Other Resources Challenge Me! » Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st Rss Feed  
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2013-11-06 11:18 AM

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Subject: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

The goal of this challenge is to help you tackle some kind of bike project with the goal of improving your wrenching skills.  You could decide to just do some simple maintenance on one of your bikes.  You could try a bigger project on a current bike.  You could try taking apart a bike you already own, or even building a bike from new or salvaged parts.  You choose what level of craziness you want to take on, and, hopefully, at the end of six weeks, you will have more skills than you started with! 

For this challenge we will be using

There is also a Zinn and the Art of Tri Bike Maintenance, which my be more applicable given your project.  You can also elect, of course, to not use a book, and to use you tube videos and online resources instead.  Or all of the above :)

It would be COMPLETELY AWESOME if some BTers with wrenching skills wanted to help field questions and trouble shoot.  If you're interested in helping in this capacity, please, please do. PM me if you want.  I think moondawg14 (Ryan) is in to offer some help, though he warned me there could be some time delay as he lives in China. 

If you are thinking about doing this Challenge, you may want to think about a stand and some tools.  They could make great stocking stuffers :)

Post up if you're interested.



2013-11-06 11:35 AM
in reply to: switch

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Ok, this one scares me!  LOL

2013-11-06 11:51 AM
in reply to: axteraa

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st
Originally posted by axteraa

Ok, this one scares me!  LOL

It kinda scares me too--that's why I'm doing it
2013-11-06 12:46 PM
in reply to: switch

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st
Originally posted by switch

Originally posted by axteraa

Ok, this one scares me!  LOL

It kinda scares me too--that's why I'm doing it


Me three....maybe that means I should do it too!

I'm just glad if I can get my rear wheel back on after taking it off. At this point, I have no hope for adjusting derailleurs or anything like that. Let me see if I can find a copy of that book and I'll plan to join (though no huge projects for me!).
2013-11-06 4:30 PM
in reply to: ligersandtions

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Seattle
Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

I took a mechanic class here in the city that was REALLY cool. You worked your way through the basic repairs (getting more "advanced" by the end) and most of the bicycles you worked on were given to people in need with the prerequisite that they take the class (for free) so that they knew how to properly maintain their bike. It was great and nothing beats the hands on experience.

We did things ranging from tube/tire into brakes and hub overhauls. 

I would highly recommend taking a hands on class like that, especially if that is the way you learn best.

2013-11-06 5:07 PM
in reply to: Asalzwed

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Sheldon Brown's web page (RIP) is also a great source for information.  It's an old looking site and some of it's dated, but a ton of it is still relevant and just about any time I have a question, I find myself there.



2013-11-06 5:47 PM
in reply to: Asalzwed

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by Asalzwed

I took a mechanic class here in the city that was REALLY cool. You worked your way through the basic repairs (getting more "advanced" by the end) and most of the bicycles you worked on were given to people in need with the prerequisite that they take the class (for free) so that they knew how to properly maintain their bike. It was great and nothing beats the hands on experience.

We did things ranging from tube/tire into brakes and hub overhauls. 

I would highly recommend taking a hands on class like that, especially if that is the way you learn best.

My LBS offers a Park tool repair school over the winter. I'm planning to sign up this year. Hopefully it will overlap with this challenge. I'll be a lot more willing to take things apart on my bike if I know someone is nearby to fix whatever damage I inflict. 

2013-11-07 8:41 AM
in reply to: Kido

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by Kido

Sheldon Brown's web page (RIP) is also a great source for information.  It's an old looking site and some of it's dated, but a ton of it is still relevant and just about any time I have a question, I find myself there.

Thanks Jim :)

I'd love to have you be one of our go-tos, if you're willing.  No pressure...

2013-11-07 8:42 AM
in reply to: kcarroll

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by kcarroll

Originally posted by Asalzwed

I took a mechanic class here in the city that was REALLY cool. You worked your way through the basic repairs (getting more "advanced" by the end) and most of the bicycles you worked on were given to people in need with the prerequisite that they take the class (for free) so that they knew how to properly maintain their bike. It was great and nothing beats the hands on experience.

We did things ranging from tube/tire into brakes and hub overhauls. 

I would highly recommend taking a hands on class like that, especially if that is the way you learn best.

My LBS offers a Park tool repair school over the winter. I'm planning to sign up this year. Hopefully it will overlap with this challenge. I'll be a lot more willing to take things apart on my bike if I know someone is nearby to fix whatever damage I inflict. 

I'm so jealous!  I wish my LBS or community had something like this.  Awesome!

2013-11-07 8:56 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Well, Elesa, since you've already made me blow my Kindle budget for the season, what's one more?? 

I'm actually do a build out of a tri bike from parts, so this should work great.



Edited by jmhpsu93 2013-11-07 8:56 AM
2013-11-07 9:45 AM
in reply to: switch

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

I'm in, this lines up time wise with my SS/Fixie build from an old bike that I have. Tear down is moving along slow, due to a lack of tools. I am purchasing as I need or as time/budget allow. 

Thanks for the nudge.



2013-11-07 9:54 AM
in reply to: cdban66

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

I plan to start reading the book on my road trip this weekend (after I finish JD). I'm wondering what tools I might need. I have a basic Park bike tool and DH has a whole garage full of "normal" tools. What else might I need? Not sure I want to fork over $$ for a bike stand just yet. Thoughts?

 

2013-11-07 10:53 AM
in reply to: rrrunner

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by rrrunner

I plan to start reading the book on my road trip this weekend (after I finish JD). I'm wondering what tools I might need. I have a basic Park bike tool and DH has a whole garage full of "normal" tools. What else might I need? Not sure I want to fork over $$ for a bike stand just yet. Thoughts?

 

TJ, Jason posted a pretty nice list in the thread on the main page, but maybe we could specifically ask that question of the experienced wrenchers in the TT forum?

I have an idea, but it might be cool to see what kind of consensus could be reached and I'm sure I would learn a lot just from the discussion it could create:)

2013-11-07 10:54 AM
in reply to: jmhpsu93

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by jmhpsu93

Well, Elesa, since you've already made me blow my Kindle budget for the season, what's one more?? 

I'm actually do a build out of a tri bike from parts, so this should work great.

You know it's all a part of my grand plan to derail your Kindle budget :)  Mwahahahahaha!

Building out a tri bike sounds very cool!  I am pumped to see the pictures of the projects as we progress.  It's gonna be awesome.

2013-11-07 10:57 AM
in reply to: cdban66

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by cdban66

I'm in, this lines up time wise with my SS/Fixie build from an old bike that I have. Tear down is moving along slow, due to a lack of tools. I am purchasing as I need or as time/budget allow. 

Thanks for the nudge.

Chris, I'm so glad you're going to do this.  When I mentioned it before in the pod it didn't sound like you thought it would be a good fit for you, but I'm glad it does now :)

Even though I've only allotted six weeks for the budget, I think this should be a go at your own pace thing for everyone.  That's how I'm hoping to frame it anyway.  Make sure you take lots of pics to share with us!

2013-11-07 11:20 AM
in reply to: switch

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by switch

Originally posted by cdban66

I'm in, this lines up time wise with my SS/Fixie build from an old bike that I have. Tear down is moving along slow, due to a lack of tools. I am purchasing as I need or as time/budget allow. 

Thanks for the nudge.

Chris, I'm so glad you're going to do this.  When I mentioned it before in the pod it didn't sound like you thought it would be a good fit for you, but I'm glad it does now

Even though I've only allotted six weeks for the budget, I think this should be a go at your own pace thing for everyone.  That's how I'm hoping to frame it anyway.  Make sure you take lots of pics to share with us!

My timing has been pushed back by life

I've got before and mid tear down pics. I won't be purchasing the crank removal tools, since I am stopping in at the LBS on Saturday to have them do it. I can't justify it for one bike. If I do more after this, which is possible, I'll worry about it then. But the stand is a must, and I have to do it soon. Currently the frame hangs from an old hand truck, which is fine for wheel work and cleaning, but anything beyond that and I am outta luck. 



2013-11-07 11:24 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by switch

Originally posted by rrrunner

I plan to start reading the book on my road trip this weekend (after I finish JD). I'm wondering what tools I might need. I have a basic Park bike tool and DH has a whole garage full of "normal" tools. What else might I need? Not sure I want to fork over $$ for a bike stand just yet. Thoughts?

 

TJ, Jason posted a pretty nice list in the thread on the main page, but maybe we could specifically ask that question of the experienced wrenchers in the TT forum?

I have an idea, but it might be cool to see what kind of consensus could be reached and I'm sure I would learn a lot just from the discussion it could create

I did see the list and it looked so overwhelming until I actually read it. I think the only pieces we don't already have are the cassette removal key & chain whip, the masterlink breaker and the BB removal tool. Not too bad.

BTW, having two of this thread is confusing my poor brain



Edited by rrrunner 2013-11-07 11:25 AM
2013-11-15 8:30 AM
in reply to: switch

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2013-11-21 1:45 PM
in reply to: wgraves7582

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

I am gonna lurk on this one. Remember... someone will be watching you

 

2013-11-21 2:23 PM
in reply to: kcarroll

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st
Originally posted by kcarroll
My LBS offers a Park tool repair school over the winter. I'm planning to sign up this year. Hopefully it will overlap with this challenge. I'll be a lot more willing to take things apart on my bike if I know someone is nearby to fix whatever damage I inflict. 




My LBS offers the same class and you get the Park Tool bike repair book plus if you purchase Park Tools within 30 days of the class they give a 15% discount on the tools . I took that class in August and purchased a bunch of tools.

My next two projects will be to take apart the headset to clean and grease the bearings and then I will do the same thing to the bottom bracket.

-Mark
2013-11-21 2:38 PM
in reply to: ceilidh

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

My LBSs don't offer classes, which is kind of dissapointing, but I did find out that our "bike library" rents bench space and tools for $5/hr.  They also have lots of references on hand, though you're supposed to be able to work independently, and they have hundreds of old bikes and parts to sort through and salvage off of--WIN!

I'm going to go down sometime after Thanksgiving and pick out my project :)

This place does offer a maintenance class, but it's not until April. 



2013-11-22 7:32 AM
in reply to: switch

Master
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Englewood, Florida
Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Originally posted by switch

My LBSs don't offer classes, which is kind of dissapointing, but I did find out that our "bike library" rents bench space and tools for $5/hr.  They also have lots of references on hand, though you're supposed to be able to work independently, and they have hundreds of old bikes and parts to sort through and salvage off of--WIN!

I'm going to go down sometime after Thanksgiving and pick out my project

This place does offer a maintenance class, but it's not until April. 

This is so cool. I would love to have this sort of resource available. 

BTW, I have finished the tear down on my frame, so some dismantle pics will be arriving soon.

2013-11-23 10:21 AM
in reply to: cdban66

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

OK, I am down to a frame that I am about to sand and begin painting. It began life as a 1990 Trek 1200 and it is on it's way to being a Single Speed with a flip flop hub.

Bike Work Pics

2013-11-23 3:43 PM
in reply to: cdban66

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Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st

Chris!  These pics get me excited for this challenge.  Very cool :)

2013-11-24 1:14 AM
in reply to: switch

Veteran
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Western Australia
Subject: RE: Wrenching Skills Challenge Jan 15- March 1st
I ordered my book this week, hopefully it will be here by Christmas. I just want to learn how to give my bike a good service and clean and change my bar tape.
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