Hello Fellow Chainlinkers,

I'm looking to learn how to build and maintain bicycles. I really enjoy building and creating things with my hands but I don't have any prior bicycle shop experience so I don't feel it would be fair to pursue any of the mechanic openings I've seen posted around.

I know there are courses/classes/meeting/events on bicycle maintenance/overhaul and repair, but I'm more wondering if any of the Chicago area shop owners are looking for some reliable help day to day.  I love the idea of working with a fellow bike mechanic and learning the trade while I provide them with an extra set of hands and possibly lowering their workload over time if there is duplicate work to be done.  Even collaborating with someone on a personal bike build would be really helpful.  Anything to just get my feet wet at this point with a teacher of sorts.  I am not comfortable taking my own bicycles apart just to put them back together at this point and would enjoy the social interaction with a fellow enthusiast.

I'm not looking for any compensation outside of knowledge and an opportunity to learn.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any insight you can offer.