Jacob_R_59 

Hello, I’m a new Forum member. I’d like to know if folks have thoughts about the value of Park shop classes?

I don’t have the tools or expertise to install headsets and bottom brackets, so I pay a mechanic to install those and then I assemble the rest of the bike myself.

I’d really like to do as much of my own work as possible so I’m open to suggestions!

Thanks!

Jacob_R_59

veganbikes

Learning how to work on bikes can be quite fun and Park Tool is great at instruction. Not a terrible idea if you are interested in wrenching. However be prepared to buy tools (which is not a bad thing, good quality tools are well worth it) I am about to buy more Snap-On stuff because the Snap-On truck that I normally go to is stopping by the shop on a special excursion outside of their normal sell zone (because we buy a decent amount of stuff at the shop and he is dropping off a big cab) New tool day can be as fun as new bike day and sometimes can almost cost as much.

However it is still not a terrible thing to pay a mechanic to do the work. I don't always want to work on my bikes or have an issue I can't solve and am happy to pass it off to another more skilled mechanic to get the jerb done.

Rogerogeroge

Don't pay to learn to wrench on your own bikes. There are tons of great videos that lay out what to do. The problem is there are also tons of videos that aren't great and give bad advice. Learn what's good and what isn't. Art's Cyclery is very reputable and makes great videos. Sheldon Brown is a great resource, although not in video format. If you're looking to wrench on bikes for a career, then Barnett's Bicycle Institute can give you certification that will greatly increase your employability at bike shops across the US. I don't think the Park training carries nearly as much weight.

Rolla

I do think a class can be more helpful than YouTube, if only because you can ask questions and someone can check your work as you go. But learning on your own is certainly do-able, as long as you accept and expect the "error" part of trial-and-error.

I really think the areas you're most likely to get into trouble are in wheelbuilding/dishing/truing (although they're among the most satisfying skills to learn), and pressing in bearings and setting crown races (mostly because of the tools required). In general, most everything else is just matter of threading on parts and making adjustments; and those adjustments get easier as you develop a feel for them.

And therein lies the rub: home mechanics usually don't have to do all that much wrenching on their own bikes, so it's easy for their newly-learned skills to quickly atrophy. Apprenticing in a shop is a great way to learn a lot and stay in practice.

Lazyass

Park has the best videos on you tube. I've been wanting to buy their book.

https://www.parktool.com/product/big...-edition-bbb-4

CliffordK

If you are wanting to tinker on your own bikes... perhaps purchase a beater to tear down and rebuild.

On the other hand, if you are wanting to work in a "shop", perhaps one of the PARK courses would be worthwhile. Nonetheless, book knowledge doesn't fully replace practical experience and ingenuity.

Also check your local community colleges. There may also be expanded offerings that Park doesn't teach including frame building.

Germany_chris

We all learn in different ways, some like me learn from reading, some need interaction with a teacher, and some like you like the videos.

icemilkcoffee 

You don’t need a class to learn to replace the headset or BB. You just need the tools.
Now if you are learning to build wheels or build a bike frame from scratch then yes by all means look for a class.