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Cyco-pancho · 05-27-2008, 01:11 PM

Okay, Ive been biking for a year or so......but dont know too much about fixing or adjusting certain things on my bike. BTW, I have a few books on bike maintenance, but I learn a lot quicker with someone showing me. I was thinking about going to REI to take that bike maintenance course they have....
Does anyone have another suggestions...maybe know of a LBS that have something like this?

Fired Yo Momma · 05-27-2008, 01:14 PM

Switchback Cyclery holds classes every once in awhile and I think they are FREE. I could be wrong on the free thing but heard class is very informitive

davidB · 05-27-2008, 01:15 PM

those REI classes cater towards the beginner friendly crowd

what specifically are you wanting to learn?

tk1971 · 05-27-2008, 01:17 PM

My knowledge/skill improved significantly after building my first bike from the frame up. I then built my brother's and saw even further improvement. By the time I built another bike for myself, then another bike for my brother, I think I've gotten the hang of it (not to mention figuring out all the tools I need).

But having the right tools when you need them is very valuble too. A 3/8" socket torque wrench reading in inch pounds and a set of metric hex sockets will be your best friend. Good luck.

tk

Cyco-pancho · 05-27-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidB

those REI classes cater towards the beginner friendly crowd

what specifically are you wanting to learn?

...adjusting derailleur, fixing chains, adjusting brakes...ect.ect. Just the kinda stuff you need to learn for the trails apart from changing a tube.

Pato · 05-27-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyco-pancho

Okay, Ive been biking for a year or so......but dont know too much about fixing or adjusting certain things on my bike. BTW, I have a few books on bike maintenance, but I learn a lot quicker with someone showing me. I was thinking about going to REI to take that bike maintenance course they have....
Does anyone have another suggestions...maybe know of a LBS that have something like this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyco-pancho

...adjusting derailleur, fixing chains, adjusting brakes...ect.ect. Just the kinda stuff you need to learn for the trails apart from changing a tube.

Cyco-pancho,

First of all

and

.

Second, I live in Downey and have all the tools. If you ever want a pointer on something, hit me up and I can show you.

Duc

Cyco-pancho · 05-27-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pato

Cyco-pancho,

First of all

and

.

Second, I live in Downey and have all the tools. If you ever want a pointer on something, hit me up and I can show you.

Duc

Thanks a lot....I just may have to take you up on that offer soon.

spookydave · 05-27-2008, 02:52 PM

Park Tools have an fantastic web site that you should check out. They make every bike tool know to man and have good instructions on how to use them.

onegymrat · 05-27-2008, 03:04 PM

I felt the same way when I started mt. biking 2 years earlier. I knew that things will go out of whack often and it's much more convenient, and cheaper, to be able to handle most tune-ups yourself.

I was going to do the REI free course first (REI also has a paid course for $70 or so, which goes into more detail), but opted to do a two-day workshop at Jenson USA instead. That clinic was sponsored by Park Tool and at the end you got their Big Blue Book of repairs for free. It was about $35 or so. It was in Ontario but Jenson has since turned that store into will call only and you can find out through their Corona location. Luis Razo, who I believe is one of the managers now, taught that class and he was superb.

Afterwards, along with my Big Blue Book and Zinn's book, I've learned through trial and error to do the simple things. Much more rewarding as well as economical. I appreciate my bike so much more by knowing how it works. I suggest doing the next REI class and then going into the paid, yet more informative, class somewhere. Good luck!

jschwart73 · 05-27-2008, 03:16 PM

I don't recommend this unless you're comfortable figuring stuff out by yourself, but here's how I did it:

1. Crack open beer and line up tools
2. Disassemble bike
3. Crack open another beer
4. Spend the next two nights figuring out how to put it all back together and adjust the damn front derailer

Dino Brown · 05-27-2008, 03:22 PM

I am sure you have seen the Bike Maintenance.... thread.

I have already found a few of the included tutorials/videos quite useful!
May be worth a second look......

Cyco-pancho · 05-27-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jschwart73

I don't recommend this unless you're comfortable figuring stuff out by yourself, but here's how I did it:

1. Crack open beer and line up tools
2. Disassemble bike
3. Crack open another beer
4. Spend the next two nights figuring out how to put it all back together and adjust the damn front derailer

Thanks for the tip, but I tried doing that with a 1963 Vespa scooter........its still in pieces in my parents garage.

Bryguy17 · 05-28-2008, 10:04 PM

I will second checking out the park tool site. Also, more than worth a look is Sheldon Brown's site (RIP Sheldon). Amazingly informative on all sorts of maintenance related topics, as well as a bunch of off-the-wall bike topics

ericfoltz · 05-28-2008, 10:11 PM

Just come by my garage any day around 3pm. I've usually got something I'm fixing or just doing general maintenance on one of my bikes.

Tomorrow the Pike gets new oil. That's always fun.

BFloFoxRider. · 05-28-2008, 10:13 PM

Actually, if up here in la verne, claremont area there was a clinic thing, other than REI, i'd take it... even if it was a bunch of STR peeps and one dood shows us to take our bike completely apart and re put it back together, thatd be sweet. then of coure re adjust everything

strobelite · 05-28-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

Actually, if up here in la verne, claremont area there was a clinic thing, other than REI, i'd take it... even if it was a bunch of STR peeps and one dood shows us to take our bike completely apart and re put it back together, thatd be sweet. then of coure re adjust everything

adjust it yourself! NEWBIE!

BFloFoxRider. · 05-28-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strobelite

adjust it yourself! NEWBIE!

It takes me too long to read and adjust. its easier to watch someone then try it on my own and be critiqued

,aybe if benson made me build bikes id learn after 1 or 2

RacinJason · 05-28-2008, 10:50 PM

I am a great teacher when I have the time.
Maybe when I have a demo fleet at the house to be tuned up I can show you hands on how everything works.

bighit8 · 05-28-2008, 10:57 PM

If you do Jason, I would like to come as well

TrojanInsomniac · 05-28-2008, 10:58 PM

Let me know as well......need to really improve my wrenching skills. I'd actually pay you to watch me take apart my bike and help me rebuild it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinJason

I am a great teacher when I have the time.
Maybe when I have a demo fleet at the house to be tuned up I can show you hands on how everything works.

05-27-2008, 01:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cyco-pancho Junior Member	I want to learn to wrench. Okay, Ive been biking for a year or so......but dont know too much about fixing or adjusting certain things on my bike. BTW, I have a few books on bike maintenance, but I learn a lot quicker with someone showing me. I was thinking about going to REI to take that bike maintenance course they have.... Does anyone have another suggestions...maybe know of a LBS that have something like this?

05-27-2008, 01:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Fired Yo Momma Client 9	Switchback Cyclery holds classes every once in awhile and I think they are FREE. I could be wrong on the free thing but heard class is very informitive __________________ And the hangovers hurt more than they used to And corn bread and ice tea took the place of pills and 80 proof And it seems like none of us do the things quite like we used to do And nobody wants to get high on the town And all my rowdy friends have settled down -Hank Williams Jr.

05-27-2008, 03:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
jschwart73 STR Veteran	I don't recommend this unless you're comfortable figuring stuff out by yourself, but here's how I did it: 1. Crack open beer and line up tools 2. Disassemble bike 3. Crack open another beer 4. Spend the next two nights figuring out how to put it all back together and adjust the damn front derailer __________________ Toy Cars and Mountain Bikes Coming Soon - MTBPics.net - A MTB Video and Photo Archive destination

05-27-2008, 03:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
Dino Brown Sir Smack-Alot	I am sure you have seen the Bike Maintenance.... thread. I have already found a few of the included tutorials/videos quite useful! May be worth a second look...... __________________ L.A. KINGS ... dw-link.com/reasons SheDevil- I was on George's crotch for hours Integradriv3r- How many kids do you have that you DON'T know about Pugz- For an Asian man he is pretty big

05-28-2008, 10:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
ericfoltz Sua Sponte	Just come by my garage any day around 3pm. I've usually got something I'm fixing or just doing general maintenance on one of my bikes. Tomorrow the Pike gets new oil. That's always fun. __________________ Portfolio: http://www.ericfoltz.com Race & Event pics: http://www.ericfoltz.photoreflect.com

05-27-2008, 01:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
tk1971 Junior Member	My knowledge/skill improved significantly after building my first bike from the frame up. I then built my brother's and saw even further improvement. By the time I built another bike for myself, then another bike for my brother, I think I've gotten the hang of it (not to mention figuring out all the tools I need). But having the right tools when you need them is very valuble too. A 3/8" socket torque wrench reading in inch pounds and a set of metric hex sockets will be your best friend. Good luck. tk

05-27-2008, 03:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
onegymrat Slow Rider	I felt the same way when I started mt. biking 2 years earlier. I knew that things will go out of whack often and it's much more convenient, and cheaper, to be able to handle most tune-ups yourself. I was going to do the REI free course first (REI also has a paid course for $70 or so, which goes into more detail), but opted to do a two-day workshop at Jenson USA instead. That clinic was sponsored by Park Tool and at the end you got their Big Blue Book of repairs for free. It was about $35 or so. It was in Ontario but Jenson has since turned that store into will call only and you can find out through their Corona location. Luis Razo, who I believe is one of the managers now, taught that class and he was superb. Afterwards, along with my Big Blue Book and Zinn's book, I've learned through trial and error to do the simple things. Much more rewarding as well as economical. I appreciate my bike so much more by knowing how it works. I suggest doing the next REI class and then going into the paid, yet more informative, class somewhere. Good luck!

05-28-2008, 10:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bryguy17 SLO Rider	I will second checking out the park tool site. Also, more than worth a look is Sheldon Brown's site (RIP Sheldon). Amazingly informative on all sorts of maintenance related topics, as well as a bunch of off-the-wall bike topics

05-28-2008, 10:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
BFloFoxRider.	Actually, if up here in la verne, claremont area there was a clinic thing, other than REI, i'd take it... even if it was a bunch of STR peeps and one dood shows us to take our bike completely apart and re put it back together, thatd be sweet. then of coure re adjust everything __________________ Brandon FLOres You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you. This is How we do it!

05-28-2008, 10:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
RacinJason STR Veteran	I am a great teacher when I have the time. Maybe when I have a demo fleet at the house to be tuned up I can show you hands on how everything works. __________________ My sponsor house

05-28-2008, 10:57 PM	#19 (permalink)
bighit8 STR Veteran	If you do Jason, I would like to come as well __________________ Roger: You guys should join us next Sunday. It would be nice to have another screamer CHEWYETI: Heat, Beat, Repeat!

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