How to fix a mountain bike
Unfortunately we don’t have time to write the book. Unfortunately most libraries and book stores don't have much of a collection, so you’ll have to buy or borrow one, and if you're not mechanically inclined a book is a nearly impossible way to learn.
Classes
Probably the best way to learn to maintain a bike is to take a class. No, you probably won't find such a class at UCLA or USC. Local bike shops sometimes offer courses or clinics. The most likely is at one of the so-called adult schools. For those of you who haven't been in the area long, these are (at least in this area, they are) old public schools repurposed into adult learning centers or public schools used in the evening. The one here is run by the local public school district. The best place to find information is probably the local library as they usually distribute the schedules or do a search on the web. (Modify the search to your needs.) The local one is called South Bay Adult School and has a website.
REI occasionally has “Comprehensive (Mountain) Bike Maintenance Classes.” Go to the main rei.com website, click on "Stores & Events," then California, then the store, then click on Events (Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Arcadia, Northridge, Huntington Beach, and Santa Ana) for class schedules. The class lasts five hours and costs $95 ($75 member). REI also has some free classes.
Pasadena Cyclery offers Park Tool School every month or so. Information and sign up at pasadenacylery.com. Five-hour class: $85 including a Park Tools School manual.
The community colleges may offer courses too, although nothing could be found at El Camino College, the local community college.
Sites
Bike Repair Videos on YouTube.
Park Tools has good information on bike repairs.
Of course, many of the riders on our rides can help. It won’t hurt to ask.
Back to the Beginners and C-level Riders page.
