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.
- Develop your personal tool packing list for any ride
- Learn how to assess issues quickly, choose the right fix with limited tools, and carry out safe, effective repairs
- Diagnose and fix flat tires including tubed and tubeless
- Solve common drivetrain issues that can occur mid-ride
- Solve braking issues – brake caliper alignment, worn out pads, and diagnosing deeper issues
- Understand suspension setup and adjustments to ensure maximum performance and safety
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
None. Having a personal bicycle is preferable but not required, WAS has plenty of bikes to work with.
CLASS SIZE
4-6 students per course
SINGLE COURSE COSTS
| Course | Cost |
|---|---|
| Course Tuition Fee | $400 CAD + gst |
No prior experience is required, this is an accessible introduction for any cyclist who wants to improve their trailside or roadside repair knowledge.
- Ideal for recreational riders, racers and adventure cyclists who want more confidence and self-sufficiency when riding away from help.
- Great for professional bike guides looking to ensure client satisfaction even when mechanical issues arise.
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