newbie Reco needed: cheap basic tuning and/or intro to bike maintenance

[avw]

hi folks,

I have recently bought a used Miyata bike with Sp armadillo tires off CGlist and have started commuting to work (5miles 1 way) here in the south bay, however the bike's old & shifters arent working the way they should...and I'm new to bikes, & dont know much about tuning/repair.
Can you'll suggest a place where I can get a basic servicing/tune-up of the bike to check/fix the shifters for<50$ (since I spent <100 on my bike).
Alternatively is there some place where they teach the basics of bicycle maintenance/tuning, as I'd love to work on it myself but fear messing it up since I dont know much about maintenance

thanks in advance..

[kster]

REI has a bike maintenance class which runs on a few weekends throughout the summer. Check their web page for the schedule.

[Mhendricks]

hi folks,

I have recently bought a used Miyata bike with Sp armadillo tires off CGlist and have started commuting to work (5miles 1 way) here in the south bay, however the bike's old & shifters arent working the way they should...and I'm new to bikes, & dont know much about tuning/repair.
Can you'll suggest a place where I can get a basic servicing/tune-up of the bike to check/fix the shifters for<50$ (since I spent <100 on my bike).
Alternatively is there some place where they teach the basics of bicycle maintenance/tuning, as I'd love to work on it myself but fear messing it up since I dont know much about maintenance

thanks in advance..

If you live in San Jose, I can help you out. I also have old parts.

[BlastRadius]

I think REI has bike maintenance classes and if you're in SF, Bike Kitchen and Box Dog Bikes has classes too.

http://www.bikekitchen.org/programs.php
http://www.boxdogbikes.com/services.html

This class happened on 5/26
Box Dog Bikes maintenance class: Know Your Bike *
7:15-9:15pm, Box Dog Bikes, 494 14th St.

Did you know that Box Dog Bikes offers bicycle maintenance classes? Box Dog Bikes regularly conducts three hands-on classes including: Know Your Bike; Cables, Brakes, and Shifting; and Wheels. Each class can be signed up for individually for $30, or the series of 3 for $80. In "Know Your Bike" we explain all the parts of the bike, go over a flat fix, and the value of a clean bike. All classes are hands on, so bring your bike and wear clothes that can get dirty. Classes are limited to 4 people, please sign-up in advance. Call 415/431-9627 for more info and ask for Dan or email dan@boxdogbikes.com

[BlastRadius]

If you live in San Jose, I can help you out. I also have old parts.

Taking pointers from a passionate enthusiast like mhendricks can be more helpful than a class.

[avw]

Thanks a ton for offering to help...
That would be great.. I'm all ears for any tips/advice I can get..I am based in Santa Clara, so San Jose's right around from where I am...

[Ty.S]

If you're in Santa Clara, then South San Jose might be a bit of a stretch but here are two other options:

http://www.actc.org <-- Local club of all types, then run multiple classes, riding skills and maint. for sure.

There is also this place:

Trek Store (http://sanjosetrek.com/index.cfm)

I've heard they also run classes, don't have personal experience, but another rider was talking about like it was coolest thing since carbon frames.

Hope that helps

[bigbossman]

Taking pointers from a passionate enthusiast like mhendricks can be more helpful than a class.


If Mhendricks can't fix it, it's not fixable. He's more than a fair hand with a wrench, especially with the vintage stuff.