Learn basic bike mechanics!
Learn basic bike maintenance with Yellow Bike’s volunteer mechanics.
Introductory classes are free for the City of Austin employees.
Introductory Classes:
Basic Bike Maintenance
Learn how to remove and install wheels, fix a flat, properly inflate tires, evaluate tire condition, when and how to clean and lubricate your chain, and check for chain and brake pad wear. Participants will have hands-on time to do basic repairs and will leave with knowledge, tire levers, and a patch kit. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
Basic Bike Maintenance | 4 PM – 6 PM Sold Out
Derailleurs & Shifting
The derailleur moves the chain to change into different gears. Learn how it works! This class will identify the anatomy of the bicycle drivetrain, including the names and functions of its components; the importance of component compatibility; and a guided hands-on installation and adjustment of shifters, derailleurs, and their control cables and housings. Attendees may bring their bikes to the class and will have 30-40 minutes to work on them. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
Brake Basics
We will cover three types of rim brakes: linear-pull (v-brakes), caliper, and cantilever brakes. This class will identify bike brake types and include a guided hands-on installation, service, and adjustment of pads, cables, and housings. Attendees will have 30-40 minutes of hands-on time for a brake tune up. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
Hubs
A hub is the center part of a bicycle wheel. It consists of an axle, cones, locknuts, spacers, seals, bearings, and a hub shell. Learn how to take it apart and put it back together! This class will define hubs and identify their common types; and will include a guided hands-on hub overhaul and adjustment. Attendees will have 30-40 minutes of hands-on practice. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
August 2025
Wheel Truing
The spokes connect the rim and the hub, and keep you off the ground. Learn how to keep your wheel straight and round! Attendees will have 30-40 minutes of hands-on practice. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
Headsets
The headset allows you to steer the bike; learn how to overhaul it. This class will cover threaded and threadless headset with standard bearings.The headset is the set of components on a bicycle that provides a rotatable interface between the bicycle fork and the head tube of a bicycle frame to provide smooth and easy steering. This class will define the headset; identify its common types; and will include a guided hands-on headset overhaul and adjustment. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
Cranks and Bottom Brackets
The crankset is the component of a bicycle drivetrain that, connected to the bottom bracket spindle, converts the reciprocating motion of the rider’s legs into rotational motion used to drive the chain or belt, which in turn drives the rear wheel.
The bottom bracket on a bicycle connects the crankset to the bicycle and allows the crankset to rotate freely.
This class will demonstrate best practices for bottom bracket identification of most square taper bottom brackets and installation.
Join the Yellow Bike and our professional bike educators for a detailed survey of bottom brackets, bicycle cranks, and chainrings. This three-hour class will define bottom brackets, cranks, and chainrings and identify their common types and their anatomies; and will include a guided hands-on overhaul and adjustment. Subject bicycles will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring and work on their own bikes.
UPCOMING ClassES :
August 2025
Intro to Suspension Service
The suspension system (or shocks) on a bike makes it possible to ride in more varied terrain, and like all mechanical systems, sometimes needs maintenance. This class will help you understand how suspension works, the component parts, and how to set up a suspension to your specific needs. You’ll also learn about service intervals and see a demonstration of lower leg service.
