July 4, 2006 – We are pleased to announce the launch of the Winterborne Bicycle Institute with an intensive training program for bicycle mechanics

The bicycle industry is booming!  Cycling is rapidly gaining acceptance as a mode of urban transport. And more and more people are turning to cycling in a quest for better health and fitness. At the same time, bicycle technology is growing in complexity, and the diversity of usage-specific bicycle components and designs is exploding. Yet success creates challenge; our industry is becoming constrained by a shortage of well-trained, experienced sales and service staff with a solid foundation in bicycle mechanics.

In our intensive hands-on course, current and aspiring mechanics spend two weeks at our fully-equipped facility in Guelph, Ontario . Students gain practical knowledge and experience with all major bicycle components, including: frames, bearings, wheels, drive trains, brakes and shifting systems, on a variety of bicycle styles and vintages. Two days are devoted to the skilled craft of repairing and building wheels, including design and selection of components for specific uses.

Selecting and using task-specific tools, along with organizing and running the service department, are all part of the learning experience. Our students will graduate ready to confidently assemble, fit, troubleshoot and repair bicycles of all types.

With the knowledge and experienced gained at WBI, avid home mechanics become pros, and current and aspiring pros take their skills and confidence to a new level.

Workshop supplies and use of workbench bikes and tools are included in the course fee. Course texts are “Barnett’s Manual” and Gerd Schraner’s “The Art of Wheelbuilding”.

The course schedule for our first season is:

– Course 1: October 16 – 27, 2006
– Course 2: January 29 – February 9, 2007
– Course 3: March 5 – March 16, 2007

This is an accredited course offered through Conestoga College, where you’ll find our course listed as MECH1230 in the upcoming Fall/Winter catalogue. Registration will be handled through Conestoga College .

Start planning your off-season training now. Watch for more information coming at:

Conestoga College: www.conestogac.on.ca

Winterborne Custom Bicycles: www.winterbornebikes.com

For further information, please contact us at (519) 826-0556, or e-mail wbi@rogers.com

Jason Filer & Alan Medcalf
Winterborne Bicycle Institute