5 Week Mechanic Course: ESG Cohort

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This event is part of OCB's Equity-Seeking Gender (ESG) Access programming, formerly known as Women, Trans, and Queer Night.

ESG Access at Our Community Bikes is a space created by and for people who have historically been excluded from DIY and bike culture on the basis of their gender. This includes people who identify as women, two-spirit, agender, transgender, transsexual, transmasculine, intersex, non-binary, and more.

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This special run of our 5 week mechanic course is being offered exclusively to folks of marginalized genders, as part of OCB's ESG access programming. It's being led by one of our resident ESG night facilitators.

Over the course of 5 weekly sessions, students will be introduced to all major systems of the bicycle. These mechanic-led classes will go over a bit of theory and offer ample time for supervised, hands-on practice. Get comfortable working on your own bike, and ride with the confidence that if something goes wrong you can handle it!

A small class size will allow for materials be tailored to yours needs and skill level. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate home mechanic, this course is sure to elevate your skills!

To encourage you to keep working on your bike at home, we're offering a 15% discount on tool purchases during the entirity of the course.

Schedule:

Tuesdays in 2026 @ 7-9:30pm

• Session dates: Feb 10, 17, 24, Mar 3, & 10

Night 1 - Bikes 101

• This session will offer theory on different type of bikes and their niches, bike anatomy and components, frame materials, and fit.
• Practice: how to fix a flat!

Night 2 - Brakes

• Participants will learn how to troubleshoot common brake problems (like squealing or 'squishy' brakes) and get familiarized with replacing different types of brake pads, cable, and housing.

Night 3 - Shifting

• Learn the ins and outs of derailleur adjustment and how to dial in shifting at home or on the road.

Night 4 - Bearing Systems

• This session offers an introduction to cup-and-cone bearing systems including hubs, bottom brackets and headsets.
• Practice: overhauling wheel hubs!

Night 5 - Wheel mechanics

• The final evening will offer an overview of how wheels work, and the importance of wheel function to overall performance.
• Practice: truing wheels! (tensioning spokes)