Classes and Open shop for women/trans/femme/non-binary folks

The Shift Program is all about shifting the narrative of who can work on and ride bikes! Our goal is to create an inclusive space to help foster more FTWN-B folks wrenching and riding. Check out our programming below! Questions? Email claire@bikewalktompkins.org.

Shift Open Shop: First Thursday of the month

Join us on the first Thursday of the month from 4-7pm! Bring your bike in for a repair, fix that weird noise that it always seems to make, volunteer on a project, and connect with other cyclists in the community! We offer tune-ups, free access to tools, used parts, refurbished bikes for sale, and a mechanic on-site to assist with any bike-related issues.

Monthly CLASSES (View all and REGISTER HERE)

Pre-registration is required for all classes. There is a $20 suggested donation for each class. We never turn anyone away due to lack of funds; If the financial barrier would prevent you from participating, you may use the code FREERIDE to waive the fee. We trust that folks will self-assess if this is what they need in order to participate.

August 13 @ 6pm: What’s That Tool (REGISTER HERE)

You walk into a bike shop and see the wall of tools - what could they possibly be for? In this class, we will identify and learn how to use common tools in a bike shop (for example, wrenches, tire levers, bottom bracket tools, cable cutters, etc.). Participants do not need to bring a bike.

September 24 @ 6pm: Fix-A-Flat (REGISTER HERE)

This in-depth class will walk you through all the steps of fixing a flat on your bike. We’ll talk about bike anatomy, practice taking off the wheels, patch a tube, and assemble it all back together. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes.

October 15 @ 6pm: Repacking a Hub (REGISTER HERE)

This class is for folks with some basic understanding of bike mechanics (i.e. comfort with fixing a flat or have worked on your own bike to some degree). Please be in touch if you are unsure if this class would be a good fit for you. We’ll go over disassembling a wheel hub, cleaning the cup, cone, and ball bearings, then putting it all back together. Participants do not need to bring a bike.

November 5 @ 6pm: Mechanical Disk Brakes (REGISTER HERE)

This class will dive into the world of mechanical disk brakes. We will talk about rotor maintenance, brake pad replacement, and how to use barrel adjusters. This class is for mechanical disk brakes only (not hydraulic). Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes.

November 19 @ 6pm: Bike Comfort (REGISTER HERE)

Have a bike but not happy with how it feels to ride? Does your butt hurt when you ride? Maybe your wrists? In this workshop we'll touch on all these topics and learn how simple adjustments can make riding more comfortable. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes.

December 3 @ 6pm: Replacing a Cable (REGISTER HERE)

In this workshop we’ll demystify the process of replacing a shifting cable. We’ll talk about all types of cables (brake vs shift) and will go through the process of fully replacing a rear shifting cable. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to work on.

December 17 @ 6pm: Give Me A Brake! A Dive Into Rim Brakes (REGISTER HERE)

This workshop will cover all things rim brakes! Everything from types of brakes and brake pads to adjustments for smoother riding (and braking!). Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes to work on.

Past classes include: Fix A Flat, All About Chains, Winter Bike Maintenance, Route Planning, What’s That Noise, Spring Tune Up, Mountain Bike Trailside Maintenance, Finding the Right Seat/Saddle, Give Me A Brake! (all about rim brakes), and more!

All programming will take place at Swamp City Community Cycles: 803 Cascadilla St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (behind the Enterprise Car Rental office).