 This
program is designed for the experienced mechanic who desires to
enhance his or her knowledge in regard to suspension tuning and
maintenance. Suspensions systems are far more service-intensive than
any other part of the bicycle. In the motorcycle industry, servicing
suspensions is considered the gravy of the service side of the
business. However, for the bicycle mechanic there is a whole new set
of unfamiliar tools and techniques to deal with. With oil changes
called for every 30-40 hours of riding, and bushing replacements
needed with alarming frequency, the ability to be comfortable with
servicing a wide variety of suspensions can be the ticket to a whole
new revenue source in the service department. Furthermore, expertise
in this area is sure to set your shop apart from your competitors.
The program teaches service of current models, but students quickly
learn to see that despite the proliferation of designs there are just
a few basic principles that are constant to all suspension designs.
After taking this program, you should be confident not only servicing
the popular suspensions on the market today, but whatever
"innovative" designs come along in the future.
WHO
TAKES THE SUSPENSION THEORY, SERVICE, & TUNING PROGRAM?
This program is the ideal add-on to make Bicycle Repair &
Overhaul the most complete training program for the professional
mechanic! Class size is limited to twelve students, which results in a
six-to-one maximum student/teacher ratio for unequaled personal
attention.
Although
suspension service does not rely directly on knowledge gained from
working on the rest of the bike, because the equipment requires high
degrees of finesse and mechanical technique, this program is
recommended for experienced bicycle mechanics only. Also, anyone
completing the Bicycle Repair & Overhaul program should consider
themselves well-prepared for this program.
WHAT
IS THE NATURE OF THE COURSE?
This course is taught with a lecture, demonstration, then lab
format. In addition, written materials are provided to educate you in
the principles by which spring and damping systems function.
HOW
LONG IS THE COURSE AND WHEN IS IT OFFERED?
Suspension Service & Tuning takes three days to complete. It starts
on the Monday immediately following the conclusion of Bicycle Repair &
Overhaul on a Friday. See Schedule & Prices for
specific date information.
HOW
MUCH HANDS-ON WILL I GET?
Approximately one-third of the class time is demonstration,
and two-thirds is hands-on lab work.
WILL
I GET A CERTIFICATE?
You will receive a certificate from BBI. The certificate will
indicate the number of hours of training received and the topic areas
covered.
HOW
MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHEN IS IT OFFERED?
See Schedule & Prices
page for price
and schedule information.
WHAT
SUBJECTS ARE COVERED?
 |
Tuning coil-spring
rates |
|
|
Adjusting air springs |
|
|
Adjusting
damping |
|
|
Oil changes |
|
|
Measuring oil viscosity |
|
|
Using viscosity changes
for tuning |
|
|
Bushing and seal
replacement |
|
|
External and internal
travel changes |
|
|
Complete fork overhaul
on current and recent RockShox, Manitou, Marzocchi, and Cannondale
forks* |
|
|
Air-spring overhaul on
current and recent RockShox, Fox, and Cane Creek rear shocks* |
| |
* Brands and
models subject to change without notice, depending on rapid change
that occurs within the suspension market! |
|
