Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,641
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
If you are concerned, pick up a cheap thrift store/garage sale bike, tear it down and rebuild (then donate it back if you want). I doubt someone mechanically inclined could do much damage, unless you attempt to disassemble parts such as the derailleur itself, or some more complicated shifters. The park tool site is great by the way.
Enjoy!!