Basic Bicycle Maintenance

Perform a complete tune-up on your own bicycle! In this class, we will cover how to diagnose and service the most common issues of bike maintenance. We will learn how to fix a flat tire, replace cables and housing and perform the fine-tuning adjustments for brakes and shifting. Bring your own bike to work on, or we can provide one for you. Basic supplies will be provided.

*Hydraulic brake bleeding, full suspension/shocks, and tubeless tires will not be covered.

Bicycle Mechanics

Take a deep dive into the internal systems of a bicycle and learn more advanced bike repair. In this class we will learn the in-depth anatomy of a bike and become acquainted with the tools used in a professional shop. Topics will include hubs, bottom brackets, headsets, wheel truing, derailleur hanger repair and more. Bring your own bike to work on, or we can provide one for you. Basic supplies will be provided.

*Hydraulic brake bleeding, full suspension/shocks, and tubeless tires will not be covered.

Basic supplies are provided, but students will need to bring any specialty tires, cables, chains, and gears required. Some items may be available for sale at The Crucible.

Build A Bike Frame

Weld your own bike frame for a one-speed or geared bike! You will build a chrome-moly steel mountain bike frame using proven geometric principles. Learn about TIG welding, brazing, machining of tubes, bicycle geometry, materials, construction techniques, fixtures, and jigs, while you complete your own unique bicycle frame. TIG Welding II or additional TIG welding experience is recommended, but not required. PREREQUISITE: TIG Welding I

Flat Fix

Learn to properly uninstall a wheel and fix a flat on a bicycle. You will learn both good and bad tube installation techniques, as well as proper tire level options and when and where it is appropriate to use patches.

Sheet Metal Forming with Evan Wilcox

Gain invaluable skills for fabricating parts for motorcycles, cars, airplanes, and sculptures. Learn how to form sheet metal into tanks, fenders, and fairings, using gas-aluminum welding, a planishing hammer, an English wheel, and hand forming tools. Class time is split between instruction and lab time where students can use Crucible equipment. You will have a chance to make your own project.

Youth Bicycle Maintenance (ages 12-18)

Learn in-depth knowledge of bike mechanics, bicycle design, and how and why bikes are built the way they are. Youth students will disassemble and reassemble an entire bike, learning the names of components and tools used in professional shops. Bring in your own bike or learn on one available in The Crucible’s shop. You’ll ride away with a hands-on understanding of bicycle maintenance and safety.

Youth Art Bike (ages 12-18)

Customize your bicycle in this exciting workshop! Students learn basic fabrication skills in MIG welding, plasma cutting, grinding, and finishing to reconstruct bikes. Frames will be stripped and you will learn to redesign and alter handlebars, rims, seat posts, and frames to create a unique look that will make your bike the talk of the neighborhood.

Youth Gravity Cars (ages 8-11)

Build. Test. Adjust. Race! Gravity Cars is a no-rules miniature car building and racing competition on a large, undulating track inspired by the Nerdy Derby. Gravity Cars reward creativity, cleverness, and ingenuity.

Youth Skateboard Building (ages 12-18)

Design and build your very own custom skateboard from seven layers of hard maple veneer. Learn woodworking techniques and the concepts of vacuum press veneering and bending wood. You will practice using basic woodworking power tools, including the band saw and power sanders, as well as hand tools, such as files, rasps, and planes. Apply a basic wood finish and set up your skateboard deck to ride. This course is based on the book The Handmade Skateboard, by Matt Berger.