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Jeff wrote:

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Say, I am trying to become my own mechanic. Where did you pickup your experience? I have started buying books and tools.

I want to be able to fix everything on the bike myself.

Bruce

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I have been doing this for a along time... I started out befriending a bike shop owner (thanks Terry!) and he taught me the basics and had all the tools. This was around '82. He really didn't carry high end bikes then and I started getting into them so he was interested and one thing lead to another. We were into MTB's and ended up modifying a lot of parts and learned a lot doing that. I also talked to a lot of builders along the way and learned many ideas and tricks from them.

I have always been mechanically inclined so I started buying tools and doing things at home. I could afford to make some mistakes so I was not afraid to try new things (although I have yet to tear apart my Rohloff!). Bikes are fairly simple so you should be able to pick it up fast. The only thing I do not enjoy is building wheels. I have done it but it is not my cup of tea. Best advice is get the proper tools, read the instructions and go at it as it is really not that hard.

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Thanks for the feedback. I wouldn't think that a bike is that complicated. I have started slowly buying tools and will be taking the Park Tool class as soon as it is available.

To me, maintaining the bike is part of enjoyment of cycling. However, I may feel different after I have torn a few apart.

Bruce

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