Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on January 26, 2014 at 3:01pm

Sara, there is all sorts of stuff to learn about bikes. Are you looking for help learning to fix your bike when it breaks, just do basic maintenance, learn about cycling history, all (or none) of the above?

Lots of shops offer basic classes in bike maintenance. I'm pretty sure Alex at Bucephalus (Evanston) has done some stuff in the past. Not sure what he has lined up for the future. Higher Gear (Wilmette and Highland Park) also offer such classes.

I'm sure there are lots of people like me with cluttered basement workshops as well. You just need to find one semi-close to you with some time to spare. (I strike out on both counts.)

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Permalink Reply by Sam Juicebox on January 26, 2014 at 3:53pm

For starters, kudos for being an awesome rider!

I've never been to West Town Bikes, but I've heard really great thing about them. I'm not sure about where you might go to take a proper class in a more formal setting, but I'd recommend checking out volunteer opportunities with a bike shop. Working Bikes has a phenomenal volunteer program. The environment is extremely welcoming and open-minded, and there are lots of opportunities to learn about how to keep your bike happy and greased up.

Good luck, and ride on!

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 27, 2014 at 3:20am

West town bikes offers a variety of classes, from tune up to indepth maintenance, and they have great instructors. stop by and ask them questions to see what best fits your needs.
I did a build a bike and a wheel building class. at WTB. Both come highly recommended. as a result, I do 90% of maintenance myself,saving a boatload of money.

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 27, 2014 at 4:58am

Yes, Working Bikes is a great place to learn about bikes while giving back - their central mission is keeping old bikes out of the waste stream. Depending on what's convenient for you there are a lot of places in town doing similar stuff. 

Blackstone Bicycle Works http://www.experimentalstation.org/blackstone-bikes in Hyde Park (they are focused on youth but there are probably ways for adults to help and learn)

The Recyclery Collective http://www.therecyclery.org in Rogers Park

Westtown Bikes http://westtownbikes.org/classes in uh,   West Town 

Working Bikes http://www.workingbikes.org - not technically in Pilsen - 2434 S Western

This list probably isn't complete...

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Permalink Reply by Dovah Cat on January 29, 2014 at 2:53pm

Always attempt to fix mechanical issues yourself (watch YouTube how-tos). Do what you're comfortable with, but give it a shot if you've got the tools/it isn't frame alignment or wheel truing (and even then...) You can always take your bike into a shop if you get overwhelmed. Points for trying, and learning from your mistakes! 

Join a team or weekly ride. Talk to people you meet. Especially harass (bribe with beer and cookies) those who do or have the things you want to learn about (racing, classic bikes, touring, etc.)

Follow threads on larger bike forums. Usually the "ask a mechanical question" or "help me buy a bike" threads are long and full of people with less knowledge learning from people with more. Be that person asking questions, or just read about others. Sorry, Chainlink, but other forums have tons of users and tons more content to learn from - you're the best for being local, friendly and small. <3 

Sheldon Brown: technical stuff and bike wizard know-how.

Bike Snob NYC's blog: cycling culture satire, lots of links, hilarious. 

The Chainbreaker bike book is on Amazon. Buy it! Radical feminist zine vibes with accessible writing and helpful illustrations. It's a gem. 

Last thing, NEVER EVER EVER call yourself "dumb" again, please! Being eager to learn and following through are very smart qualities! 

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 30, 2014 at 9:44am

+1....great replies.

+2 for west town bikes as well

Dovah Cat said:

Always attempt to fix mechanical issues yourself (watch YouTube how-tos). Do what you're comfortable with, but give it a shot if you've got the tools/it isn't frame alignment or wheel truing (and even then...) You can always take your bike into a shop if you get overwhelmed. Points for trying, and learning from your mistakes! 

Join a team or weekly ride. Talk to people you meet. Especially harass (bribe with beer and cookies) those who do or have the things you want to learn about (racing, classic bikes, touring, etc.)

Follow threads on larger bike forums. Usually the "ask a mechanical question" or "help me buy a bike" threads are long and full of people with less knowledge learning from people with more. Be that person asking questions, or just read about others. Sorry, Chainlink, but other forums have tons of users and tons more content to learn from - you're the best for being local, friendly and small. <3 

Sheldon Brown: technical stuff and bike wizard know-how.

Bike Snob NYC's blog: cycling culture satire, lots of links, hilarious. 

The Chainbreaker bike book is on Amazon. Buy it! Radical feminist zine vibes with accessible writing and helpful illustrations. It's a gem. 

Last thing, NEVER EVER EVER call yourself "dumb" again, please! Being eager to learn and following through are very smart qualities! 

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