Looking for a place to learn to wrench

[Sevadari]

Anyone ever visit or know of this "community bike center" called the Grease Pit? Here's their website:

http://home.mn.rr.com/collectivecycle/

A few questions:

1. Is it still up and running? Their email doesn't seem to be working.

2. Has anyone ever bought used parts there? I'm possibly looking to build up an old (never used) frame I've got as an SS. I'm looking to do it on the cheap since it's not going to be my main ride, I'm currently a student, and I'm not yet sure I'm cut out for the SS world!

3. Do they deal with MTB gear, or just road?

4. Would this be a good place for those of us that want to learn more about wrenching and taking care of our bikes? Their site says that it's a place where people can hang out and learn from experienced wrenches.

5. Any other suggestions for how to do so without having to shell out a bunch of cash for a "2-session short course"?


thanks!

[FSSS]

You might want to check this out too:

http://www.bikeped.org/

I haven't been to either place, so I'm no help there.

[Sevadari]

You might want to check this out too:

http://www.bikeped.org/



Yeah, thanks for the link. I came across that one too when I was searching the web. Looks like a pretty interesting place/group.

I guess I was more interested in the Grease Pit cuz it looks like (from the picture) it has tons of used parts and looks like a more laid back place.

If I can steal some time from an upcoming evening maybe I'll try to check 'em out. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from anyone that's been to either of them.

Thanx

[BKocka]

I've heard of the grease pit- my sister bought an old road bike there. i always thought it was the basement of One-on-One...

also if you want to learn how to work on your bike call either the eagan or woodbury Penn cycle (www.penncycle.com (http://www.penncycle.com)) and see if they are offering any mechanics classes right now. usually they will take down your email address and once there is enough interest one of the service managers will do a course.

[djflom]

If you don't mind learning on your own, Park Tool has a lot of content on parts and repairs (http://www.parktool.com/repair/). It has saved my butt a few times when I needed to adjust my bike before a ride or race. Plus, it increases your chances of getting good feedback from LBS mechanics if you've tried it first yourself.

[steef]

5. Any other suggestions for how to do so without having to shell out a bunch of cash for a "2-session short course"?


thanks!

Some of the folks here will learn yew some wrenching skills if you bring them beer. I'm one of them.

[Sevadari]

Some of the folks here will learn yew some wrenching skills if you bring them beer. I'm one of them.

Might have to take you up on it, thanks for the willingness. If the stars align just right, I'll PM ya and see if we can work something out.

In the mean while, any one ever bought any used MTB parts at the Grease Pit?

[nigel]

Some of the folks here will learn yew some wrenching skills if you bring them beer. I'm one of them.

Im one too :crazy: Shoot me a PM, my schedule is kida wacky for getting together with people but im sure we could find time.

[Wolfchimp]

Like Doug, I am also willing to share my wrenching knowledge with others. If Doug falls through, give me a shout!

[Sevadari]

Shoulda known...

dangle a little beer out there in front of the MORC crowd :crazy2:... and all the crazies come out of the wood work!

JK,:D I reaaaally appreciate the willingness to help out a fellow biker.

I'll put the word out as soon as I can wrangle some time.

Hasta la pasta!

[Sevadari]

Hey there,

I'm looking to learn and need help since I don't own the right bike tools yet!

Sorry for the short notice, but just wondering if there's anybody out there that could help me out tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon or evening with what I think is a fairly minor issue...installing a new pivot bolt assembly on my FS ride?

I need to take the crank arm off on the drive side to get into it and I don't have the tools to do it. I'm running a Truvativ Firex SX crankset with Truvativ ISIS cartridge type bottom bracket (not sure if this is relevant or not, so I'm including it in case).

Anybody available and have the right tools? I'd be mighty appreciative since this will help me get back out on the trails!!! Until then I'm just dreaming about all the riding I'm missing out on.

Either PM or email me or give me a buzz at seven, six, three/five, one, six/one, seven, eight, eight. I'm sure I can work something out to wet the appetite of any potential volunteers ;) !

Thanks!