It goes without saying that one of the most undersung tools, and possibly the most resisted tool, is the torque wrench. While here at UBI, we hope you recognize the value of the torque wrench and using one in your repairs. There are many options out there from $35 to $600, but make sure to keep it calibrated and keep the records of the re-calibrations. Otherwise, here are a few of the instructor's favourites! Nathan Riddle - Topeak Joe Blow Booster Floor Pump. $160.Well I guess my...

  New ideas are constantly flooding the bike industry and although some are actually good, most require at least some level of analysis to determine their worth in the industry. As an academic institution, we have to take the examination to another level since we don’t want to waste our student’s time with a suspect concept, or our own, in developing fixtures and curriculum. Moreover, it is our responsibility to provide an environment in which students can learn efficiently and that...

This route starts out relatively flat heading North/Northwest from Ashland. The first real climb is going up W. Griffin Creek Road followed by Sterling Creek Road. Next up is a fun little decent down Cady Road in to Historic Jacksonville. Jacksonville has a few attractions. First, the main strip of Jacksonville has been left with the old facade, even if there are new shops and restaurants inside. It's also home of the musical Brit Festival at their outdoor theatre. If you head down W....

1. Keep your inventory in check. It’s super fun to have every Park Tool Pizza Cutter, Surly Bottle Opener, and Chris King Espresso Tamper in stock for customers to buy, but the reality of these items is that they seem to be dead stock for the rest of the year.  Think about your average customer, what do they want? Maybe use that money to splurge on a set of nicer multi-tools(the DIY’er), the extra color run of caps(the Commuter), or possibly some maps(the Bikepacker) that you’ll still be...

Sometimes, it is not that easy. Those who have fabricated frames or taken a class with us before, already realize that not only does this mean imagining and researching the components; it means new standards, new jigs, and foolproof ways to repeat the process over and over without danger to students before rolling it out in our classes. Our current projects have included T47, flat mount disc brakes, and of course, Di2. First for Di2, we need new entry ports into the frame to accommodate for...

BV: Tell us a little about your history with the bike industry and how you got started? KJ: I have been a cyclist as long as I can remember. Both my parents love to ride, and got my sister and I involved at very young ages through bike rides while camping, and jaunts around the twin cities metro. I started riding more seriously (consistently) in high school, and have been in deep ever since. I have always loved the sustainability of a bicycle, being able to diagnose and repair troubles, and...

  The Component: This lugged steel vintage-styled mountain bike all started with a NOS set of 1986 Suntour XC Roller Cam brakes that UBI Portland Instructor Richard Belson acquired over 15 years ago and has been saving (hoarding?) for the “right project.”. “When my name came up for a frame in a Portland brazing class,, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to build around the brakes.” he said. “Roller cams have a reputation among veteran mechanics for being unwieldy and, thankfully...

  Outside of class, you could tell that there was some real passion simmering just below the surface and she is a mover and a shaker. Fairly soon after her class ended, Sorrell was able to secure a job wrenching and spreading the information during her clinic nights. Her interview answers led themselves, so I'll get out of your way and let you really hear it from Kerri:   Two years ago, I started volunteering at the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, a nonprofit DIY shop in Des Moines —...