teaching wrenching skills

[lph]

Thanks I think that's why I enjoy it so much, I really feel I'm making a small but useful contribution.

I forgot about bike fitting. The most elementary bike fitting should be in there, and a little bit of info about saddles.

[Melalvai]

lph, you are so cool. I wish I could take your class...but I don't think I can ride my bike across the ocean!

[Owlie]

Derailleur adjustments? I still haven't quite figured that out.

[hebe]

I had two hours of instruction at my LBS last night, and it was a very worthwhile spend. Instruction was one on one, and we covered changing tubes, fixing stiff chain links, mending a broken chain, straightening a handlebar that has been knocked out of line and a couple of other bits that I'd asked about. What I really valued was that he didn't assume any knowledge for granted and covered everything from the easiest way to turn the bike over to how to tighten QR skewers. He was also brilliant at either working alongside me or showing me what to do then stepping right back while I did it. I'd just asked for skills that would help me get going again if I had a problem whilst out on a ride, so it wasn't a full maintenance course. It was so good though that I would like to do more.

slightly o/t but once my daughter's in bed tonight I'm going out to the garage to do some practice

[silversurfer]

lph, I commuted etc. for over a decade and a half before I got round to doing maintenance classes then wondered why I had waited so long. They were extremely empowering, especially the beginners class, which was an all women class, including the instructors. I'm also a lot more clued up when I go into a shop now. So I think what you're doing is great.

Your list and Sky King's cover most of the skills I use regularly. I would perhaps add a couple more things – how to clean your bike and re-lube and how to change stems/tighten headsets which helps a lot of people to get their bike to fit.