Classes

Teachin’ & Learnin’!

sbk2W Promotion of bicycle maintenance and safety is at the core of SBK’s mission. The SBK offers a broad spectrum of classes, seminars and workshops to facilitate a better understanding of the mechanical operation and maintenance of bicycles.  Classes, seminars, and workshops include:

  • Basic Maintenance classes
  • Target specific classes (i.e.  derailleur adjustment, bottom bracket and wheel hub servicing)
  • Frame and fork alignment
  • Wheel Building classes
  • Requested classes (i.e. Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub rebuilding)

All sessions are offered at our shop and are usually free of charge.  Sessions are posted below and on our Facebook page.  Some classes, like wheel building, are limited and slots are allocated on a first come basis.  Questions and concerns can be directed to the Education Coordinator.  For off-site classes, please contact our Outreach Coordinator.

Online Education Survey

Posted on by November 4, 2020

Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, the Bike Kitchen is re-designing some of our programs so we can continue to serve you.

We would like your input on the type of online or virtual educational content you would like to see. Please let us know by taking this survey.

We thank you for your participation.

CANCELED-Upcoming Class: Drive Trains, Part 1

Posted on by March 25, 2020

UPDATE: This class was canceled due to the current shop closure and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Join us for our hands-on maintenance class that will teach you how to adjust your bike’s gear shifting system to improve shifting reliability and diagnose common problems like chain skipping. The skills you learn in the 2-hour class will help you:

  • Learn key steps to adjust your rear derailleur*
  • Check how worn your chain is and how to replace it if needed
  • Diagnose common issues that relate to sluggish shifting, chain skipping, and rubbing noises coming from the drive train.

If you have your own bicycle we encourage you to bring it, but we will provide shop bikes for students to practice repairs on.

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 3/23/2020, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know:

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • We have experience working with a variety of bicycles, but not all of them! If you surprise us with some exotic machine we’ve never seen before we’ll be happy to take a look at it and may even want to take some pictures, but we can’t guarantee we’ll know what’s best for it mechanically.
  • *Front derailleur adjustment will happen in a future class, likely in April. Stay tuned for more information!

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

Mon. 2/17/20 Class: Fixing Flats and Routine Maintenance!

Posted on by March 5, 2020

Join us for our entry-level, hands-on maintenance class that will teach you how to fix flat tires and perform routine maintenance procedures to keep your bike’s parts in top shape! The skills you learn in the 2-hour class will help you:

  • Fix a flat tire via tube replacement or patching, along with learning the tools you need to fix a flat on the road (and avoid getting stranded!).
  • Clean and lubricate your drivetrain to extend its life
  • Know which key areas to periodically check on your bicycle to catch potential problems before they leave you stranded.

No experience is necessary. If you have your own bicycle we encourage you to bring it, but you may also use one of our shop bikes. 

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 2/17/2020, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know: 

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • We have experience working with a variety of bicycles, but not all of them! If you surprise us with some exotic machine we’ve never seen before we’ll be happy to take a look at it and may even want to take some pictures, but we can’t guarantee we’ll know what’s best for it mechanically.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

CLASS FULL – Upcoming Class: Working with Cable Brakes!

Posted on by November 22, 2019

UPDATE: This class is now full but you can still RSVP for the wait list.

NEWLY SCHEDULED CLASS ALERT!

Join us for our hands-on brake maintenance class that will teach you how to perform common repairs and adjustments for rim brakes, including:

  • Installing brake cables
  • Adjusting brake pads and cable tension to help you stop safely and effectively
  • Diagnosing common annoyances with brakes like squeaking and rubbing

Participants should be familiar with basic maintenance, like fixing a flat tire, using a wrench/screwdriver, etc.

While the class will use shop bikes for demonstrations and practice, we recommend you bring your bicycle if you have one. Brake systems vary from bike to bike and we’d like you to learn how to fix the brakes on *your* bike.

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 11/18/2019, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know:

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • This class’s focus is for braking systems. If your bicycle has an issue that is not brake-related (e.g. trouble shifting, bent wheel, etc.), please either bring it in during normal shop hours or when we hold a class that covers that issue.
  • We have limited experience working with disc brakes and coaster brakes (the kind where you pedal backwards to stop). We will be happy to take a look and apply what knowledge we have, but may not be able to answer all questions you may have about them.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

CLASS FULL – Monday, 9/16/19: Fixing Flats & Routine Maintenance!

Posted on by September 12, 2019

UPDATE: This class and wait list are now full. Keep an eye out for future classes!

Join us for our entry-level, hands-on maintenance class that will teach you how to fix flat tires and perform routine maintenance procedures to keep your bike’s parts in top shape! The skills you learn in the 2-hour class will help you:

  • Fix a flat tire via tube replacement or patching, along with learning the tools you need to fix a flat on the road (and avoid getting stranded!).
  • Clean and lubricate your drivetrain to extend its life
  • Know which key areas to periodically check on your bicycle to catch potential problems before they leave you stranded.

No experience is necessary. If you have your own bicycle we encourage you to bring it, but you may also use one of our shop bikes. 

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 9/16/2019, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know: 

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • We have experience working with a variety of bicycles, but not all of them! If you surprise us with some exotic machine we’ve never seen before we’ll be happy to take a look at it and may even want to take some pictures, but we can’t guarantee we’ll know what’s best for it mechanically.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

Upcoming Class on 5/20/2019: Working with Brakes!

Posted on by May 17, 2019

UPDATE: This class is now full. Interested folks may still email and ask to be put on the waitlist in case a spot opens up.

Join us for our hands-on brake maintenance class that will teach you how to perform common repairs and adjustments for rim brakes, including:

  • Installing brake cables
  • Adjusting brake pads and cable tension to help you stop safely and effectively
  • Diagnosing common annoyances with brakes like squeaking and rubbing

Participants should be familiar with basic maintenance, like fixing a flat tire, using a wrench/screwdriver, etc.

While the class will use shop bikes for demonstrations and practice, we recommend you bring your bicycle if you have one. Brake systems vary from bike to bike and we’d like you to learn how to fix the brakes on *your* bike.

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 5/20/2019, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know:

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • This class’s focus is for braking systems. If your bicycle has an issue that is not brake-related (e.g. trouble shifting, bent wheel, etc.), please either bring it in during normal shop hours or when we hold a class that covers that issue.
  • We have limited experience working with disc brakes and coaster brakes (the kind where you pedal backward to stop). We will be happy to take a look and apply what knowledge we have, but may not be able to answer all questions you may have about them.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

Upcoming Class on 4/15/2019: Drivetrain Adjustment and Maintenance!

Posted on by April 22, 2019

Join us for our hands-on maintenance class that will teach you how to adjust your bike’s gear shifting system to improve shifting reliability and diagnose common problems like chain skipping. The skills you learn in the 2-hour class will help you:

  • Learn key steps to adjust your rear and front derailleurs
  • Check how worn your chain is and whether it needs replacing
  • Diagnose common issues like sluggish shifting, chain skipping, and rubbing noises coming from the drive train.

If you have your own bicycle we encourage you to bring it because we want you to learn how to fix *your* bike, but you may also use one of our shop bikes.

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 4/15/2019, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know:

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • We have experience working with a variety of bicycles, but not all of them! If you surprise us with some exotic machine we’ve never seen before we’ll be happy to take a look at it and may even want to take some pictures, but we can’t guarantee we’ll know what’s best for it mechanically.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

Wheel Building Series – March 31st, April 7th & 14th 

Posted on by April 2, 2019

Please make sure you can attend all classes. Missed session material will not be repeated in subsequent sessions.

Prerequisites:  Must be familiar with hub maintenance and wheel truing techniques.

March 31st, 2019, Sunday, 10am-12pm orientation

  • Why build your own wheels
  • Wheel lacing patterns
  • Spoke and nipple types
  • Wheel building tools

April 7th, 2019, Sunday, 10am-12pm

  • Spoke length calculation
  • Rim and spoke prep
  • Wheel lacing techniques

April 14th, 2019, Sunday, 10am-12pm

  • Spoke tensioning techniques
  • Dishing, achieving equal tension
  • Finalizing wheel build

No RSVP required. All questions regarding sessions will be addressed at the orientation.    We only have three truing stands so, unless attendees bring their own, allocation will be determined by lottery. Attendees that do not have a stand to use are still welcome to watch, listen, and learn during these sections. Because of the logistics of these seminars (checking participants in, security and safety of demo props, etc…), once the session begins, no late comers are allowed to join the session. 

WAITLIST-Monday 3/11/2019 Upcoming Class: All About Hubs!

Posted on by March 14, 2019

UPDATE: This class is now full and in WAITLIST status. Feel free to email the below address to request to be added to the waitlist.

Hubs are where your bicycle’s wheel rotates around the axle. Properly maintaining them will make your bike more efficient, your wheels more stable, and increase your wheels’ lifespan!

After this class, you will be able to:

  • Take apart, grease, and reassemble a standard cup-and-cone hub

  • Diagnose common hub-related issues like wheel wobble or excessive friction

  • Inspect hubs and determine if they need to be adjusted or serviced

  • Adjust your hubs to allow your wheels to spin more freely and last longer

  • Do you want to learn how to true a wheel at some point? Then you’ll need to learn how  to fix a hub first!

No experience is necessary. If you have a wheel with a hub that needs some love feel free to bring it, otherwise we have plenty of wheels that the shop to learn on.

Class location and date:

Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 3/11/2019, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:

FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know:

  • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.
  • We have experience working with a variety of bicycles, but not all of them! If you surprise us with some exotic machine we’ve never seen before we’ll be happy to take a look at it and may even want to take some pictures, but we can’t guarantee we’ll know what’s best for it mechanically.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org

CLASS FULL – Monday 1/28/19 Class: Fixing Flats and Routine Maintenance!

Posted on by January 25, 2019

UPDATE: THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL. Keep an eye on our website for future class offerings!

Join us for our entry-level, hands-on maintenance class that will teach you how to fix flat tires and perform routine maintenance procedures to keep your bike’s parts in top shape! The skills you learn in the 2-hour class will help you:

    • Fix a flat tire via tube replacement or patching, along with learning the tools you need to fix a flat on the road (and avoid getting stranded!).

    • Clean and lubricate your drivetrain to extend its life

  • Know which key areas to periodically check on your bicycle to catch potential problems before they leave you stranded.

No experience is necessary. If you have your own bicycle we encourage you to bring it, but you may also use one of our shop bikes.

Class location and date:
Sac Bike Kitchen
Monday, 1/28/2019 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost to Attend:
FREE (excluding parts if applicable)

Other things to know:

    • The purpose of all SBK classes is to *teach* you how to perform bicycle repairs. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for any damage your bicycle may incur during the class nor can we guarantee that you will have a functioning bicycle at the end of the class, especially if your bicycle was not functioning properly prior to the class.

  • We have experience working with a variety of bicycles, but not all of them! If you surprise us with some exotic machine we’ve never seen before we’ll be happy to take a look at it and may even want to take some pictures, but we can’t guarantee we’ll know what’s best for it mechanically.

Interested?

Great! Please RSVP to classes@sacbikekitchen.org