LENGTH OF COURSE STUDY
2 Days
COURSE HOURS
12 hours (6 hours/day)
COURSE CREDENTIAL
WAS Trail Mechanic Certificate
Be the person everyone invites on the ride. The Trail Mechanic course is designed for the moments when mechanical problems happen far from the workshop and decisions matter. You’ll learn how to assess issues quickly, choose the right fix with limited tools, and carry out safe, effective repairs that keep rides moving. From flat tires and drivetrain issues to brake alignment and suspension setup, this course focuses on the mechanical problems riders actually encountered when riding, and how to solve them without guesswork or panic.
The training is hands-on and practical, with an emphasis on understanding why things fail, not just how to patch them back together. While the primary focus is mountain bikes, the skills apply across road, gravel, touring, and adventure bikes. Whether you’re pushing deeper into the backcountry, guiding clients, or riding with friends who rely on you when something goes wrong, you’ll build confidence in your ability to troubleshoot, repair, and make sound mechanical decisions in real-world riding conditions.
REQUIREMENTS
Students must have Cytech Technical 2 certification, or have completed Home Mechanic and have instructor approval. Current shop mechanics may submit resume for instructor approval.
CLASS SIZE
4-6 students per course
WANT TO SPLIT UP YOUR LEARNING?
To register for each Cytech certification independently, please inquire via email or phone.
FUNDING MAY BE AVAILABLE
Are you looking to gain employment in a shop, or send your employees for skills upgrading? Grants are available. Contact for more information.
INTERESTED IN A CUSTOM COURSE?
Please inquire for a custom course for you, your friends or your employees directly via email or phone
WAS is an RESP-eligible training provider and can provide form T2202 Education Expense receipts for tax returns.
SINGLE COURSE COSTS
| Course | Cost |
|---|---|
| Course Tuition Fee | $400 CAD + gst |
Any cyclist who wants to improve their trailside or roadside repair knowledge will benefit from this course. No prior experience is required, this is an accessible introduction to bicycle maintenance that focuses on practical, real-world problem solving rather than workshop-only repairs. Riders will learn how to diagnose issues on the spot, decide what can be safely fixed mid-ride, and use a minimal tool kit effectively. It’s ideal for recreational riders, adventure cyclists, and aspiring guides who want more confidence and self-sufficiency when riding away from help.
Day 1: Foundations & Drivetrain
- Tools - shop-size and trail-side
- Lubrication types and uses
- Pedals and wheels, removal and installation
- Flat tire causes and efficient repairs (tubed and tubeless)
- Shifting diagnosis and adjustment
- Derailleur hanger assessment and replacement
- Chain repair, sizing, and required tools
- Drivetrain assessment and troubleshooting
Day 2: Brakes, Wheels & Suspension
- Brake theory and function
- Pad replacement and caliper alignment
- Diagnosing common brake issues and trailside solutions
- Wheel truing: theory and practical application
- Suspension fundamentals: setup, tuning, and common problems
- Dropper post troubleshooting
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify common mechanical faults during a ride
- Safely assess what can and cannot be fixed trailside
- Perform effective, reliable repairs using minimal tools
- Make informed decisions that keep rides safe and on track






