appalachian bicycle institute

appalachian bicycle instituteappalachian bicycle instituteappalachian bicycle institute

internationally renowned since 2010

see schedule

appalachian bicycle institute

appalachian bicycle instituteappalachian bicycle instituteappalachian bicycle institute

internationally renowned since 2010

see schedule
the view from the classroom

Welcome

ABI was born from a love of both bicycles and teaching. My 30 years of experience as a Professional Bicycle Mechanic and 20 years of experience teaching support a unique ability to help anyone understand bicycles better, and have lots of fun in the process. 


~ Jenny Kallista, Instructor


safety first

ABI has safety as a top priority. Be assured we always have everyone's health in mind as we continue to learn, grow, and make the world around us better each day. 

2023 classes and schedule

scroll through to see all classes offered for 2023 

(be sure to click on 'more events' and to see details on registration)

email registration questions to:

 appalachianbicycleinstitute@gmail.com  

 

waitlist only

ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE CLASS

Event Details

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ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE CLASS

 

A FOUNDATIONAL CLASS. THE FOCUS HERE IS ON MAINTENANCE AND INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL CONCEPTS WITH ALL COMPONENTS. COME AWAY WITH A MUCH B...

Event Details

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5-DAY IMMERSION CLASS

Event Details

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5-DAY IMMERSION CLASS

 

THIS EXCITING CLASS WILL IMMERSE THE STUDENT INTO A WEEK-LONG EXPERIENCE IN BICYCLE MECHANICS, COVERING ALL THE ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE MATER...

Event Details

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FOX SUSPENSION CLASS

Event Details

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FOX SUSPENSION CLASS

 

3 FULL DAYS OF ADVANCED TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS* IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FOX RACING SHOX SINCE 2012. THIS IS THE MOST COM...

Event Details

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WHEEL BUILDING CLASS

Event Details

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WHEEL BUILDING CLASS

 

THIS CLASS COVERS THE BEST, EASIEST-TO-LEARN BUILDING TECHNIQUES FOR THE STRONGEST WHEELS. THEORY, TIPS, SPECIAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES WILL B...

Event Details

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DISC BRAKE CLASS

Event Details

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DISC BRAKE CLASS

 

THIS CLASS ADDRESSES BOTH HYDRAULIC (DOT-FLUID AND MINERAL OIL- BASED) SYSTEMS AND MECHANICALS. PAD REPLACEMENT, BLEED TECHNIQUES, CALIPER ...

Event Details

More Events

a little more about classes at ABI

to answer some FAQs ...

ABI is a different little school!


Class size is small (which contributes to quick-filling classes!). Students love this feature, as it allows for a lot of individualized attention and a lot of fun getting to know your fellow students. 


Classes involve a mix of lecture, demonstration and hands-on, with a dose of history, some lore, myriad techniques, and a special inside perspective on the bike industry. A truly unique experience awaits!


The school is located just a little ways from the fun mountain town of Asheville, NC (about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown), in a rural, beautiful rolling countryside setting with gorgeous views and a peaceful atmosphere. There are loads of lodging options, some even within walking distance to the school, and everything needed is close at hand. 


Registration is done through emailing directly, as it helps to have a little background about students so we can assure the school is right for you. It might not be, and that's ok! If you like a more structured, typical institutional layout and would prefer a larger group setting, or if ABI's classes are full, try my friends in Ashland Oregon at United Bicycle Institute, they are truly wonderful (and if you are a Veteran looking to use your GI benefits, go there as they are all set up for it with a long-running program). 


Please check details on classes under the 2023 Classes and Schedule tab, click on More Events and scroll down to Additional Details on Classes.


Further questions can be answered by emailing appalachianbicycleinstitute@gmail.com



a bit about your instructor

Jenny Kallista

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

accumulated professional shop employment since 1992

BSE Certification, Barnett Bicycle Institute 2004

USAC Bill Woodul Race Mechanic Clinic 2014

Park Tool Tech Summit 2011 & 2013

SRAM Technical University, 2007, 2011, 2018

Official Team Mechanic for Ironman Races 2011-2013 

Mechanic for ROGER C. PEACE PARACYCLING TEAM 2012 

TREK University 

Specialized University SBCU - Morgan Hill

Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, Magura, Rock Shox, FOX, BOSCH, 

Enduro Bearings, FSA, Rotor, SR Suntour, Cane Creek, Mavic,

and many other manufacturer-specific trainings

Development and implementation of the 

Level One Mechanics Certification Program for the PBMA

Founding member of the

Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association  

 

TEACHING BICYCLE MECHANICS SINCE 2003:

Outdoor Program Bicycle Class, Garrett College, Maryland

Asheville School Bike Club 

UNCA Asheville Bike Club

U of SC Bicycle Shop Program 

Asheville Women’s Prestige-Subaru Racing Team

Pure Velo Women's Race Team

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, NC

Asheville Mountain Sports Festival

+ COUNTLESS BIKE SHOP CLASSES  

 

Served as race technician for many local camps and races including famed Blue Ridge Adventures’ ORAMM & SWANK65.
 

Conceived and co-sponsored the WNC Bike Expo 2010, featuring local shops, manufacturers, and seminars on bicycle topics.


a little more about me, Jenny

 

I fell in love with bikes very early in my life; I was 4 when I learned to ride a bicycle. My papa taught me how to fix a flat tire when I was a little kid, and also taught me how to keep my bike running well. I rode my bike everywhere and didn't own a car until I was 25. I am 100% Czech, and love the bike culture there...everyone rides. I have a degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, my hometown. 


Asheville, NC beckoned to me in 1997 to come take advantage of the beautiful mountain landscape and to pursue glass art. Upon arrival, I worked as a professional furnace glassblower and also as a professional welder and steel sculptor in my early years in WNC. 


These days in addition to my love for bicycles, I have been pursuing ceramics, gardening, birding, travel, and adventure motorcycling for fun. 


Having written many articles for various bicycle-oriented publications over the years, and as a founding member of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association, I enjoy working towards developing professional bicycle mechanics in every way possible. 

services

 

consulting & on-site training

I am pleased to offer my services as a consultant to any new or existing bike shop, organization, or institution. These services have included employee technical training, shop layout, University course instruction, Police Department Bicycle Program training, tool acquisition and consultation, service department organization, customer service training, and much more. My services have been utilized locally and I have (happily!) travelled out-of-state for these purposes. please feel free to inquire on rates and requirements.

    links to local bicycle industry

    Industry Nine

    FOX Racing Shox

    Industry Nine

    super fine wheel production house

    best wheels here

    Cane Creek

    FOX Racing Shox

    Industry Nine

    where threadless headsets were born and much, much more

    beyond headsets

    FOX Racing Shox

    FOX Racing Shox

    FOX Racing Shox

    suspension giants, now in Asheville too

    ride fox

    Endless Bikes

    Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

    FOX Racing Shox

    where to find single speed colour and engineering

    cog envy here

    Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

    Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

    Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

    expert guiding in our world class trail system

    find trail bliss

    Blue Ridge Adventures

    Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

    Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures

    famed races ORAMM & Swank 65 & more

    racing fun

    Pisgah Productions

    Pisgah Productions

    Pisgah Productions

    famed races PMBAR, Double Dare & more

    racing fun

    The Bike Farm

    Pisgah Productions

    Pisgah Productions

    camping & guide services in the heart of Pisgah

    riding fun

    Flying Bike Tours

    Pisgah Productions

    Flying Bike Tours

    learn Asheville history the fun way on an e-bike tour

    ride easy

    classes in development

    With technical training at the heart of ABI, classes are always in development. Some subjects we've been thinking of, and may be potentially arranged in a custom-class format (schedule allowing):




    -All About Dropper Posts

    -Electronic Shift Systems

    -E-Bike Tech

    -Old School Tech/Restorations

    -Campagnolo Tech

    -Total BMX

    -Touring Primer/Rescue Tactics

    -Paracycling Special Tech

    -Women Only Class

    -Shop Ethics/Employee Prep

    -Essential Fit 


     


    link to professional mechanic resources

    Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association

    promoting, developing, and advocating for the Professional Bicycle Mechanic since 2016

    PBMA SITE

    PBMA CERTIFICATION

    ABI offers Part II of the PBMA Certification by appointment (practical, in-person segment, no discounts apply). Email ABI for more info. 

    PBMA site

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