Wrenching Wednesdays: One question I frequently get from my clients who come into the shop is, “Where can I find reliable information on how to do basic repairs on my bike?” This is a good question, because even though we live in an age of information, it is far too easy to click on a YouTube video and receive poor advice from someone claiming to be an expert. Avoid misinformation by following these guidelines.
Photo by: Beth Permemter
Ask Your Local Bike Shop
Most bicycle mechanics, such as myself, learned our craft not just from on-the-job training but from absorbing any additional resources we could find. When I was just getting started, it was crucial for me to advance my skills as quickly as possible in order to keep my value high and my name on the weekly schedule. So, asking your local reputable mechanic is a great way to learn about any maintenance clinics that are being held in your area, or they might recommend books or videos that helped them learn their skills.
2. YouTube
This one you’ll have to be careful with. Anyone can post a video and claim that the information is valid. Stick with channels that you know come from a reputable source, or do research on the channel host to help you decide if you can trust their advice. I recommend following official channels made by the manufacturers who make the bike components you want to work on. Park Tool is a great channel for learning mechanical adjustments. If you want to learn how to set up your suspension, look up Rockshox, Fox, or whatever company manufactures your fork and/or rear shock. Some decent third-party channels I enjoy include Berm Peak and Global Mountain Bike Network. Calirado Kid, a channel that has been dedicated to mainly humorous mountain bike videos, has recently started providing informative ones.
3. Bike School
Yes! There are official bike schools, and you don’t need to be an aspiring mechanic to attend. The United Bicycle Institute in Ashland, Oregon, is the most well-known and offers a variety of classes for all skill levels, including suspension clinics, wheel building classes, and basic home mechanic classes. This school is one of the few that offers a mechanic certification course that requires passing a written and workshop test. Another school is Appalachian Bicycle Institute, which is just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. I remember taking a private lesson with Jenny, the school founder, during my early days as a mechanic. In my opinion, learning how to wrench efficiently as a woman is best taught by another woman. Jenny taught me how to obtain maximum leverage by using body position and proper tools, which was one of the most important lessons I have learned as a mechanic and have shared with my maintenance students.
4. Non-Profit Bike Organizations
As a female mechanic who lives on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., I can say that we are lucky to have access to multiple non-profit bike shops, such as Phoenix Bikes in Arlington, Virginia. These places are great resources for people wishing to find affordable refurbished bikes and service. They rely heavily on volunteers, which means they offer various opportunities to people who want to learn how to fix their bikes and give back to the community. Nonprofit shops tend to offer clinics and seek out volunteers to fix donated bikes for resale, which is a great way to learn. Unfortunately, this option doesn’t apply to everyone since this is something mainly found in urban areas.
5. Books
Books that are set up well with interesting descriptions and diagrams can be a joy to flip through. The first book I acquired for my now extensive bike book library was the Park Tool BBB-4 Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair. During my first couple of years as a mechanic, I found myself referring to this book many times. If you are looking for something that is quirky but useful, Richard’s Bicycle Book, published back in 1972, is an oldie but a goodie. Although this last suggestion is technically not a book, I highly recommend Sheldon Brown’s website, which will have anything and everything having to do with bicycle mechanics, from beginner articles on gear shifting and a gear inch calculator to the most obscure articles about unusual bikes, such as Moultons.
About the Author
Beth Permenter is a pro bike mechanic and service manager at a specialty shop in Vienna, VA, where she keeps everything from full-suspension trail rigs to quirky vintage rides rolling smoothly. With a specialty in folding bikes, recumbents, and internal gear hubs, she’s the go-to for tricky repairs and oddball setups.
A 2022 Q.P.B. Gender Diversity Scholarship recipient, Beth earned her certification at the United Bicycle Institute and has toured bike factories worldwide, geeking out over design and manufacturing. She’s also big on adaptive cycling, volunteering to help riders with disabilities hit the trails—and she’s working to grow those programs in Virginia and beyond.
When she’s not wrenching, Beth’s out riding, camping, or scouting her next adventure. This year, she’s aiming to line up for her first mountain bike race.
