifications
  • Torque
  • Safety and Liability
  • Lubricant Use
  • Bearing Theory
  • Conventional Bearings
  • Cartridge Bearings
  • Hub & Axle Sets
  • Handlebars & Stems
  • Frame Preparation
  • Frame Construction
  • Fork Alignment
  • Frame Alignment
  • Cutting Tools
  • Shop Tools
  • Bottom Brackets
  • Brake Systems
  • Saddles & Seatposts
  • Frame Fit
  • Chains
  • Wheel Building/Repair
  • Headsets
  • Derailleurs
  • Tube & Tire Repair
  • Pedals
  • Crank Sets
  • Chainline
  • Gearing
  • Freewheels & Freehubs
  • Suspension Servicing

  • Some of the shop operation topics covered include:
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Employment Practices
  • Pricing of Merchandise
  • Starting a Small Shop
  • Start-Up Costs
  • Tool Selection
  • Advertising
  • Customer Service
  • Sales
  • Labor Rates
  • Sources of Supply
  • Establishing Accounts
  •   Tuition Information  

    The cost of the 2 week Professional Repair and Shop Operation course is $1,450 with a $150 registration fee required with your signed Class Application. Please register early! This is our most popular class and usually fills 90 - 120 days before the start of each class. It is a good idea to call us before sending in your application to verify availability. Click here for a schedule of classes. If you would like more information, check out our mechanics class FAQ page!

    Special Advanced Seminar Discounts Apply If Taking This Class!
    Join the hundreds of previous students who have taken advantage of a great offer. We are presently offering an additional $100 discount off the Advanced Mechanics Week if you sign up for both the Professional Repair and Shop Operation Course and the Advanced Mechanic Seminar Week consecutively. This discount is in addition to our standard discount of $100 off our Advanced Mechanic Seminar Week if you take all three seminars. That's a total savings of $200 off the Advanced Course, plus you can save on travel expenses by taking them both at once!   Check it out!

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