RAR Build-A-Bike Class (For Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Folks)

Want to learn how to fix up your old bike in the basement, or build up a new one from old parts? Over 6 weeks, this class will cover completely taking apart, cleaning and rebuilding a bicycle.

You will learn how to repair flat tires, overhaul bearing systems, replace brake and shifter cables and housing, adjust brakes, shifters and derailleurs, and do basic problem-solving on your bike. Participants will practice this all in pairs on a bike that has been donated to BSBC and which will eventually be sold or donated to someone in need.

This class aims to increase access, skills and knowledge of bike mechanics for trans, women and nonbinary folks and will be taught by and for this community. If you do not identify as trans, a woman or nonbinary, check out our other starting the week after this one!

This 6-session class will take place 1 - 5 PM on Sundays at the BSBC, from March 23rd through April 27th.

Thanks to the support of the Greater New Haven Green Fund instructor time has been paid for, so we are able to offer flexibility in pricing and to lower the barriers of entry for our women/trans/nonbinary community, we are using a sliding scale system for this class.

The full-cost price is $180, but you are welcome to pay what you feel comfortable with. This money will go to cover consumables, instructional resources, and the use of the BSBC space. Additional funds raised will support future RAR programming and Build-a-Bike classes.

3/23: Introduction to bike anatomy, flat fixing, frame damage

3/30: Overhauling hubs and headsets

4/6 : Overhauling bottom brackets

4/13: Wheel truing and brakes I

4/20: Wheel truing and brakes II

4/27: Drive train and shifting

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RAR New Haven is a bike community for trans, nonbinary, and women riders, centering BIPOC folks in New Haven.

RAR is partnered with and supported by the Bradley Street Bicycle Co-op, a community bike shop working towards a more equitable New Haven by getting more people on bikes!

BSBC is dedicated to making sure everyone remains safe and healthy.

We require that participants are fully vaccinated against COVID.

Each participant will need to wash their hands when they come in and leave, keep reasonable distance apart at all times.
Masks are highly encouraged, and may be required upon request of any student.

Please do not come in if:

• you feel sick, have felt sick in the last 7 days, or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 7 days.
• you've been exposed to someone who has been feeling sick or has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 7 days.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

You must be 18+ to register for this class.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Email [email protected] with any questions

Do I need prior experience working on bikes?

No! This series of classes are designed to build bike maintenance skills from the ground up. Some familiarity with bikes is helpful, but not necessary to have fun and learn in this class.

Can I attend only one or a few weeks, or pay per week?

The course is designed as a collaborative learning experience, so to get the most out of the course, participants should plan to attend class every week.
Unfortunately, we cannot charge on a per-week basis.

Do I need to be a member of BSBC to take part in this class??

You do not have to a be a member of BSBC to participate in this class, but if you want to support the work and programming at BSBC, please do consider joining as a member!

How much does it cost?

We are using a Pay What You Can/Want system for this class. The at-cost price is $180, and you are encouraged to pay what you feel comfortable with. Additional funds raised will support future RAR programming and Build-a-Bike Classes.
Thanks to the support of Radical Adventure Riders and Salsa, instructor time has been paid for, so we are able to offer flexibility in how much we charge for this class.

Host or Publisher New Haven Radical Adventure Riders