Originally Posted by
GAPavedTrailRdr
Here in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has a program called Starter Bikes that works with students to refurbish donated bikes so they can get a feel for what they like in a bike before they make a big investment. It sounds like UofO has something similar in it's UO Outdoor Program
https://outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu/bikes/rentals. Maybe you could rent one of their commuter bikes for a term or work with them to learn how to upgrade your own. Good luck!
GaPavedTrailRdr
Oh, I didn't realize the outdoor program had bike rentals.
They're also good for kayaking trips, rafting trips, and I think hiking and skiing. And, at least a few years ago, they were allowing all participants. So, one could always stop by early and have a chat, and perhaps sign up for a trip. I didn't really discover them until after college and wish I had found them earlier.
As mentioned earlier, CAT also has community workshop space, and cheap parts, and everything to assemble a bike. You can even learn to build a bike from SCRATCH... although that is part of their apprenticeship program. They seem to be a bit restrictive with access to the welders and lathes.
http://www.catoregon.org/