I am also willing to teach riders who want to learn certain things about their bicycles; so they can become confident and self efficient while out riding their bicycles.
All learning classes will also be on a scheduled by appointment basis only as well.
I will teach individuals or you can get a group of riders togethers, and I can teach it as class to new riders.
Every rider should know basic things about their bicycles; and know how to resolve certain issues that may arise while you are out on a ride.
I can teach riders certain mechanic skillsets, if they are willing/wanting to learn.
Are you a new rider/cyclist just getting into riding/cycling?
Have no clue on what stuff you need to have with you; so can be self efficient? Here is a list of things every rider should have when they go out riding.
Get yourself a saddle bag, it is a bag that attaches under your saddle (to the saddle rails); and it allows you carry a few items that all riders should have with them when they ride.
(In your saddle bag; you want to buy and carry with you as you ride... a patch kit, a spare tube, a multi-tool, 2 tire levers, and a mini chain tool.)
That is the bare minimum to carry with you in your saddle bag.
You will also need to carry a mini frame pump; so you can inflate your tubes... mini frame pumps can attach to your frame and typically mount under your water bottle cage with those frame screws. (Or you can carry a mini frame pump in bicycle bag or backpack, another option is a co2 inflator... but mini frame pumps are cheaper and more reliable in the long run.)
You will want to make sure that you have a front and rear light as well, especially if you ride at night. Lights not only allow drivers to see you, but the front light allows you see to the road or trail you are riding on. It is important to be able to see and not ride into pot holes, broken glass or any other road/trail hazards.
Learning how to use the tools (items) I have suggested that you carry is also just as important as carrying them.
If you need to learn how to use those tools, I am happy to explain/teach to riders why it is important to have those items, and how to use them.
Those items will prevent you from being stranded, not have to walk your bicycle home, and allow you to be a self efficient rider.
Learn How To Fix A Flat: $25 Labor
Do you want to learn how to install a new tube and fix your flat tire?
You can bring your bicycle and/or your wheel, and I will take the time to show you how to remove the tire and tube... look for what caused the flat, and how to patch your tube if it can be patched, or how to install your new tube and your tire back onto your wheel.
Being able to fix your flat tire and install a new tube or a patched tube is something all riders should know how to do.
This way you are confident and self efficient while you are out on a ride.
(I do know that REI charges it members $25 and non-members $55 for a Fix A Flat class that is a 2 hour class limited to a few people, I can teach you one on one so you... so
you can actually learn hands on... with your bicycle.)
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn How To Adjust Your Brakes: $25 Labor
Do you want to learn how to install new brake pads, or adjust your bicycle's brake pads?
You can bring your bicycle, and I will take the time to show you how to install new brake pads, and how to make minor brake adjustments on your bicycle.
Being able to perform minor brake adjustments is a good skillset to know for every rider.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn How To Adjust Your Derailleurs $35 Labor to $50 Labor (Depending on minor adjustments or "emergency trail side hacks")
Do you want to learn how to adjust your front or rear derailleur?
You can bring your bicycle, and I will take the time to show you how to adjust a derailleur. How you can make minor adjustments... if your derailleur's shifting is off.
Being able to perform a minor derailleur adjustment is a good skillset to know for every rider.
I can also show you some "emergency" repairs to do, if you crash and your rear derailleur or derailleur hanger gets bent... and you still need to ride home... how do you do what... so you can have some gears for the ride home, or how do you make your geared bicycle into an easy geared single speed so you can ride home. I know a few "hacks".
Being able to ride your bike home beats walking, and knowing about derailleurs is a good skillset to know for every rider.
(I do know that REI charges it members $40 and non-members $75 for a Chain and Derailleurs class that is a 2 hour class limited to a few people, I can teach you one on one so you... so you can actually learn hands on... with your bicycle.)
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn How To Ride In The Winter Months $25 Labor
What gear do you need to add or change out on your bicycle if you want to ride all year?
Are you going to have a designated "Winter Bike", or will you be changing your bicycle's accessories/gear over during the winter to continue to ride?
I ride all year round, and I can make some suggestions on gear, where to buy it, and how often you should do what to your bicycle... so it stays safe and reliable as you ride during the Winter season.
Winter season riding can be harsh on bicycles, so can riding in rainy weather. Your brake pads will wear faster, so you need to keep an eye on them.
Checking and topping off your tire pressure it important.
And most importantly... cleaning your frame and wheels is super important to do daily if you are riding in wet weather and on roads that have chemicals on them to prevent road ice, those chemicals are extremely harsh and they will rust steel frames, and will cause your bike's parts to corrode. So cleaning your bicycle after it has been exposed to that stuff is extremely important.
The main key to riding all year round it proper bicycle maintenance, keeping an eye on your brake pads for wear, cleaning your bicycle often, and having the right gear for your bicycle as well as the gear you wear as well. As well as checking over your whole bicycle more often.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn Why Saddle Height And Proper Bicycle Fit Matters $25 Labor
Having a bicycle that fits you matters.
Proper Saddle height, the correct length stem, what frame size should you ride?
It all matters how you ride, where you are gonna ride, and making your bicycle fit you properly; so you are comfortable... so that way you will be one with your bicycle.
Your bicycle should be an extension of yourself and when you are dialed in with your bicycle and it fits you... you can ride longer adventures and be more comfortable.
I can help you figure out your proper bicycle fit with you and your bicycle, labor rates vary as to how much fitting we do.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn How to Fix A Broken Chain $25 Labor
Want to learn how to fix a broken chain, so you are not stranded while out on a ride?
I can teach you that.
Knowing how to use a mini chain tool and carrying one with you when you ride; will save you from walking your bicycle and being able to still ride it.
Fixing a broken chain while out on the trail, means you can still kinda ride, but you will have less gears to ride in.... to get back to your vehicle or the trailhead's starting point.
Riding always beats walking.
Not all riders carry a mini chain tool, and not all riders know how to "fix/repair" a chain on the trail, but if you do... you will be your riding buddies hero.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn Emergency Trail Side Hacks $35 Labor
Want to learn what tools to carry on every ride, and how to "fix" your bicycle so you can still ride home without having to call a friend to come and pick you up, or walk your bicycle home? I can teach you some pretty cool trailside hacks that are pretty handy. Some trailside hacks I've learned from other people while working in various bicycle shops, other bicycle trailside hacks I've learned from watching a few videos, and other trailside hacks I've learned just because I'm old... and sometimes life just teaches ya some life lessons.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Want To Learn A Safe Route To Ride Or Commute To Work? $ 25 Labor
If you are wanting to ride your own local bicycle loop, and do not know where to start in creating your own ride loops, I can help you figure out a ride loop, for you to start off with.
If you are wanting to commute to work, and you work locally to where you live, I can help you figure out a safe route to ride your bicycle to work.
I offer these safe ride routes in Loveland only.
You can pick up a Loveland Cycling map at the Loveland visitor center located at 5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, CO 80538, and you might ask one of the local Loveland Bicycle Shops if they have any Loveland Cycling maps on hand. These are handy to have, so you can plan out your riding routes or your commuting routes.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.
Learn How To Think Like A Cyclist $25 Labor
Riding a bicycle is much different than driving a vehicle, you have think like a cyclist... after all you are riding a bicycle.
You need to plan ahead, what will the weather be like? Do I need an extra water bottle, if it is going to be a hot day?
What extra clothing do need to carry, how do I carry it all?
Which route do I ride? Can I use part of a bicycle trail to ride where I need to go, or is there an alley or a back street that is a bicycle short cut?
How do I park and lock up my bicycle? What kind of lock do I need to have on my bicycle?
Do I need a backpack or a messenger bag to carry my change of clothes? Do I need to carry a change of clothes? Can I keep spare clothes at work?
Do I wear gloves? What kind of bicycle tools/gear do I need to carry with me?
Do I need studded tires in the Winter to commute to work?
How long will it take me to get into riding shape?
What foods are better to eat, to sustain my body as I ride more?
How do I get better at riding hills?
How much time do I allow to ride some where?
All of these are valid questions that many beginner riders ask. I can help you figure out the answers to all of those question.
And if you have your own questions, I can help answer those questions as well.
To my knowledge so far, not many if any local bicycle shops offer classes on this skillset.