Bailey’s Crossroads REI — Beyond Bike Maintenance Basics – Brakes & Drive Train

[Terpfan]

@KLizotte 89037 wrote:

Cut and paste:

Bailey’s Crossroads REI — Beyond Bike Maintenance Basics – Brakes & Drive Train
Date: 7/16/2014
Event Location: Bailey’s Crossroads REI
Event Fee: Free
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM EDT
Leader: REI Bike Tech
Group Size: 45

Description: If you’ve already taken a Bike Maintenance Basics class, this is your next step! Get prepared for the road or trail ahead by digging a little deeper into the components of your ride and learn what minor adjustments you can make.

Register here.

I was planning to take it even though I never technically did the basics class (but I have changed my own flats, chains, etc). But learning some technicals on brakes and drivetrain would be awesome. Looking forward to it.

[Terpfan]

Looks like there are only 13 spots left of the 45.

[Emm]

I didn’t know REI offered these, thanks! I can’t make this one, but I should try for an upcoming class. The drive train is one area I usually refuse to mess with.

I figured out brakes/fixing flats/cleaning chains with the help of youtube. A bike that wont stop, has a flat tire and a rusty chain is really good motivation to figure out basic repair skills

[Arlingtonrider]

Thanks for posting this. Just registered.

[scoot]

Thanks for posting this! I also just registered.

Does anyone know what is the usual format for this type of class? Is it hands-on for all or is it just a demo? Do I need to bring a bike? Is it held in the parking lot? I can’t imagine they can accommodate that many people anywhere inside the store.

[Arlingtonrider]

I’ve been to several similar programs at REI and am sure it will be a demo in the training room in the back of the store. I’ll be going by car, so if anyone would like a ride from Shirlington, please feel free to PM me.

[Geoff]

@Arlingtonrider 90388 wrote:

I’ve been to several similar programs at REI and am sure it will be a demo in the training room in the back of the store.

That’s what I expect also. 45 people is too many people, in too little time, for any meaningful hands-on.

REI does have hands-on sessions. If memory serves, there will be an all-day session, run by one of their mechanics, for maximum 8 attendees on Saturday 7/26. Registrants will bring their own bikes and will pay $150 for the class.

[scoot]

@Geoff 90391 wrote:

That’s what I expect also. 45 people is too many people, in too little time, for any meaningful hands-on.

REI does have hands-on sessions. If memory serves, there will be an all-day session, run by one of their mechanics, for maximum 8 attendees on Saturday 7/26. Registrants will bring their own bikes and will pay $150 for the class.

Ah that makes sense. Explains the price tag too. Should at least be a good intro to this type of maintenance though.

[rcannon100]

Another option is to volunteer for Phoenix Bikes (or Velocity Bikes). Tuesday night is Volunteer night where volunteers help fix bikes up for sale. I have already learned how to true a tire and repack a hub. Have also learned some cute tricks on working on brakes.

[cyclingfool]

@rcannon100 90393 wrote:

Another option is to volunteer for Phoenix Bikes (or Velocity Bikes). Tuesday night is Volunteer night where volunteers help fix bikes up for sale. I have already learned how to true a tire and repack a hub. Have also learned some cute tricks on working on brakes.

This. Free, as opposed to $150, and has a real positive community benefit at the same time.

[Geoff]

@rcannon100 90393 wrote:

Another option is to volunteer for Phoenix Bikes (or Velocity Bikes). Tuesday night is Volunteer night where volunteers help fix bikes up for sale. I have already learned how to true a tire and repack a hub. Have also learned some cute tricks on working on brakes.

Hadn’t thought of this but it sounds like a really good idea.

[dasgeh]

@rcannon100 90393 wrote:

Another option is to volunteer for Phoenix Bikes (or Velocity Bikes). Tuesday night is Volunteer night where volunteers help fix bikes up for sale. I have already learned how to true a tire and repack a hub. Have also learned some cute tricks on working on brakes.

Or you could volunteer _and_ donate the $150 to Phoenix to help the mission.

[Terpfan]

If they ask for a volunteer to bring forth a bike, they can do mine, haha. It’s actually a good excuse for me though to buy some stuff while im there that I kind of need anyway.

[rcannon100]

The first Thursday of the month, as a fringe benefit, you can bring your own bike into the shop and work on it.

Community Shop Nights & Adult Instruction
Phoenix Bikes volunteers have begun hosting workshops for adults! The First Thursday of every month has an event open to YOU! Come learn how to fix and maintain your bike, find out how to fit a bike and assess its value, spruce up your ride, and more. Sessions occur from 6pm – 9pm. You will have access to tools and mechanical guidance.

[Terpfan]

I thought it was a pretty good class and saw Kathy there. Of course, this morning I decided to play with the barrel adjuster a little. The problem was I didn’t pay attention to which way I turned it and so I stopped 3 or 4x to adjust back as close to normal as I could get. Good I learned it, but bad I forgot Jake’s (instructors) comments about it while riding.

I’m thinking of doing their paid class although the volunteering route also sounds good. I’m more interested in just getting good at providing myself with tuneups more than anything else. So the little things like changing brake pads, cleaning drive train assembly, installing new cables, etc are valuable. I doubt I will figure out trueing the wheel nor am I sure I want to.

[Author]

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