United Bicycle Institute

"I attended the professional repair and shop operations two week course at the United Bicycle Institute during the month of February. I had no mechanical expertise nor any experience in shop operations. I knew how to ride a bike and hoped that it would work. I attended the introductory class the week prior to the pro class. I can tell you that the two week professional course is an intensive undertaking of a deep mechanical. Ing of road gravel and mountain biking equipment. While the class was extremely difficult for someone with no mechanical understanding of the systems, the instructors worked with me with great patience to improve my knowledge and understanding. Make no mistake, This is a very difficult course. The classroom presentations are on point, and provide a depth of understanding of the systems and components That would benefit any shop mechanic, looking for a certification in their craft or for any shop owner. Instructors are all highly skilled professionals in their field. They were always available to answer questions, discuss their cycling passions, and with great fondness, the love of their chosen profession. Those that attend this school tend to have six months, to 10 years of experience in shop operations, and are skilled professionals in their own, right. Although I was among skilled professionals, I never felt out of place because of the camaraderie of the students and instructors, making me feel comfortable. And showing me the tools of their trade. This is not a vacation for any of the students period it required, studying, and preparation for the next days events. It was run like a professional university to include practical the administration of practical examinations and written tests that were timed. Thank you UBI for the opportunity to spend February with a fine group of professionals and support staff. You have enriched my life and love of cycling. The only difference between now and when I arrived is that I can somewhat speak the language in my local bike shop as well as perform maintenance with confidence on my own equipment. I do it all over again. Thank you!! Dale Atkinson Jacksonville, NC"

"I attended the Introduction to Bicycle Mechanics Course at United Bicycle Institute (UBI) to become more familiar with how to care for and perform maintenance on my own bicycle and perhaps those of teammates. I am a road cycling enthusiast with no mechanical experience or mechanical inclination. This one week class provided the depth of knowledge I needed to accomplish my goals and to feel comfortable about performing maintenance at home. The administrative support at UBI was superb. I used my Post 911 GI Bill to register and Denise (Co-Owner) took care of all the details. All I had to do was show up. Pre-class guides contained all the essential information on the class, what to expect, recommendations on where to stay, and sights to see. The instructors (Mike, Peter and Zack) were professional, helpful, patient, and available at all times. Having no mechanical experience coupled with a visual (vice text) learning style, did not pose a problem to these experienced mechanics / instructors. They created a comfortable and inclusive learning environment that was more than complete. I walked away with a good understanding of both road and mountain bicycle systems including wheels, tires, breaks, derailleurs, frames, headsets, hubs, cassettes, and fittings. This education provided me with the confidence to perform maintenance and overhauls on my own bike that I would have previously asked only a bike shop to perform due to the intimidation and lack of knowledge on the job itself. No more! I've signed up for the follow-on Professional Bike Mechanics and Shop Operations course to further my understanding of bicycle maintenance. Thank you UBI. This was a fun and very informative class that I would recommend to any cyclist regardless of platform or style of riding. Dale Atkinson Jacksonville, NC"

"I attended the 2 week Professional Bike Repair course and was very satisfied with the instructors and facility. The instructors taught with a combination of lecture, demo and hands-on practice, and the classroom was well equipped with tools and bikes. I strongly recommend the course for anyone who wants to become a bike mechanic or learn advanced techniques to work on their own bikes."

"I took the introductory course because I wanted to learn the basics of doing my own maintenance. This course exceeded my expectations. I feel completely confident that I could disassemble my entire bike and put it back together. You walk away with a comprehensive step by step manual on all the procedures you learn in class. Very well done and Ashland is a nice town to visit. Highly recommend!!"

"A fantastic experience from the first to last moments - I've never learned so much. Our instructors Jeff, Nathan, and Peter presented the excellent material in a clear and memorable way. You will get an unbelievably comprehensive and immersive experience. Many aspects of bicycle repair and maintenance were demystified and I achieved my personal goals through UBI. Our class had students with a very wide variety of bicycle and mechanical experience (from none to working bike mechanics) and everyone commented that they learned something new. I thought that spoke volumes about UBIs material and instructors. What I thought I knew, I now know better and what I didn't know, I feel confident I can accomplish from what I learned. Thanks Denise and the UBI team!"