what would you like to learn about bikes?

[enzomatic]

We need to keep this series of bike seminars rolling so I'd like to hear some suggestions on stuff people would like to be taught about bikes and bike repair. If you add a bunch of minor things you think you need a bit of help on we'll try to combine them into one class. If it's something bigger "wheel building" that'll have to be it's own class. Think about things customers have asked that you didn't really know how to show them or that you didn't feel confident enough to show them. Think about things that haven't really come up at shift but are things you're interested in knowing more about.

Conversely if you read something here that you feel confident in teaching I strongly encourage you to respond as such and we'll get you some teaching experience.

[enzomatic]

I would like to know about installing and adjusting threadless headsets.

[Lucas]

I would like to know about installing and adjusting threadless headsets.

I can confidently teach this.

[jptowne]

PROPER USE OF THE CHAIN REMOVAL TOOL and how to advise customers so that they don't misuse it.  Check for chain stretch to determine life remaining in your chain.

Installation and adjustment of the front and rear derailers (each derailer can be its own class).

Simple tricks for replacing the brake cables to get the brakes set up properly.

removal and installation of tubes and tires to prevent pinch flats and terminal explosive decompression (Duck!).

Suspension - setting up the front or rear suspension on a mountain bike.

[Steve Mattson]

I also think a general go-through-the-shop and show everyone where the tools are and brief how to use them training.

[Dan/R]

I feel like I have a lot of skills for vintage rides, but not more current stuff.  So:

1)  How to properly set up and fine-tune an indexed rear derailleur
2)  How to fine-tune v-brakes
3)  How to replace a fork and headset, especially pitfalls (i.e., ISO vs. JIS vs. French vs. 1" vs. 1 1/8")
4)  Chainline problem-solving (new wheelset = new BB...or NOT?)

Likewise, I'm sure mechanics up to speed on current stuff could use refreshers on things like:

5)  How to fine-tune a centerpull brake
6)  How to properly fine-tune a single-pivot sidepull

Other pie-in-the-sky ideas

5)  A brazing workshop (for tiny bits like canti studs, shift bosses, and rack mounts)
6)  A stripping/priming/painting/clearcoating workshop

[JB]

I would love to learn how to replace cables in a brifter setup.

[silver]

I could teach how to set up front and rear suspension for most brands and models of forks or shocks for average rider preferences.

I qualify this because there is huge variety in the amount and kinds of adjustments. For example, I know of a few fork on which you can externally adjust: high speed compression, low speed compression, + air pressure, - air pressure, rebound, lockout threshold, etc. Other forks have zero external adjustments.

I haven't actually worked on all the latest stuff out there but I understand the basic principles. If anyone is interested I'm happy to share what I know including more info on what all of these different kinds adjustments do as well as provide some general tips on how to diagnose common problems with suspension set up. 

That said, we very rarely see adjustable mtb suspension at the bikerowave and proper setup is heavily influenced by rider preference and riding style anyway so I don't necessarily think it's a good topic for a clinic.

[enzomatic]

i'd actually love to know how this is done though.

[jptowne]

How about we simply set up a class to teach how to set up a couple common front suspension forks.  It would focus on the Rock Shox, Marzocchi (spelling?) and/or Manatou, or any others we may have lying around the shop.

These are quite common and would be worth a class.

[enzomatic]

is it possible that someone could also do something on disk brakes? I've only worked on motorcycle disk brakes. They're common with shocked bikes and it would be good to understand how to work with the cheap ones and the fancy ones.

[enzomatic]

Great Golf Clubs
The groves are painted that very same with the golf clubs final grove painted in white to assist with alignment. You should own the great golf clubs such as the golf clubs and the good golf swing skills. ishiner

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