MECH1230/WBI PRO FAQ
DOES THE COURSE COVER SUSPENSION?
Yes, we include general material on bicycle suspension, as well as a hands-on lab in which we overhaul a semi-oil bath, coil spring, oil-damped (compression and rebound) Manitou fork. The number of diverse suspension models and manufacturers precludes extensive labs, yet the specific model we overhaul has all the basic elements found in all suspension forks.
DOES THE COURSE COVER DISC BRAKES?
Yes, we include general material on disc brakes as well as hands-on labs installing and setting up mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes, rotor installation, and bleeding a hydraulic system. The number of diverse disc manufacturers and systems precludes us offering a wide assortment of specific models to work on, yet the models we have cover all the elements common to all disc brakes.
WHERE CAN I STAY WHILE AT WBI?
If you are seeking accommodations below are some links
There's a motel a short drive or bike ride from the shop, it's called the Escarpmentview Motor Inn (289) 212-0067
The Homestead 1867 Bed & Breakfast (289) 238-8720 situated at the bottom of the escarpment in Dundas on Sydenham Rd.
And the lady who runs the air b and b is a very nice local artist. You can contact her directly if bookings unavailable on air b and b 905 628 1234 danuta@artofdesign.ca
If you are seeking accommodations below are some links
Tina's Air B & B (far side of town)
Trailer and tent camping can be found at Valens conservation area and Olympia Village
There are also some Hotels nearby that can be found by a quick search.
Scott And Wandalyn’s Guesthouse
WHERE IS WBI LOCATED?
HOW MUCH HOMEWORK IS THERE?
There are roughly two hours of homework each evening. The first evening is the heaviest, with two to three hours. The homework includes reading and answering a set of short-answer questions in preparation for the following day's content and labs. This approach allows maximum hands-on time during class hours. The first evening is the longest since there's catch-up from the first day's material, plus prep for the second day.
DO STUDENTS RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE?
Students successfully completing the course with a passing grade receive a frameable certificate from Winterborne Bicycle Institute that also bears The PBMA and WBI's logos. In Canada, there is currently no formal or industry-recognized trade certification process for bicycle mechanics. Accordingly, the WBI certificate is actually a "Certificate of Completion" for the course.
HOW ARE STUDENTS EVALUATED, AND WHAT'S THE PASSING GRADE?
Students are evaluated in a multi-stage process that encourages and rewards learning through doing, and that emulates a bike shop environment as much as possible. A passing grade is 70%. During the two weeks, there are three evaluated labs worth 10% each. Each of these labs verifies that proficiency has been gained in a specific area following two or three prior hands-on labs. These evaluated labs include wheel building, shift system setup and tuning, and V-brake setup and adjustment.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHILE ON THE COURSE?
This is a shop course and you'll be handling grease, oil, cutting fluid, and so on. While our shop bikes have never been ridden, and have never been outside in the mud and dirt, it's still a shop environment. Be prepared to deal with the usual shop dirt and stains.
WHAT ABOUT SNOW DAYS?
There have been several snow days in which local schools, including the College campus, were closed. We were open as usual. Since instructors are local, at least one of us will be available and able to run the course on any given day. Regardless of radio announcements relating to local business and school closures, assume we're open unless contacted directly.
WHAT TIME DOES THE COURSE START?
Class starts each morning at 9 a.m. sharp, usually with a review of the previous night's homework. Lunchtime each day runs from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and may be compressed if the day is running tight. Class wraps up by 5:00 p.m. each day, and often by 4:00 p.m. on the middle Saturday. There are small breaks throughout the day,
DOES WBI SELL TOOLS?
As a service to WBI's students, our parent company, Winterborne Custom Bicycles, offers a one-time opportunity during the course to order tools, parts, and accessories from any of Winterborne's suppliers, at a good discount below suggested retail prices. Home mechanics often use this opportunity to assess their needs and supplement their home tooling at a reasonable cost. It's also an opportunity to order bike parts that can be installed on the follow-up day.
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN TOOLS?
WBI has six fully-tooled student workbenches and a fully-tooled instructor bench for use during classes. To help us manage our tooling inventory, we request that you do not bring your own tools to class.
WILL I NEED TO BUY TEXTBOOKS?
In a word, "No". We provide each student with a shop copy of Barnett's Manual, 5th Edition, Volumes 1 - 4, and a shop copy of Dr. Arnie Baker's "Bike Fit", both for use during the course. We also have a full reference library including Sutherland's Handbook, manufacturer technical documentation, and distributor catalogs available for students' use during the course.
CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE TO WORK ON?
WBI has a full stable of shop bikes that are configured and maintained for the hands-on labs. Each bench has a vintage bike with simple fully-serviceable bearings, a Trek 6500 mountain bike, a Lemond Tourmalet 10-speed road bike, and a Trek Mystic juvenile bike. These bikes provide us with the full diversity of components needed for hands-on work. In addition, we have a complete set of frames, components, and wheel-building parts used in specific labs. If you bring your own bike, we'll provide shop time outside class hours (lunch)so you can work on it during the professional course 2-week block.
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR SHOP SUPPLIES?
All shop supplies used during the course are included in your course fee. This includes all the miscellaneous bits N pieces such as spokes, grease, cutting fluid, cables, housing, ferrules, nitrile gloves, suspension oil, hydraulic fluid, and so on. If the supplies are for personal use you will be asked to pay for the supplies.
IS THE COST OF THE COURSE TAX DEDUCTIBLE? ( t2202 not available for private sessions )
Conestoga College issues a T2202 Tuition Deduction tax form for our Pro Bike Mechanics course. This is sent out from the College in February of the year following the year in which you take the course. There are three parts to a possible deduction:
1. Tuition fees. The fee for our course is paid to a recognized, accredited college in Ontario and is more than $1000. Accordingly, the College issues a T2202 form.
2. The education deduction (a fixed amount for each month spent as a full-time student) does not apply since our course doesn't qualify as a "full-time" course (not at least 3 weeks long).
3. Deduction for textbooks. This doesn't apply since there are no required texts that you need to purchase.
In addition, if you're self-employed (your own business, on contract as a mechanic, etc) then you could legitimately claim travel and accommodation expenses as a business expense.
If you're employed as a mechanic, you might explore having your employer pay your way in return for a written agreement to stick around for a minimum period. If you then quit before that period is up, you repay on a pro-rated basis. All the costs paid by your employer would be valid business expenses in their hands for tax purposes. That's a win-win: you get the benefit of the training, and your shop gets the benefit of a well-trained and accredited mechanic sticking around for their customers.
HOW MUCH DOES THE COURSE COST?
The course cost is $1999 Cdn. The course cost includes the use of all shop facilities, tooling, shop supplies, texts, and bikes.
IS THE COURSE RUN DURING THE SUMMER?
YES! June, July, and August have become our busiest months, book early!!
HOW OFTEN IS THE COURSE RUN?
Pro Bike Mechanics is scheduled throughout the year, from late September to Spring. Spring sessions are usually a favourite time for enthusiasts/avid home mechanics. We can also schedule a custom offering and tailor the content to any length of the course you're seeking if you have a group of at least 4 people (currently on hold).
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES FOR PRO BIKE MECHANICS?
Familiarity with bicycles and hands-on experience in choosing and using tools for repairing stuff is definitely an asset. No specific bicycle mechanics experience is required. Those in doubt are encouraged to explore the weekend Park Tool School, also offered by WBI.
WHERE CAN I RIDE WHILE AT WBI
We are located directly on the path of the UCI 2003 Road World Championship training course and just minutes away from the Christie Lake conservation area and the Dundas Valley conservation area you won’t be disappointed on any bike in any direction.
DUNDAS VALLEY TRAIL MAP