There are many good mechanics on this forum, but what is the best way to learn to wrench? I can do most of the simple repair jobs, but would like to learn the more complex stuff. We live in a pretty small city where the LBS mechs are questionable, and I would rather do it myself. Videos? Books? Should I just get Zinn or Park's Big Blue Book? Any other book suggestions? Unfortunately, Park Tools course doesn't come to northern Sweden... :mad:
Thanks.
Cheers, Wayne

I learned by trial and error, watching and asking at the LBS, reading repair manuals, looking at schematics and doing. Barnett's is another good repair manual. Used to be available online for free until Mr. Barnett started cracking down on the pirates. I still have alot to learn. Easter weekend my 10 year old nephew and I put together a BMX bike. I gave him a frame for Christmas and part of the present included us putting the bike together. I ended up doing most of the work (as expected) but learned a couple of things, too, like yokes for gyro brakes don't fit all frames the same way and don't seem to come in different sizes and don't reuse old axle nuts 'cause they may strip on new axles and 20" tires mount really hard when you have too much air in the tube (as pointed out by my nephew).

Good tools, including a high quality repair stand, are a good place to start. Get the Zinn book, too, or maybe that Park book (I haven't seen it). Bikes are really very simple, and high quality bikes are generally the easiet to work on (though with some of the newer lighweight stuff you gotta pay close attention to torque specs). What seperates pro mechanics from the best home mechanics is usually just speed.

both previous posters put up some very good comments...

bikes are pretty simple things so working on "your" bike is pretty easy, especially if you have the right tools, good instructions, and a mechanical aptitude.

Working on a lot of bikes is another story altogether. The basic maintenance actions are still pretty simple, but knowing what to do to when get's a little more complicated when you're adjusting DA brake clearance and Walmart brand brake clearance in the first hour of work. Better yet, try hub bearing adjustments on Campy, shimano, and Huffy's all in one morning.

The guys (and gals) around here that consistently give good advise are the kind of wrenches that can handle brand/style/year-of-issue changes well and still put out a good product. That kind of experience takes a while to get. The best part is though, working on your own bike(s) is a excellent way to start : - )

BTW - I don't put myself in that last paragraph category

To the excellent advice above I would add only a couple of thoughts:
1) Get your hands on a junker out of sombody's blackberry patch or something and dive in. You'll soon have a well functioning machine and along the way you can learn expensive lessons without the expense you might encounter learning on a fancy bike.

2) In advance of the inevitable forgetting how something goes back together the digicam has revolutionized the process. Snap a pic before you start & you'll know which way that little widget is supposed to face.

Making mistakes is how you get good. Usually if you befriend a good, experienced mechanic and eventually ask them "Got any good screwup stories from your formative years?" you'll probably get an earful. Expensive mistakes, on customers beloved bikes help temper good wrenches over the years.

zinn, zinn, zinn. Online sites such as Sheldonbrown.com, and expect to make errors. Just don't FORCE any part and you can generally undo any error. I built my own bike after about six months of monkeying around with my bike and working on junker I bought at garage sales, etc.

Bicycles are generally simple items with some complicated components. But fortuntely most components are preassembled, and only have to be fit to YOUR bike. Knowing your own bike is easiest, and being part of a bike club helps because you have others to ask questions of. There are some areas you may want to stay away from initially, but as you become more comfortable, you'll find it easier and more satisfying to get the right shift dialed in, or the stem off and back on the right way, etc.

Wrenching is NOT that hard if you have a mechanical inclination. On the other hand, I have NO aptitude for gardening and kill every plant in sight. So you have to accept your limitations.

It is rewarding work, but if you beat yourself up over every mistake you make, you won't enjoy the process.

Nobody posted all the great online information:

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/index.shtml
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/repair/index.html
http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/wrench.html
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en.html;jsessionid=04bb8cdf-c974-b742-8270-3f82ffc63342 (has every shimano component diagramed for repair parts along with installation/tuning instructions)
http://www.campagnolo.com/ (same as shimano, only campy info)

Bike repair is not rocket science. Take your time so you only have to do it once. Music helps. If you get stuck, post a thread for help.

Nobody posted all the great online information:
Bike repair is not rocket science. Take your time so you only have to do it once. Music helps. If you get stuck, post a thread for help.

Thanks SS and to everyone else for the good advice! Now to just get a better workstand and some good reading. Any opinions on the Ultimate Pro vs Park PRS-15?

Can't comment on the merits of the workstands as I'm contemplating purchasing one myself and will be interested in the opinions offered. There are some previous threads where some good info on workstands is available. So far cotton rope suspension has been all I've needed, but something more stable would be nice. As a certified shadetree mechanic, and a former mechanical engineering technician, and also one who often uses rocket science to belittle other tasks, let me say that I personally don't feel that rocket science is more difficult than being a good mechanic. No manual can cover all the nuances specific to each bicycle, and the ones you get from the manufacturer continually refer you to the service of a qualified mechanic for anything but the most basic maintenance. This forum and other resources (local pub) are great places to obtain specific info. Knowledge is only one part of the equation when it comes to mechanics, you have to employ the tools to get the job done. This comes from tool usage. Perserverence is the key. Mechanics can become one of the most rewarding hobbies you will ever undertake. Don't limit yourself to bicycles only, branch out to any task you feel capable of handling. Safety first for yourself or anyone who may be affected by your work. Have more than one bicycle available for your riding needs so that you don't have a hard deadline to complete your repairs, maintenance or upgrades. As a home mechanic you can take as much time as you need to solve your problems. Develop patience. Frustration is one of the most common problems for folks when it comes to mechanical work. I started kind of late and always depended on others until I started working in a vacuum laboratory where I had to dissassemble the equipment for cleaning and then reassemble it. I saw another post where "beantown" had a similar experience that launched him on his way with mechanics and it kind of struck a chord with me. I could fill some pages with my f ups but not with my regrets for DIMW.

Thanks SS and to everyone else for the good advice! Now to just get a better workstand and some good reading. Any opinions on the Ultimate Pro vs Park PRS-15?

This is the stand I use and recommend to anyone who isn't planning to quit riding or wrenching anytime soon. Not very portable but incredibly stable.

http://www.parktool.com/tools/PRS_3OS.shtml

If you have bikes where you can't clamp the frame or seatpost it seems like this is the way to go.

http://www.parktool.com/tools/PRS_20.shtml

Buy the right stand and you'll never have to buy another. :D

Having been to Barnett's, I'm naturally biased a bit. They do have the most comprehensive single manual for all bikes, road, mtb, diagrams of suspension forks and shocks, etc.

I have seen the Park book, it's very good, besides, some of those folks have been to Barnett's too. The Park site is good as well. Sheldon Brown's site is excellent, the MFR's of the equipment you have SHOULD have tech pages on their sites (usually the best place to get specs), this and other discussion boards can be good places for advice.

As for actually getting your hands dirty, I'm a believer in using the proper tool for the job, if it's available to you. That said, with care and patience, you can use alternatlive methods to get things done. The first time you tackle a more difficult task, don't plan to be riding the next day. In other words, don't rush anything. The really good fast techs are doing the movements in between the actuall wrenching fast. When it comes to a detailed assembly, they're steady and deliberate. Which brings me to the last thing I'l pontificate about. Think about what you're doing and how it affects other parts around it. If you're doing a major tune up, true the wheels before you adjust your brakes. Replace the pads before you adjust your brakes. Adjust the limits on your derrailleurs before you adjust the cable tension. Those things will make the work smoother and more enjoyable.

Bob

Having been to Barnett's, I'm naturally biased a bit. They do have the most comprehensive single manual for all bikes, road, mtb, diagrams of suspension forks and shocks, etc.

I have seen the Park book, it's very good, besides, some of those folks have been to Barnett's too. The Park site is good as well. Sheldon Brown's site is excellent, the MFR's of the equipment you have SHOULD have tech pages on their sites (usually the best place to get specs), this and other discussion boards can be good places for advice.

As for actually getting your hands dirty, I'm a believer in using the proper tool for the job, if it's available to you. That said, with care and patience, you can use alternatlive methods to get things done. The first time you tackle a more difficult task, don't plan to be riding the next day. In other words, don't rush anything. The really good fast techs are doing the movements in between the actuall wrenching fast. When it comes to a detailed assembly, they're steady and deliberate. Which brings me to the last thing I'l pontificate about. Think about what you're doing and how it affects other parts around it. If you're doing a major tune up, true the wheels before you adjust your brakes. Replace the pads before you adjust your brakes. Adjust the limits on your derrailleurs before you adjust the cable tension. Those things will make the work smoother and more enjoyable.

Bob

Thanks Bob for the good advice.
Wayne

I got my start when i bought my first quality bike in 98. My old man said he wouldnt pay anymore for repairs...bought me a book on bike repair and learnt to clean and tune. Over the last whatever years of racing it got me more and more into it. It landed me a job eventualy. Now I spend 8-10 hours a day wrenching, and then training. Fixing bikes is **** work, its messy, tedius, smells, and its hard to make a living at it, but it doesnt matter We fix bikes cause its our passion!

Fixing bikes is **** work, its messy, tedius, smells, and its hard to make a living at it, but it doesnt matter We fix bikes cause its our passion!

Plus your hands start to hurt. I hope I'm not a candidate for early arthritis. Oh, well, no regrets--I'm glad I didn't spend my 20s sitting in a cube.

Hey, and if it's smelly just put the parts washer outside and don't sell too many complete overhauls! And don't take in any bikes in with dog doo on the tires (don't ask me how I know). :p

was an auto tech for 18 yrs, then wrote service, then service manager. now im looking to get out of the high pressure and back to my 1st passion, mechanics..
but not new cars, looking at bikes. been riding awhile, learning, working on my own. hope to quit work and start wrenching at bike shop soon. and this thread has helped a lot..
been thinking on buying barbetts book, amazon has it for around $80.00 looks like a good book to learn.
maybe even go to their school.
has anyone gone to it? was it worth it? or have you learned most on your own?
later,
karl

was an auto tech for 18 yrs, then wrote service, then service manager. now im looking to get out of the high pressure and back to my 1st passion, mechanics..
but not new cars, looking at bikes. been riding awhile, learning, working on my own. hope to quit work and start wrenching at bike shop soon. and this thread has helped a lot..
been thinking on buying barbetts book, amazon has it for around $80.00 looks like a good book to learn.
maybe even go to their school.
has anyone gone to it? was it worth it? or have you learned most on your own?
later,
karl

Forget about the school--a waste of time and $$$, especially to someone mechanically inclined. Just talk a local shop into hiring you and learn while doing, on the clock. The pay stinks and you'll start out fixing flats, installing accessories on sold bikes and putting $400 moutain bikes together. But now is a good time to start talking to owners and service managers--most shops will be looking to hire soon for the spring/summer rush. Just hope you don't get your hours cut in the fall...

was an auto tech for 18 yrs, then wrote service, then service manager. now im looking to get out of the high pressure and back to my 1st passion, mechanics.

Whatever you get paid as an auto mechanic, I'm sure that it is much more than you can pull down fixing bikes. Be sure to check out the earning power issue before you commit to being a bike mechanic. As can be seen from discussions here, people think bike mechanics are overpaid, even when they are making a shade over minimum wage.

this will be a job for semi-retirement.. thought it would be better than a walmart greeter. :D
looking to learn on own bikes for now, then in about 5-6 yrs work for a shop.
will pick up some junk bikes to take apart and learn from
thanks
karl

was an auto tech for 18 yrs, then wrote service, then service manager. now im looking to get out of the high pressure and back to my 1st passion, mechanics..
but not new cars, looking at bikes. been riding awhile, learning, working on my own. hope to quit work and start wrenching at bike shop soon. and this thread has helped a lot..
been thinking on buying barbetts book, amazon has it for around $80.00 looks like a good book to learn.
maybe even go to their school.
has anyone gone to it? was it worth it? or have you learned most on your own?
later,
karl

While it may be a matter of opinion for some, it was definitely NOT a waste of time or money, and the manual is the best single resource to be found anywhere. You learn techniques that will give you the best results every time, how to function in an industry that is full of constantly changing tools and specs and is full of misinformation and B.S. And how to not drive the experienced techs in your shop nuts with a ton of questions.

But, the big question as Kerry Irons said, you should consider your earning power. Unless you work in a really poor part of the country and in a really low-rent auto shop there, you'd probably make quite a bit more as an auto tech than a bike tech. If you're single, or have a S.O. with a really good career/job (that they enjoy and plan to stick with) and are willing to support you through the change, it might be something to consider. But you have to be ready for income sticker shock. And you MUST talk it over with your S.O. Income changes like that can be a strain on even really good relationships.

Another thing to think about. If you live in an area with a thriving bike culture, you have the opportunity to earn more than in other areas. But, those areas are full of people who are good techs and "home mechanics", and the market can be hard to crack into. Of course that is where going to Barnett's (or UBI) can help. There are shop owners out there who look for and prefer people who've successfully completed the serious class, or better yet have taken and passed the certification test (although that isn't as widely known as the various cert's of completion from the classes). These owner/managers may only be looking for people who have shown the ability to complete the course with a good score, regardless of what the person decided to take away from it. But they do look for it. Our shop sent the new Service Manager there after seeing what I took away from it. By the way, I paid my own way, unlike my Service Manager.

Bottom line: Think about it carefully, and without "rose-colored glasses". Talk to some techs at your LBS's about what life is actually like as a bike tech. Then make your decision. PM me if you want to talk more about Barnett's.

Good luck,
Bob

thanks for the info.
i live in good size college town, has 3 bike shops, i'm getting to know the owner at
one of the shops. we get along real well.
if figured my pay will drop, but after busting butt for 43 yrs, looking for less stress.
i wish my tool investment would work, some do, but most are too wide.
but all techs like new tools ;) , buying a few here and there, maybe a new box also.
will pm about school later
thanks,
karl

I started working on bikes when I was about 8 years old. Friends and I used to take them apart, swap pieces and put them back together. I came to my adult wrenching with most of the mystique removed.

When I got back into cycling, I bought Zinn and spent some time reading it. Most of the maintenance technique came easily - derailleurs, brakes, etc. What really propelled me to the next level though was my decision to get a frame re-painted. I took the whole bike apart, methodically and spent time thinking about the pieces and parts and how it all went together.

Now, I do it all.

While it may be a matter of opinion for some, it was definitely NOT a waste of time or money, and the manual is the best single resource to be found anywhere. You learn techniques that will give you the best results every time, how to function in an industry that is full of constantly changing tools and specs and is full of misinformation and B.S. And how to not drive the experienced techs in your shop nuts with a ton of questions.


I started by sweeping the floor in shops at age 15, then started building bikes, then in college worked as a wrench and later as a service manager. I will say the worst mechanic I ever hired had come out of the UCI. They can teach you the basics but you're either mechanically inclined or you're not. Questions from a new hire are fine--and most have to do with how a particular shop does things--cause every shop and is different and every manager has a different idea of how things are done. The funny thing is the biggest stumbling block for new wrenches was adjusting cantis--but cantis are pretty much a thing of the past now. The other thing was getting everything tight and safe. Then there is speed--but you can't teach speed, it comes with time. Everything else on bikes is pretty much a no brainer if you have the right tools. If you show up on time and keep your bench clean and do the work you'll do fine. I just questin the value of paying $1000 or whatever to go to school to try to get into a job that can start as low as $5 or $6 an hour. But it defitely can't hurt (unless you're stuck with a loan you can't pay off).

I started by sweeping the floor in shops at age 15, then started building bikes, then in college worked as a wrench and later as a service manager. I will say the worst mechanic I ever hired had come out of the UCI. They can teach you the basics but you're either mechanically inclined or you're not. Questions from a new hire are fine--and most have to do with how a particular shop does things--cause every shop and is different and every manager has a different idea of how things are done. The funny thing is the biggest stumbling block for new wrenches was adjusting cantis--but cantis are pretty much a thing of the past now. The other thing was getting everything tight and safe. Then there is speed--but you can't teach speed, it comes with time. Everything else on bikes is pretty much a no brainer if you have the right tools. If you show up on time and keep your bench clean and do the work you'll do fine. I just questin the value of paying $1000 or whatever to go to school to try to get into a job that can start as low as $5 or $6 an hour. But it defitely can't hurt (unless you're stuck with a loan you can't pay off).

Man, $5-$6 per hour for a bike mechanic? Where are you? I don't want to work in your area.

But the BRO at Barnett's is not for the beginner mechanic. He'll let you pay your money, if that's what you want, but he'll warn you against it. Sure, there is quite a bit of fairly basic info in it, but that is partly to make sure that everybody is on the same page mechanically. It's also to impart the mindset of the techniques used there, so that when you get to the more advanced tasks, wheelbuilding for instance, you know how the curriculum is set up.

No, bicycle mechanics is not brain surgery, but you have to not only be mechanically inclined, but you must be methodical, and very detail oriented. Not all "mechanics" I've known have had either or both going for them. The details will make or break the quality of a bicycle repair or build.

Bob

Man, $5-$6 per hour for a bike mechanic? Where are you? I don't want to work in your area.



Ok, I probably better adjust for inflation. ;) But still, I think on the West Coast beginning wrenches start around $7 or $8...