Thread started by shauners at 11.30.08 - 11:32 pm

What have you done to master the diagnostic and repair skils needed to keep Ridazz riding?

As part of volunteering for this year's AIDS/LifeCycle, I signed on to join the bike tech crew. They service bikes along the route and in camp for issues like flat tires, broken spokes, clinky derailers, and more. We will work on new and old bikes, recumbents and tandems. And best of all, I get to work with the pro crew from Cannondale.

The problem is that I know little about the "derailers and more" part of bicycle repair. Does anyone have any advice on how to be a kick ass bike tech over the next 6 months? I was thinking of volunteering at my local shop and/or bike co-op. I was also thinking of the UBI classes (http://www.bikeschool.com/) though they are pricey and require me to take time off work.

Thots? Suggestions?




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I think a co-op would be the way to go homes.


That and maybe put a shitty derailleur on your bike. you'll learn right quick.



la duderina
11.30.08 - 11:38 pm

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I learned when I was a young lad after dozens of cheap, store-bought mtb's konked out on me as I rode through dusty plains of Victimville.

Fixing flats and re-linking chains is a vital skill if you don't want to be stuck on the West End of Mojave Narrows.

That there is where all the true "trailer-trash" live.




bentstrider
11.30.08 - 11:48 pm

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Volunteer at a bike co-op.

Buy a bike off craigslist and use your free stand time (from volunteering) to take it completely apart, clean and lube everything, and put it back together.

Read sheldonbrown.com

Go on rides with spare tubes and a bag of tools and help people you see broken down.

Volunteer at a bike co-op.



JB
12.1.08 - 12:00 am

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i think i need to volunteer at a bike co-op too...

i dont know shit. and i would like to very much.



Frozen Fingersss
12.1.08 - 11:11 am

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How fucking dope would it be if we had a bike ambulance. A skilled mechanic with a bike trailer full of tools that could do on-site fixes on bigger rides.



trickmilla
12.1.08 - 11:28 am

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I like the idea of buying clunkers on craigslist and going through them and making them ride able again. You can do that on your own time if you have some of the know how, tools and space to do it. Otherwise it's to the co-op. If you're stuck at doing something or want to learn about higher tech stuff, then hang out at the co-op more.



User1
12.1.08 - 11:37 am

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hey haven't checked this link out in a while. Thanks everyone! Great tips.



shauners
12.13.08 - 11:27 pm

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