I took a four-hour basic bike maintenance class today at the local REI. It turned into a 5 1/2 hour class, and was great. There were only three of us, all over 50, with a hybrid bike, my Rivendell Glorius, and a carbon road bike, so we learned about all types of components.

We took off the cranks and I removed and replaced my bottom bracket (it was bad).

We learned about hubs and wheels and trued the wheels that needed truing.

I replaced my rear derailleur cable and adjusted everything so it shifts great now.

I also replaced my front brake cable and brake pads and adjusted both the front and rear brakes.

And all throughout the class I was cleaning up all the filthy nooks and crannies on my bike. It looks and rides great now!

Despite having five bikes, I was, until today, quite ignorant about maintenance except for fixing flats and lubing the chain. I feel empowered now!

I'm sure REI's classes are very instructor-dependent, but this one was fantastic. I'm going to have to send a Starbucks gift card to the instructor.