First Rate Elite Instructors
Our graduates report a 95% satisfaction rating with the lectures and lab supervision.
Our instructors have all been certified by the Colorado Department of Higher Education Private Occupational School Board.
John Barnett
Program Coordinator/Instructor
Founder and director John Barnett has worked in the cycling industry since 1973, having been a mechanic and service manager for four shops. Beginning in 1980, Mr. Barnett was the first to offer independent bicycle-mechanic courses in the bicycle industry. In addition to his shop mechanic and service manager experience, Mr. Barnett writes the only technical manual for professional mechanics – Barnett’s Manual: Analysis And Procedures For Bicycle Mechanics, which has been in publication since 1989. He also has served as a columnist and associate editor for bicycle-industry consumer and trade periodicals. He invents and manufactures tools for bicycle mechanics, consults with several bicycle tool companies about tool design, and designs and builds software for use in managing service departments. Mr. Barnett was also one of the founders of the BSE (a national mechanic certifying body). He has also worked as a team mechanic for a team in the Coors Classic (an international 10-day stage race).
- Started in bicycle industry in 1973.
- Has taught professional mechanics longer (since 1980) than anyone else in the field.
- Experience in four shops as mechanic or service manager.
- Race mechanic experience.
- Author of Barnett’s Manual, The Service Manager’s Handbook, Selling Service, The Ultimate Flat Rate Chart, and The Complete Checklist System.
- Founding member of the BSE.
- Columnist and associate editor for consumer and trade bicycle magazines.
Cat Gruener-Goss
Senior Instructor
We first got to know Cat as an excellent student at BBI. Following her education, Cat gained experience working for two different bike shops as a mechanic. With that experience added to her phenomenal success here as a student, we were excited to hire Cat as a lab supervisor at BBI. She quickly advanced to the full instructor level, and finally advanced to the top position of senior instructor faster than any other individual in the history of BBI. Her rapid rise has been the result of several key attributes. Her razor-sharp understanding of mechanical principles has enabled her to quickly master the most detailed nuances of advanced mechanical procedures, and her inherent ability to find the most effective way to communicate with each individual student resulted in an equal mastery of the skills required to become a gifted teacher. Like many in this industry, her education was in a completely different area (equine science), but her love for riding led her to the cycling industry for her life-long career. Her background includes:
- Started in bicycle industry in 2003
- Experience in two bike shops as a service technician.
- Graduate of BBI Bicycle Repair & Overhaul program.
- BSE Certified Elite Mechanic.
- Elite level mountain bike racer in endurance & single speed events.
- Event organizer for the Bike Week Festival by Colorado Springs Metro Rides
John Ellis
Instructor
Students notice John's quiet, calming deameanor first, but quickly come to realize the authority that results from his 15 years of experience in this industry and his determined inquisitiveness. The three bike shops he has worked for could not be more varied. One was a huge shop in the Chicago area with an emphasis on volume. Another was a high-end shop in Colorado Springs noted for its expertise and service, and the third was small shop specializing in antique and recycled bicycles. Never satisified with the superficial answer, he is known to dig relentlessly for the deepest and most complete explanation, but this bulldog-like tenacity is well contrasted by his friendly humor and patience. When not teaching fulltime at BBI, he pursues painting, pottery, and playing the guitar. His background includes:
- Started in bicycle industry in 1995.
- Experience in three bike shops as a service technician.
- Graduate of BBI Comprehensive program.
- BSE Certified Elite Mechanic.
Derek Lenahan
Instructor
BBI is excited by the return of Derek to the teaching staff. After pursuing an education in mechanical engineering, like many in this industry he decided to make his first love, riding bikes, into a long career in the bicycle industry. Prior to attending BBI as a student, he had already run his own bicycle technical services company and he had worked for Giant Bicycles. The combination of his industry experience and excellence as a student led us to first hire Derek as an instructor in 1992, but after teaching at BBI for seven years he yearned to get back in the field. So after leaving for a long stint as both a shop owner and as a service manager (for the largest bike retailer in Colorado), we are excited to have Derek back as a full instructor at BBI. His background includes:
- Started in bicycle industry in 1985.
- Warranty specialist for Giant Bicycles.
- Three-time mechanic for the US Team at the Mountain Bike World Championships.
- Industry consultant
- Four years as Race Director, Leadville Winter MTB Series
- Owner of Black Shamrock Mechanics (bicycle technical services).
- Owner of Bicycle Haven (one-time highest altitude bike shop in the USA).
- Service Manager for Colorado's largest bicycle retailer.
