Bicycle Mechanics Course

[Denise223]

Hi!
I wanted to know if any of you have taken a bike mechanics course-- One is a 6 hour course (two/3 hour classes), and the other is a 12 hour course (four/3 hour classes over 2 weeks)....

Is this something that you would recommend cyclists take?

I've just started riding at the age of 45....(of course, rode as a kid & teen).
I honestly do not know the first thing about bicycle mechanics -- I don't even know how to change a tire....

If you are familiar with these courses, I would surely appreciate your input.

I worked in healthcare all of my life, and am currently seeking part-time employment. To be honest, if I was any good at bike mechanics, I'd certainly enjoy working in a bike shop!!

Thanks for your help

Have a great day!

Denise

[Crankin]

Where is this being given, Denise? I might be interested. I can do a tire, but not anything else.

Robyn

[PAP103]

Denise, I may be interested also. I don't know anything about bikes either!

[Denise223]

Hi!

I PM'd you both. The classes are being held at Belmont Wheelworks. You can check it out on their website.

Have a good day!!

Denise

[dachshund]

A resounding Yes! You should learn useful information, and feel more confident about what your bike is up to. I'm looking for one myself, specifically in the East Bay Area in CA. I took one 20 years ago, and I'm forgetting stuff now.

[Denise223]

One confusing tidbit (for me) is that they have two different courses --- one for mountain bikes and one for road bikes.
My bike is a hybrid - (Gary Fisher Nirvana).....

I was told that the mountain bike course would be fine for me to take.....

What do you ladies think???

Thanks!

Denise

[CycleChic06]

ooh ooh, I might be intersted in this as well! I asked this at the Cycleloft in Burlington, where I bought my bike, if there was a class like this they knew of and no one could tell me.

Do they also teach how to change a tire? And is it for a group or one-on-one?

Emily

[Denise223]

Hi Emily:

You can check Belmont Wheelworks site -->> www.wheelworks.com .
I'm not sure if they show you how to change a tire, but.....the class ratio is
4 students/1 teacher.

Hope to see you there!

Denise

[Denise223]

Thank you dachshund for replying to my post. BTW...your Avatar is precious

As with anything that is important, it really would be to my benefit to know what my bike is up to .....

With regard to finding a shop in your area that teaches bike mechanics, perhaps you can check the http://www.parktool.com/ site. They may have some information regarding out in CA.

Have a great evening!

Denise

[SalsaMTB]

One confusing tidbit (for me) is that they have two different courses --- one for mountain bikes and one for road bikes.
My bike is a hybrid - (Gary Fisher Nirvana).....

I was told that the mountain bike course would be fine for me to take.....

What do you ladies think???

Thanks!

Denise

Yep, definitely take the mountain bike class

[dachshund]

Denise, thanks! I'll take a look on that site.
-Amy

[Surlygirl]

I think Landry's also gives classes just for women. If you feel more comfortable taking classes with just the gals.
http://www.landrysbicycles.com

[Flatlander]

I took a twelve hour course and learned a lot. The class was full of mountain bikers and one roadie (me), but nearly everything I learned was something I could apply. The course gave me the confidence to do most any work on my bike. Since then, I've changed out my cassette twice, upgraded my shifters and rear derailleurs, and known when to apply general maintenence and cleaning to keep the ride running smoothly. And oh yes, I've changed my tired and fixed my flats (and had to shoo away some well-meaning men when I did so...).

My DH just gave me a great bike tool kit for my birthday, too, so I'm set to rock and roll.

[Denise223]

Hi SalsaMTB: Yes, the bike shop said that the mountain bike class would be fine, seeing that I have a hybrid. Thank you for your input!

Hi Jody: I'm familiar with Landry's, but I didn't know that they had a similar class...... I will give them a call & see what's available. I don't mind a "mixed group" at all. Hope you & yours are doing well.

Hi Flatlander:

Flatlander posted: The course gave me the confidence to do most any work on my bike. Since then, I've changed out my cassette twice, upgraded my shifters and rear derailleurs, and known when to apply general maintenence and cleaning to keep the ride running smoothly. And oh yes, I've changed my tired and fixed my flats (and had to shoo away some well-meaning men when I did so...).

I think it's REALLY nice when ANYONE - man or woman offers to help you fix a flat, change a tire, etc......, but, it is nice to be able to handle it yourself -- and then, help others when/if they need it!
Unfortunately, we live in a day & age when so many people (not all), go about their own business; seems like they're wearing those "horse blinders" (I don't know what they're called)...
Some people just can't seem to take a minute to see if anyone needs help, or just to talk to someone who is lonely.....
I don't know - perhaps it's me -- But, I REALLY enjoy helping people.

Wow, it looks like you got a lot out of taking that course -- I'm really happy to hear that !! It would be very nice to be self-sufficient when I need to have my bike taken care of....
I've worked in the medical field since I was a teenager, but, I sincerely would not mind (at all) working in a bike shop!!! I love working with people, I always have.

Sounds like you got a wicked awesome gift for your birthday, too!! What kind of kit did you get?? Does your DH ride as well? (In another thread there was a discussion as to what "DH" means and/or could mean). If you don't mind, what does DH mean in your case? (For my husband, my thoughts would be "Dear husband" or "designated husband"....<<--not sure if that makes sense.... )

Well, it's 1:43am, so I ought to get to bed.....

Goodnight & God Bless everyone!

Denise

[Flatlander]

Hi Flatlander:
I think it's REALLY nice when ANYONE - man or woman offers to help you fix a flat, change a tire, etc......, but, it is nice to be able to handle it yourself -- and then, help others when/if they need it!

My sentiments exactly. We do need to be more attentive to others needs.

In my case, however, it was a really good male friend who kept practically trying to snatch it out of my hands as if I couldn't take care of it myself He meant well, but I had to say finally, "Step away from the wheel. Step. Away. From. The. Wheel.

My husband, who knows better, sat on his bike and laughed.

Wow, it looks like you got a lot out of taking that course -- I'm really happy to hear that !! It would be very nice to be self-sufficient when I need to have my bike taken care of....
I've worked in the medical field since I was a teenager, but, I sincerely would not mind (at all) working in a bike shop!!! I love working with people, I always have.

I think "wrenching" would be fun, too. I'm shy around strangers, though, so I probably wouldn't be good at the dealing with the public part...

Sounds like you got a wicked awesome gift for your birthday, too!! What kind of kit did you get??

DH got me the Nashbar "Bigger than BIg" tool kit. It's great. I love to tinker, so it's right up my alley to work on a bike.

Does your DH ride as well?

He does, but mostly to commute to school (we both teach at a university and live only a mile form there). He seldom goes on training rides with me and prefers to workout at the gym (indoors-- )

(In another thread there was a discussion as to what "DH" means and/or could mean). If you don't mind, what does DH mean in your case? (For my husband, my thoughts would be "Dear husband" or "designated husband"....<<--not sure if that makes sense.... )

I guess I think of it as Dear Husband. He is, too. Most of the time .

[/QUOTE]

I think you'd have fun wrenching your own bike. Take the class and let me know what you think.