RR: Fullerton Bikes Maintenance Clinic

[Dino Brown]

Before I begin, I would like to extend a giant THANK YOU to Fred for organizing such a wonderful event.
An even bigger debt of gratitude must be extended to Mike Franze (of Fullerton Bikes) for hosting the event.

Where should I begin?
1) I was in COMPLETE SHOCK to see that much of the class consisted of people I did not know. Most STR-related events consist of your mix of regulars sprinkled in with a few faces we do not really know. This event was different in that the NEW FACES outnumbered the regulars.

2) I went to the event expecting a classroom type setting (i.e. the teacher talks while the class listens). I was also expecting to end the class with lab work (i.e. applying what we had learned in class). WRONG!!! As the NEW GUYS arrived, Freddie attached their bikes to one of the four available repair stands. Five minutes later, THEY were getting their hands dirty.

3) The looks on a few of their faces were priceless when they were told to pickup a wrench, "we're going to check the bottom bracket." I am fairly certain one or two had never pulled apart a crankset before. The expressions on their faces AFTER completing the job? Yuup... priceless!

4) The event felt less like a class and more like a group of friends getting together to hangout and fix bikes. Relaxed. Lots of laughs. Lots of learning going on...

5) Our instructors (Freddie, SarBoats and 2WheelLee) should be commended for jobs well done. All three are SUPREMELY talented mechanics. All three are SUPREMELY knowledgeable instructors. All three are also SUPREMELY capable teachers. I discovered, they also had different teaching styles.
*Freddie is passionate about everything he does- and it shows. I clearly remember him talking about a Specialized washer. Don't ever tell him it is "just a washer." Oh yeah, don't ever tell him the Specialized Brain shock is... just some gimmick. He doesn't even ride a Specialized. He simply appreciates...
*Sarboats (while equally as passionate)- he has a unique way of making Moron's (i.e., myself) want to learn. His voice is calming. You trust him. He can say in 5 words what I can't say in 25 words. One of the participants showed up to the event with a "new bike" that was running well. He left with a bike that was running... perfect! Turn here... A twist there and they were done. Wow!
*2WheelLee- Not only is he the best rider I know.... Not only is he one of the smartest people I know...... Not only is the most knowledgeable person I know (with regard to bike info)..... Lee is one TRULY amazing instructor! He is different in that everything is done with surgical precision. Front derailler- one millimeter! Seat height- Ideally, you want your knee to have .034" of bend. Stem length- Ideally, your back should be at a 53.987 degree angle to the ground. Handlebars- Ideally, you would want to rotate them forward no more than .732." The funny thing is: He is always right!!! I looked up the word "Human Computer" in the dictionary- Lee's picture was indeed next to it!

6) I can't wait until the next Maintenance clinic!!!

The pictures....

Lee explaining to Draheim18 the benefits of proper front derailler adjustment

Let's adjust it .0034" higher

Aaargh!, Freddie and The Patient

My name is Jay. I am 24. Leo.
I like to crush rider's ego's by passing them on the climbs, riding back down the mountain (to ask if they are OK) and then riding back up the mountain...

I was riding alone on Holy Jim when 3 mountain lions began to stalk me.
I had no choice but to kill them...

Dino Brown... Juust... STOP taking pictures of me!

Very good work Draheim18.
It looks like we could adjust it another .00034."

The "hidden secret" of bike repair.... GLOVES!

The "hidden secret" of tire removal... GLOVES!

The "hidden secret" for completely disassembling and cleaning your dirty (and greasy) rear derailler... NO GLOVES!

You want to hear another Navy story...
I get off the ship. Mind you, I had never been to Bangkok before...

SarBoats- The most "McGyver- like" bike fix I have ever seen!

According to the "Lee Bower" Chain Check tool (i.e. his eyes) the chain "should" be replaced. Lee correctly predicted the chain had been on the bike for 392 days.... Had been ridden for 3,223 miles and that the bike was stored in an air conditioned room. I don't know how he does it either!


More pics are on the way...

[TrojanInsomniac]

Looks like I missed a good time yesterday! That's super cool of Mike and Fullerton Bikes to keep the shop open and host these clinics. Hopefully, I'll be able to make the next one!

[Dino Brown]

Yes, I am 2008 California State BMX Champion. Yes, I am the State 4X Champion. Yes, I have won my fair share of DH races. Yes, I have the more Intense Cycles than any private collector in the world. Yes, I have been known to destroy people on my dirt bike... Don't listen to Dino, I have "A LOT" to learn.
Yeah, like they believed you!

I have seen that stare before
If he follows the "stare" with an, Oh, it will be fun"
Take the easy way down the hill. Trust me!

Chapter 3... Brakes

Nolan- His bike was pretty much dialed in before he arrived. Cool dude!!!

My name is Jay. I am 28. Aries.
In November, I plan on crushing the ego's of fellow riders by finishing 1st in my 1st ever mountain bike race. Clysdale... Sport... Semi-Pro... Pro.. It doesn't matter.
Alright, I said that!

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

My name is Jay. I am 24. Leo. I like to crush rider's ego's by passing them on the climbs, riding back down the mountain (to ask if they are OK) and then riding back up the mountain...




My name is Jay. I am 28. Aries.
In November, I plan on crushing the ego's of fellow riders by finishing 1st in my 1st ever mountain bike race. Clysdale... Sport... Semi-Pro... Pro.. It doesn't matter. Alright, I said that!

Ok so which is it?

24 year old Leo or 28 year old Aries?

[guero]

great report and pictures dino! very cool of those more experienced mechanical folks to volunteer their time to help others out also!!!

[Fired Yo Momma]

I learned something from this without being at the clinic. Wear gloves to replace tires and bike repair.

[Draheim18]

Originally Posted by mfoga

Ok so which is it?

24 year old Leo or 28 year old Aries?

I think he chooses depending on the mood he is in that morning.

Nice pictures and excellent use of smileys again. You truly are the smiley king.

It was a great time. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. As Dino said it felt more like a group of friends hanging out and working on their bikes than people that just met. I would also like to take the time and thank everyone again especially Fullerton Mike, Dino, Lee, and Fred.

[Bryguy17]

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

*Freddie is passionate about everything he does- and it shows. I clearly remember him talking about a Specialized washer. Don't ever tell him it is "just a washer." Oh yeah, don't ever tell him the Specialized Brain shock is... just some gimmick. He doesn't even ride a Specialized. He simply appreciates...

I made that mistake once. nothing got done for 15 minutes while we got to hear about how awesome brain fades are...

to be completely honest, I still think it's a bit of a gimick. it works, but doesn't do anything much better than my rp23, weighs more, and can't be completely opened (sorry fred! )

Sorry I couldn't make it guys, I would've happily come and helped out for awhile. was otherwise disposed. maybe next time.

[SoCalSnipe]

Thanks guys once again for setting this up and sharing your knowledge.
I learned alot and had a good time.

[Tmac]

Thanks for the report Dino.

I feel like I was there, even though I was at back-to-school night, instead of wrenching.

[bighit8]

Man I wish I could have made it, But my sons open house was a must do. Got to be involved with his Education. Great job instructors. Next can you teach me how to ride?

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by bighit8

Next can you teach me how to ride?

Let's talk pedaling up the face of jumps. It is an advanced skill that requires a certain amount of front wheel pull to prevent you from going over the bars.

At this point in your riding/racing career, I'd suggest not doing that for a while.


Too bad this advice is a couple months late.

[bighit8]

No kidding. I don't recall the crash ( happened to fast) but assumed that is what I did. What I need to work on is not getting to anxious. Relax and ride like I do in practice.

[Dino Brown]

SarBoats:




Freddie












2wheel Lee










Fullerton Mike
BMX legend... Bike shop Owner... Community Activist... All around great guy!