Basic Bike Maintenance Class (VTA)

SVBC's certified League Cycling Instructors in partnership with Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange's mentor mechanics will teach you the basics of maintaining your bike so it is safe and smooth to ride! This hands-on workshop empowers you to work on your own bike for the most frequent issues, including fixing a flat. This 3-hours class is open to ages 14 and up.

Bring your own bike (no more than 1 per student, non-electric if possible) to learn and practice on! You can also work with another student on their bike if you cannot bring your own bike to the class. Please also bring a rag or two if you can.

Air - how to fix a flat and reduce risk of flats by over half, how to find out how much air to put in your tires, and taking wheels on and off.

Brakes - diagnose issues, make adjustments to fix them, and determine when pads need to be replaced.

Chain+ (transmission) - how to help your chain move smoothly and quietly across the cassette and chainrings (gears).

Additional issues/topics may be covered as time allows.

What past attendees have said about the class:

"Loved being able to practice tube patching. Loved that you had so many staff who were knowledgeable." - Melissa P.

"I felt more capable of fixing my bike which made me want to bicycle more!" - Frankie E.

"Made me more aware of how wear-and-tear affects the mechanics of my bike, and how often I should be prioritizing basic maintenance - also led me to purchase a few new tools to keep my ride in good shape" - Lauren B.

"I love the practical knowledge and hands-on exercises on patching the tire and removing wheels. Safety protocols and ABC’s before riding a bicycle was invaluable. At first I thought removing the rear tire was complicated but Tim showed us how seamless it was! Thank you for all you do! I am very grateful." - Doddie A.

Location: Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange - 3961 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA. The entrace faces the parking lot off Corporation Way.

While we hope you'll ride your bike, motor vehicle parking is available in the parking lot. Please arrive a few minutes early to allow for wayfinding.

This class is provided to the public for free with funding from 2016 Measure B courtesy of VTA . While there is no cost to attend, it costs about $300 per student present to conduct this. There is limited capacity and we also have had classes with waitlists of 30+ people, so please only register if you have high confidence that you will attend. If that changes, please cancel your order if you are no longer able to make it so others who want to attend can learn to be able to take better care of their bikes and feel safer and more comfortable riding more.

You will earn a patch kit and a set of tire levers for attending.

Please add a ticket for each participant (separate names). Tickets are required to attend.

If you find this class valuable, join fellow bicyclists in paving the way for safer streets and a sustainable and healthier future by donating TODAY! All donations are tax-deductible and any donation gives you an annual SVBC membership. EIN: 77-0338658

Also check out other Workshops in Palo Alto, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Palo Alto, Nonprofit events in Palo Alto.