MECH1230 Professional Bicycle Mechanics

Does the course cover suspension?

Yes, we include general material on bicycle suspension, as well as a hands-on lab in which we overhaul a semi-oil bath, coil spring, oil-damped (compression and rebound) Manitou fork.  The number of diverse suspension models and manufacturers precludes extensive labs, yet the specific model we overhaul has all the basic elements found in all suspension forks.

Does the course cover disc brakes?

Yes, we include general material on disc brakes as well as hands-on labs installing and setting up mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, rotor installation, and bleeding a hydraulic system.  The number of diverse disc manufacturers and systems precludes us offering a wide assortment of specific models to work on, yet the models we have cover all the elements common to all disc brakes.

Where can I stay while at WBI?

Guelph has the usual variety of small to mid-sized name brand motels/hotels, as well as a variety of B&B's.  At least one or two students in most of our courses to date have stayed at the London House B&B and found it be quite good.  Since Guelph is a university city, there is also lots of student rooming available.  In addition, we have negotiated a special long-stay rate at the new Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites.  This full-service hotel is located at the corner of Hwy 6

Where is WBI located?

See our contact page for a GoogleMaps locator and our address.  We're located in the Hanlon Industrial/Business Park at the south end of Guelph.  From highway 401, take highway 6 North to the traffic lights at Laird Rd, turn right, then turn left the second time you come to Southgate Drive (Southgate is a big loop; don't turn the first time you encounter Southgate).  We're about a 40 minute drive from Toronto's Pearson Airport.

How much homework is there?

There is roughly two hours of homework each evening.  The first evening is the heaviest, with three to four hours.  The homework includes reading and answering a set of short-answer questions in preparation for the following day's content and labs.  This approach allows maximum hands-on time during class hours. The first evening is the longest since there's catch-up from the first day's material, plus prep for the second day.

Do students receive a certificate?

Students successfully completing the course with a passing grade receive a frameable certificate from Winterborne Bicycle Institute that also bears Shimano's and Conestoga College's logos.  In Canada there is currently no formal or industry-recognized trade certification process for bicycle mechanics.  Accordingly, the WBI certificate is actually a "Certificate of Completion" for the course.

How are students evaluated, and what's the passing grade?

Students are evaluated in a multi-stage process that encourages and rewards learning through doing, and that emulates a bike shop environment as much as possible. A passing grade is 70%.  During the two weeks, there are three evaluated labs worth 10% each.  Each of these labs verifies that proficiency has been gained in a specific area following two or three prior hands-on labs.  These evaluated labs include wheel building, shift system setup and tuning, and V-brake setup and adjustment.

What should I wear while on the course?

There are two considerations in choosing how to dress for this course.  First of all, our shop is in a poorly-insulated concrete block industrial building, and it gets cool and drafty in the winter time.  Dress with a couple of warm layers, and for sure put on some warm socks.  Secondly, this is a shop course and you'll be handling grease, oil, cutting fluid and so on.  While our shop bikes have never been ridden, and have never been outside in the mud and dirt, it's still a shop environment.  Be prepared to deal with the usual shop dirt and stains.

What about snow days?

There have been several snow days in which local schools, including the College campus, were closed.  We were open as usual.  Since instructors are local, at least one of us will be available and able to run the course on any given day.  Regardless of radio announcements relating to local business and school closures, assume we're open. 

What time does the course start?

Class starts each morning at 8:30 a.m. sharp, usually with a review of the previous night's homework.  Lunch time each day runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and may be compressed if the day is running tight.  Class wraps up by 5:00 p.m. each day, and often by 4:00 p.m. on the middle Saturday.  There is at least one 15 minute break mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

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