come learn bicycle mechanics!
celebrating over 10 years of internationally-renowned service
come learn bicycle mechanics!
celebrating over 10 years of internationally-renowned service
safety first
ABI has safety as a top priority. Be assured we have everyone's health in mind as we make our way through our current community situation, and continue to learn, grow, and make the world around us better each day.
Welcome
Appalachian Bicycle Institute was born from the love of bicycles and the love of teaching. With over 25 years of experience as a professional bicycle mechanic, and 17 years of teaching bicycle mechanics classes, I have greatly enjoyed helping people learn how their bikes work, and how to keep them working well.
a bit about ABI
Jenny Kallista, Instructor
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
Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, Magura, Rock Shox, FOX,
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
Currently serving as president 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 bike). My papa taught me how to fix a flat tire when I was 8 years old. He also taught me how to keep my little bike running well. I rode my bike everywhere! 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. 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 passion for bicycles, I have been pursuing ceramics, gardening, birding, travel, and adventure motorcycling for fun. My dogs Louisa and Ruby are constant companions who love being out on the trails as much as I do.
Having written many articles for various bicycle-oriented magazines over the years, and as a founder and current president of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association, I enjoy working towards developing professional bicycle mechanics in every way possible.
classes in development
With technical training at the heart of ABI, classes are always in development. Training can be custom-made in these subjects, too.
Some classes we have in mind:
-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
PBMA CERTIFICATION
ABI offers Part II of the PBMA Certification by appointment (practical, in-person segment, no discounts apply). Email ABI for more info.