impure

Has anyone heard anything good about this program? or has anyone actually been to this? I plan on going to BBI but i need to Save up a lot for it. so i stumbled upon this one and was wonderin...hmmm

Wordbiker

I'd say it depends on your goals.

If all you want to do is learn how to wrench, take the Park classes. If you want an accreditation to work in the bicycle industry, save your dough for BBI.

Davet

The Park Tool School is terrific for the rider that wants to be able to build, repair and tune his own bike. It's not a course that would lead you to become a mechanic, but it does get you started in understanding how the parts of the bike work and how to figure out how to keep them running properly.

I took the Tool School 6 years ago and thought it was well worth the time and money spent. The only thing I can't do on a bike is build wheels. I've built and maintained several dozen bikes in the past years and I give all the credit to the Tool School.

impure

hmmm...i might just have to take the class then at my lbs this summer. i do plan on getting accredation for mechanics so i can work in or run a shop or maintain a fleet or something but thats after college. thanks for the replies

nitropowered

You don't really need accreditation to work at a shop, own a shop, or work as a team mechanic. Its nice to have as it makes you stand out more but its not necessary. Experience is what makes a mechanic and the ties you have with the industry. I do recommend going to the OTC and doing the Bill Woodul race mechanics clinic if you intend to work as a pro team mechanic as it will get you the mechanics license

mtnbiker4791

After working in shops for many years and working with mechanics that went to a school then became a mechanic I would say become a mechanic first then after a year or two of working under a good mechanic or service manager take the classes you will learn more that way. the schools tell you how to do it by the book which in real world shops isnt always possible or viable but you will learn better ways to do somethings and get some sharpening of your skills as a mechanic.

Wordbiker

Yes, but you need two years of work experience before you can be accepted to the Bill Woodul school. The course doesn't teach you how to wrench, but I gained a lot from it myself even though I have yet to act as a race mechanic and use the license other than as a certification.