Source for a basic bike maintenance class?

[shadon]

After the ride I'd really like to take a good bike maintenance class....I took a two day class through Continuing Ed at a community college, and it wasn't that good. I'd like to get good hands on exposure...I'm stumped!

[liksani]

yeah me too :( I didnt' even go thru any classes. About all I can do is change flats out on either tire. :o

[salsabike]

REI may have something to offer. And some local clubs do such classes.

[jobob]

The Lunachix website lists classes occasionally, keep an eye open for the next one.

http://www.lunachix.net/

Bicycle Outfitters down in Los Altos seems to still be providing free maintanance clinics.

http://www.bicycleoutfitter.com/

Check the websites of bike shops closer to your home, some closer to you might offer free or low-cost clinics.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I highly recommend that you check with your LBS. Before I headed out on my first solo trip (http://denise1998rockies.crazyguyonabike.com) in 1998, I spent several hours with a mechanic at my LBS. In addition to group classes, they offer one-on-one sessions where you pay by the hour but where you can focus the session on what you need. I did one-on-one sessions as opposed to participating in a class. At the end of my first session I just had to laugh. The mechanic who was teaching me had clean hands, and mine were covered in grease...

--- Denise

[SalsaMTB]

yep, check w/ your LBS. Different bike shops offer different types of classes. My DH ran a class recently that was fairly expensive, but it included all tools, lubes, and a stand and you actually worked on your own bike during the class. Good class but it wasn't for everyone, all depends on what you want to learn.

And as Salsabike said, I know REI around here has been running quite a few classes.

Also, look in to a good repair book. Some have step by step picture of how to fix everything.

[bike4ever]

I agree with trying your LBS. I'd suggest you contact the manager and ask her/him to create a class if you would provide the attendees. Our shop has two scheduled classes a month with additional women specific ones scheduled during the summer. We hold these classes year round, except for December. Since our classes are free, we regularly will do a scheduled small group upon request.

[KnottedYet]

If you want a good book, too, take a peek at the Park Tools Big Blue Book by C. Calvin Jones. I just got it a couple weeks ago and am loving it. I do best with pictures and there are plenty in the BBB.

The Park Tools website has links to LBS's that have classes. Everything from 2 hr intros to 1 week intense. (of course, they're classes that use the BBB and Park Tools and have the Park stamp-of-approval, but it'll give you a place to start searching)

www.parktool.com

[tulip]

The town I live in has a community Bike Co-op, where you can go work on your bike (they have all the tools and workstands). They offer classes occassionally, depending on demand. There are usually several kids (12-16 years old or so) working on bikes. They earn bikes that way, and also learn about bike safety, helmets, etc. It's a great resource!

Other than that, REI offers classes. So do some bike shops. I Boston, Belmont Wheelworks offers classes.

There are good books out there, too.

[cindysue]

The Lunachix website lists classes occasionally, keep an eye open for the next one. http://www.lunachix.net/

we plan to have one in Oakland in the next month or two. I'll keep a look out for something sooner and let ya know if someone else is putting something on...............

[VenusdeVelo]

Our REI in WI is teaching Park Tool classes -- different topics covered in each class. Additionally they have beginner classes also that overview more of a complete picture of what you need to know. Search for a store near you on REI.com and then see what clinics and events they have going on. I was actually surprised at the amount they have out there.

[Trek420]

Shadon etc

Velo Girls has worksops from time to time that cover everything you need to get going. Check the calendar when you return.

www.velogirls.com/coaching/main.php

also...

Missing Link bicycle co-op in Berkeley has a schedule of workshops.

http://missinglink.org/Pages/classes.html

[SadieKate]

Shadon, I picked up an REI clinics and events brochure in the Sacramento store on Monday. In the brochure under the outdoor school is "Intro to Road Cycling" and the description includes safe descending and body positions. It is not on their website.

Give your local REIs a call and see what they have that isn't listed. Even their women's intro to mountain biking day would give you some execellent handling skills and make you feel more comfortable.

Do you have something called "The Learning Exchange" there in SF? We have lots of good maintenance classes taught through this org in our area.

[laughlaugh18]

Here's a link to an upcoming bike maintenance class at the San Francisco REI store:

http://www.rei.com/stores/store_event_detail.jsp?pid=DD24D84A28FC7CB178C51579C72BEF2F&template_id=14&template_family=webDetail&ignore_cache=1

A couple of L.A. REI stores are giving free basic bike maintenance classes on June 13th. You might want to check other REI stores near you to if see they're offering something similar (go to REI.com, click on "Stores and Events", put in your local zip or city and check each store's page for it's own upcoming classes).

[cindysue]

on the peninsula:

Bike Maintenance and Roadside Repair Clinics the last Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at Summit Bicycles in Burlingame -- June 29th, July 27th & August 31st. RSVP to Lorri@Summitbicycles.com

[shadon]

and SadieKate, thanks so much for the reference to the REI skills clinic. I'll definetely check out what the San Francisco store has. I'm just gonna have to gut my way through the ALC, and quit when I've had enough for the day.

This forum rocks!