In our first season just ended, our first two courses were each full with a waiting list. Our third course, in April 2007, was too far into the bike shop season to be full, yet allowed us to tailor the content and schedule to accommodate a smaller class of enthusiastic home mechanics.

If you missed our initial bulletins, here's more info…

In our intensive hands-on course, current and aspiring mechanics spend two weeks at our fully-equipped facility in Guelph, Ontario. Students gain practical knowledge and experience with all major bicycle components, including: frames, bearings, wheels, drive trains, brakes and shifting systems, on a variety of bicycle styles and vintages. Two days are devoted to the skilled craft of repairing and building wheels, including design and selection of components for specific uses.

Selecting and using task-specific tools, along with organizing and running the service department, are all part of the learning experience. Our students will graduate ready to confidently assemble, fit, troubleshoot and repair bicycles of all types.

With the knowledge and experience gained at WBI, avid home mechanics become pros, and current and aspiring pros take their skills and confidence to a new level.

Workshop supplies and use of workbench bikes and tools are included in the course fee, as is use of course texts ""Barnett's Manual"" and Dr. Arnie Baker's ""Bike Fit"".

This is an accredited course offered in partnership with Conestoga College, where you'll find our course listed as MECH1230 in the Continuing Education catalog and on the College website. Registration is handled through Conestoga College.

For more information, see:

- Conestoga College: http://ce.conestogac.on.ca/Course.asp?code=MECH1230

- Winterborne Custom Bicycles: www.winterbornebikes.com

- Phone us at: (519) 826-0556, or e-mail to: wbi@rogers.com

Jason Filer & Alan Medcalf

Winterborne Bicycle Institute