Learn to Fix Bikes at the Bicycle Institute of Technology!

Dave Ricker at the Pedalin' Fools bike shop in Amesbury has just announced the Bicycle Institute of Technology! If you'd like to learn about your bike and don't mind getting your hands dirty, check this out. Courses will be held at the Amesbury Filling Station -- 520 Main Street, Amesbury -- and are based on the Park Tool School program. Classes in two-, six-, and twelve-hour course lengths are available, depending on how in depth you want to get. Dave will also be offering programs for e-bikes, disc brakes, wheel building, and suspension work, as requested.

Get to Know Your Bike - two hours/$100
Are you new to cycling and want to better understand how your bike operates, or are you a seasoned rider who has never learned to fix a flat? This two-hour course will introduce you to the basic mechanical concepts all cyclists should know, whether they're riding for sport, fitness, or recreation. We will discuss the systems and components that make up your bicycle, how to properly clean and adjust your drivetrain, minor brake adjustments, and the fine art of flat repair.| We have found that this course is good for couples (Can you say romantic date night?), two friends, or for a parent/child combo. For that reason, we can do a twofer for $150! Sign up together and you will each save $25! Reach out directly to sign up for this course and we will schedule a time that is convenient for everyone.

Basic Bicycle Mechanics - 6 hours/$300; sale price: $200
Are you someone with a basic mechanical aptitude or an interest in bike mechanics? Would you like to learn what's involved in performing complex adjustments and replacing worn components as part of your bicycle's regular service routine?

In this course we will cover:

• Shop set up and proper tool use
• Component wear indicators
• How to remove and install drive train components (chain, cassette, and derailleurs) for cleaning or replacement
• Cable and housing replacement
• Proper brake adjustment for both rim and disc brakes
• Proper cleaning and lubrication

Advanced Bicycle Mechanics - 12 hours/$600; sale price: $400
Are you interested in becoming a professional bicycle mechanic? Would you like to learn what is involved with performing more complex repairs that are required to overhaul a bicycle? This course offers students the opportunity to learn what's involved with performing more complex maintenance issues that are required of the professional bike mechanic.

In this course we will cover:

• Shop set up and proper tool use
• Component wear indicators
• How to disassemble and overhaul the bearing systems of a bicycle (headset, hub and bottom bracket)
• How to remove and install drivetrain components (chain, cassette, and derailleurs) for cleaning or replacement
• Cable and housing replacement
• Proper brake adjustment for both rim and disc brakes
• Proper cleaning and lubrication of all bicycle components

We will also have a round table discussion on what's involved with securing a position in a bike shop.

Class Schedule
Classes will be held Thursday nights from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 4:30 - 6:30 pm, with the first session beginning on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. Any classes that are cancelled due to the weather will be made up on the following Tuesday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

• 6 hour.1 - January 8, 10, 15 (Thurs, Sat, Thurs)
• 6 hour.2 - January 17, 22, 24 (Sat, Thurs ,Sat)
• 6 hour.3 - January 29, 31, February 5 (Thurs, Sat, Thurs)
• 12 hour.1 - February 7,12,14,19,21,26 (Sat, Thurs, Sat...)

Sign Up Early and Save!
To celebrate the beginning of the Bicycle Institute of Technology, we are offering a 30% early bird discount! Sign up now before spaces fill up. Sign-ups will continue through the holiday season.

Required Book for Mechanics Courses
The Park Tool Big Blue Book of Repair (aka Park Tool BBB-4) is the required companion book for the course. We will be covering a lot of material in each class, so having a resource to fall back on when you forget a crucial step is important. It's a great resource to have in your workshop library! The cost for the BBB-4 is $30, if purchased through Pedalin' Fools ($32.95 at Amazon).

BIT Student Discounts
All BIT students will receive a 10% discount on repair parts and 20% on tools while enrolled in any of our bike maintenance courses.

Graduation Party - Sunday March 8th, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Pedalin' Fools will host a small graduation/pizza party for those folks who have completed either the 6- or 12-hour courses. All students will receive a diploma from BIT as well as a graduation gift from Pedalin’ Fools.

IMPORTANT: There's nothing to sign up for here on Meetup, as these courses are outside events. Contact Dave Ricker directly for more info. Tell him you heard about it here on NSBFF!
Phone: 855.384.FOOL (3665)
E-mail: https://www.pedalinfools.com/contact
Website: https://www.pedalinfools.com/