Okay a wee bit more bike talk.

[rebeccmeister]

So here's the question. There's a bicycle tune-up class being offered at a nearby bike shop, but it costs about $35. Here's what they promise to teach:

"Learn to clean and lube your bike, replace cables and chain, and adjust brakes, derailleurs and bearings."

I think I've got #1 down (we shall see when I try to ride my bike to crew tomorrow morning). Is it worth it to go to the class to learn the rest? Or should I try and learn all of that on my own as well, with the help of the internets and occasional visits to my preferred bike shop?

Comments

[boolean263.livejournal.com]

I got this book (I hope the link works) when my rear derailleur was acting funky on me. I think it was useful to have; but I think there are things that a book can't tell you, and I still have trouble with those things. If you can afford the $35, I'd say it's worth looking into.

Particularly if Cute Guy's going to be there. (:

Argh, matey!

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

The link didn't work, unfortunately! And also unfortunately, the bike shop offering the class isn't the same bike shop with the cute guy. But someone else's comment has reminded me that Arizona State U *does* have a bike co-op where I might be able to learn stuff for free!

Re: Argh, matey!

[boolean263.livejournal.com]

Ah, sorry. Well, Here's the ISBN. But bike co-ops sound like they're big wins, so getting involved in one should be good.

And maybe you can get Cute Guy to go with you. (:

[purpurin.livejournal.com]

I just got my bike back from the shop today and watched the bike repair guy adjust my brakes. It happened in about sixty seconds and seemed simple. As for replacing a bent fork and tuning a wheel, I leave that to the experts. For fifty bucks, I'd rather know it was done right. Plus, the bike shop is just across the alley from my house. Try to teach yourself. Also most places where there's a campus have some sort of yellow bike group or student center that offers free bike repair lessons. I wouldn't pay 35 dollars just yet.

[earthlingmike.livejournal.com]

Adjusting brakes has always been frustrating to me, but now I can competently do it, thanks to the class I took! Trueing wheels is something that isn't that big a deal. It just takes a little practise, I always turn the spokes the wrong way. Actually bike shops are not necessarily going to true them that much, they might leave it a millimeter or two untrue, if you want to you can probably true them better yourself.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Yeah, brake adjustment doesn't seem too complicated. Thanks for the reminder about bike groups--I just remembered that ASU is supposed to have a bike co-op! I'm not sure if they're operational during the summer, but I think I can get by until the fall. I just had my bike tuned up about a month ago, so as long as I keep up with lubricating the chain and cleaning it regularly, it should be all right until then.

I love having a bike shop nearby. The closest one to my house is about one block away. And as previously mentioned, the guys who work there are pretty damn awesome.

[earthlingmike.livejournal.com]

I took a class like that, and I'm really glad I did. That's a good deal of stuff that they're offering to teach you. I definitely recommend it.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Hrm. I still can't decide. But I think I might see if my university has a free workshop instead. Besides, I think it might be a better way to meet more cute bikers.