Ready to take the next step in bicycle maintenance? Our Novice Bike Repair Course is a full-day, hands-on class designed to help you understand your bike, confidently perform basic maintenance, and leave with a properly tuned, safety-checked bicycle.
This approximately 8-hour course is taught inside a professional bike shop and focuses on real-world skills you can use immediately. Students work directly on their own bikes and receive guided instruction from experienced mechanics throughout the day. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how your bike works, how to diagnose common issues, and how to safely perform routine repairs and adjustments.
As part of the course, every bike receives a full tune-up, double-checked by our instructors.
Lunch included: We’re proud to provide a healthy lunch from Herb & Spice (Bank Street) for all participants. Please include any dietary restrictions or preferences in the comments during checkout.
What You’ll Learn
This course provides an overview of the entire bicycle and its major systems, with an emphasis on inspection, diagnosis, and preventative maintenance. Topics include:
- Wheel removal and installation
- Tire and tube replacement
- Chain cleaning, inspection, and lubrication
- Minor shifting adjustments
- Brake inspection and adjustment
- Full bike safety inspection
- Brake systems overview
- Derailleur systems
- Bottom bracket systems
- Chain systems
- Wheel truing fundamentals
- Proper torque specifications
- Pedal and handlebar replacement
Class size is capped at 8 students to ensure an intimate, hands-on learning experience with plenty of individual attention.
Location & Getting Here
Location: Quick Cranks – 1089 Somerset St W, Ottawa
Parking & Transit: Free street parking is available out front. By public transit, we’re just steps from Bayview Station. If you’re riding in, you’re welcome to bring your bike directly into the shop.
What to Bring
- Your bike (please ensure it’s free of mud and sand)
- Any parts you’d like to install (parts are also available for purchase in-store)
- Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
- Clothing should be tucked in to avoid catching on moving parts
- A hair tie if you have long hair (please leave jewelry at home)
- A notebook and pen for notes
What Quick Cranks Provides
- Shop aprons
- Eye protection and gloves
- All professional tools, lubricants, solvents, and materials
- A loaner copy of the Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair (available for purchase in-store)
- A bagged lunch from Herb & Spice (Bank Street)
How the Class Works
The class is run across four fully equipped workstations, each with benches, tools, and bike stands. Students work in pairs, rotating through tasks and learning collaboratively. Instructors circulate throughout the day to provide guidance, demonstrations, and one-on-one support.
There are short breaks throughout the day, plus a 40-minute lunch break.
Schedule
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Doors open: 8:50 AM
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Class begins: 9:00 AM
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End time: approximately 4:30–5:00 PM
Refund & Transfer Policy
Course fees are fully refundable or reschedulable up to 72 hours before the course date. Course registrations are fully transferable to another person.
Waiver Requirement
This course teaches you the skills to confidently work on many parts of your bike, but it is not a substitute for professional service. All participants are required to sign a waiver of liability prior to attending the course.
