Making money as the pandemic subsides

[Patrick]

Couple of years ago the local communities adult education setup had a class on how to maintain your bike, which was offered by one of the local shop. I would be up for a class like that which will allow me to do the minor stuff and take the bike to local shop for major stuff (anything around safety related - specifically brakes).

There is so much on YouTube now - someone should associate the best videos with each page of sheldonbrown.com!
Or at least collect the stuff into some logical progression. Or just google!

What you'll run into is not having the tools. Then finding a way to do it with what you have, and wondering why it doesn't quite work.

having some spare cables (if you do cables) and a cable cutter is a good start.
shock pump ! a must have for FS. a maybe for the hardtail.
decent allen keys, esp the kind with the ball end.
torx t handle
torque wrench in the bike range - they sell bike specific sets
chain whip
cassette removal tool
Chain break
Tire irons (or whatever they are called now)
then the standard toolbox with wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc
small compressor helps
Oh, lots of different size brushes for cleaning - stuff gets gummed up
Then the correct lube for the part

What i miss?

Then have at it. You can always do like i do and bring it to the shop after it doesn't work quite right.

You'll be able to change brake pads, and reset the calipers with the right tools and a little practice.

My gut says @Karate Monkey would give great advice on how/what to get started and how to progress.
if he hasn't already written it up on here somewhere.

Plenty of the "shop" people will give an honest opinion if stymied. (hint: ask good questions after researching)

 

[Bike N Gear]

There is so much on YouTube now - someone should associate the best videos with each page of sheldonbrown.com!
Or at least collect the stuff into some logical progression. Or just google!

What you'll run into is not having the tools. Then finding a way to do it with what you have, and wondering why it doesn't quite work.

having some spare cables (if you do cables) and a cable cutter is a good start.
shock pump ! a must have for FS. a maybe for the hardtail.
decent allen keys, esp the kind with the ball end.
torx t handle
torque wrench in the bike range - they sell bike specific sets
chain whip
cassette removal tool
Chain break
Tire irons (or whatever they are called now)
then the standard toolbox with wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, etc
small compressor helps
Oh, lots of different size brushes for cleaning - stuff gets gummed up
Then the correct lube for the part

What i miss?

Then have at it. You can always do like i do and bring it to the shop after it doesn't work quite right.

You'll be able to change brake pads, and reset the calipers with the right tools and a little practice.

My gut says @Karate Monkey would give great advice on how/what to get started and how to progress.
if he hasn't already written it up on here somewhere.

Plenty of the "shop" people will give an honest opinion if stymied. (hint: ask good questions after researching)

TLDR.

YouTube does wonders for my customers. This way they totally destroy parts before it gets here instead of leaving it the F alone.

 

[Patrick]

TLDR.

YouTube does wonders for my customers. This way they totally destroy parts before it gets here instead of leaking it the F alone.

In!

 

[Mahnken]

TLDR.

YouTube does wonders for my customers. This way they totally destroy parts before it gets here instead of leaving it the F alone.

Job security, lol. When I did HVAC, some of the best service calls came after the customer tried to fix things on their own. One guy went and got himself a refrigeration certification so he could buy refrigerant and fix things himself. Shortly after that I had to remove 10 pounds of refrigerant from a system that only needed a total of 4 😂

 

[Karate Monkey]

My gut says @Karate Monkey would give great advice on how/what to get started and how to progress.
if he hasn't already written it up on here somewhere.

Had to read/re-read this a few times to get what's going on. @dvaidya your best bet for "starting" is to volunteer at a co-op (the Bike Exchange, if you happen to be near Trenton, is a good place).

The more I've worked on other people's stuff, the more I've come to an uncomfortable realization:

It isn't specific knowledge that needs to be taught for most people, but mechanical competency. If you understand how/why threaded fasteners work, you are unlikely to break/over or under-tighten (you'll also come to understand why winging it with torque on super light parts is a bad plan). If you know the hows/whys of hydraulic systems, you aren't going to break it/draw air in working on it. Bicycle wheels (really the only "unique" thing in the bicycle world) don't need to be rammed right up to the maximum tension able to be withstood by the rim, once you understand WHY and HOW they work. Working methodically is more important that some kind of 'hidden knowledge'--it doesn't exist, in my experience. Certain manufacturers assume competency, but Shimano--for instance--publishes a dealer manual for EVERYTHING that you might need to install. I never had any kind of 'shop' class in school (they were all long ended for lack of funding), but was raised in a cabinetry shop. Basic understanding of tools brings you way further than any kind of specialist training.

There is a certain amount of repetition that needs to be done with tasks for you to do them quickly, and surely the right tools/information is critical--BUT--it all comes back down to mechanical competency; I exchanged part of the air spring on my fork recently, and I am struck by how fiddly retaining rings are. Someone who has never used/installed/removed one would have a hell of a time with it, even with the right tools.

I took this picture some time ago, but for 99.9% of work on bicycles, this is all you ever need (my hammer, cassette tool/chain whip are in the bag). The only "special" tools are the tire levers, spoke wrench, chain tool, and cassette stuff mentioned above. That's it, and it could be pared down EVEN MORE if I really wanted to.

What does it mean for the at-home mechanic? Most of your maintenance can be handled by a couple of screwdrivers, a set of L and Torx keys, and a pair of wire-rope cutters. That's it, and rather underwhelming, at that.

 

[Santapez]

Had to read/re-read this a few times to get what's going on. @dvaidya your best bet for "starting" is to volunteer at a co-op (the Bike Exchange, if you happen to be near Trenton, is a good place).

The more I've worked on other people's stuff, the more I've come to an uncomfortable realization:

It isn't specific knowledge that needs to be taught for most people, but mechanical competency. If you understand how/why threaded fasteners work, you are unlikely to break/over or under-tighten (you'll also come to understand why winging it with torque on super light parts is a bad plan). If you know the hows/whys of hydraulic systems, you aren't going to break it/draw air in working on it. Bicycle wheels (really the only "unique" thing in the bicycle world) don't need to be rammed right up to the maximum tension able to be withstood by the rim, once you understand WHY and HOW they work. Working methodically is more important that some kind of 'hidden knowledge'--it doesn't exist, in my experience. Certain manufacturers assume competency, but Shimano--for instance--publishes a dealer manual for EVERYTHING that you might need to install. I never had any kind of 'shop' class in school (they were all long ended for lack of funding), but was raised in a cabinetry shop. Basic understanding of tools brings you way further than any kind of specialist training.

There is a certain amount of repetition that needs to be done with tasks for you to do them quickly, and surely the right tools/information is critical--BUT--it all comes back down to mechanical competency; I exchanged part of the air spring on my fork recently, and I am struck by how fiddly retaining rings are. Someone who has never used/installed/removed one would have a hell of a time with it, even with the right tools.

I took this picture some time ago, but for 99.9% of work on bicycles, this is all you ever need (my hammer, cassette tool/chain whip are in the bag). The only "special" tools are the tire levers, spoke wrench, chain tool, and cassette stuff mentioned above. That's it, and it could be pared down EVEN MORE if I really wanted to.

What does it mean for the at-home mechanic? Most of your maintenance can be handled by a couple of screwdrivers, a set of L and Torx keys, and a pair of wire-rope cutters. That's it, and rather underwhelming, at that.

-I like your tool selection. I'm a big fan of Wera. I'm a bit jealous of your Knipex cable cutters but the generic ones I have work well.
-Spot on with your description of mechanical aptitude. I think those that have it don't understand how those that don't, don't. And the opposite is pretty true.
-The $50 tool kits in a blow molded case are pretty much everything you need for 90% of working on bikes outside of cables. Much nicer having good Allen keys, nice spoke keys, etc and such however.

How do you like the Joker wrenches? I've been eyeing a set.

 

[dvaidya]

Had to read/re-read this a few times to get what's going on. @dvaidya your best bet for "starting" is to volunteer at a co-op (the Bike Exchange, if you happen to be near Trenton, is a good place).

The more I've worked on other people's stuff, the more I've come to an uncomfortable realization:

It isn't specific knowledge that needs to be taught for most people, but mechanical competency. If you understand how/why threaded fasteners work, you are unlikely to break/over or under-tighten (you'll also come to understand why winging it with torque on super light parts is a bad plan). If you know the hows/whys of hydraulic systems, you aren't going to break it/draw air in working on it. Bicycle wheels (really the only "unique" thing in the bicycle world) don't need to be rammed right up to the maximum tension able to be withstood by the rim, once you understand WHY and HOW they work. Working methodically is more important that some kind of 'hidden knowledge'--it doesn't exist, in my experience. Certain manufacturers assume competency, but Shimano--for instance--publishes a dealer manual for EVERYTHING that you might need to install. I never had any kind of 'shop' class in school (they were all long ended for lack of funding), but was raised in a cabinetry shop. Basic understanding of tools brings you way further than any kind of specialist training.

There is a certain amount of repetition that needs to be done with tasks for you to do them quickly, and surely the right tools/information is critical--BUT--it all comes back down to mechanical competency; I exchanged part of the air spring on my fork recently, and I am struck by how fiddly retaining rings are. Someone who has never used/installed/removed one would have a hell of a time with it, even with the right tools.

I took this picture some time ago, but for 99.9% of work on bicycles, this is all you ever need (my hammer, cassette tool/chain whip are in the bag). The only "special" tools are the tire levers, spoke wrench, chain tool, and cassette stuff mentioned above. That's it, and it could be pared down EVEN MORE if I really wanted to.

What does it mean for the at-home mechanic? Most of your maintenance can be handled by a couple of screwdrivers, a set of L and Torx keys, and a pair of wire-rope cutters. That's it, and rather underwhelming, at that.

Actually I did reach out to Trenton Bike Exchange to do exactly that. Just need to figure out best way to handle weekday work hrs and volunteering when a mentor is around to guide me.

 

[Karate Monkey]

Actually I did reach out to Trenton Bike Exchange to do exactly that. Just need to figure out best way to handle weekday work hrs and volunteering when a mentor is around to guide me.

@Fire Lord Jim should be able to help here.

How do you like the Joker wrenches? I've been eyeing a set.

I bought them when they released the switch operated ones, and the "classic" flip-to-reverse ones went on sale. 1) the bend on the box side is worth the extra money, and 2) I'm befuddled that they don't make a 9mm one. It's absolutely bizarre. The "12 point" open end works for everything except the 8, where the tolerances are too loose to tighten/break something loose. The nut holder function does work, but is not needed like 99% of the time on a bicycle. Great for working on weird access points on cars, but again, the bend on the box end is super valuable there.

Overall, happy with the quality, but would spend for the switch operated ones if I did it again.

 

[dvaidya]

@Fire Lord Jim should be able to help here.

I bought them when they released the switch operated ones, and the "classic" flip-to-reverse ones went on sale. 1) the bend on the box side is worth the extra money, and 2) I'm befuddled that they don't make a 9mm one. It's absolutely bizarre. The "12 point" open end works for everything except the 8, where the tolerances are too loose to tighten/break something loose. The nut holder function does work, but is not needed like 99% of the time on a bicycle. Great for working on weird access points on cars, but again, the bend on the box end is super valuable there.

Overall, happy with the quality, but would spend for the switch operated ones if I did it again.

@Fire Lord Jim was the one I exchanged PM's with on volunteering. Just need to figure out the timing.

 

[Fire Lord Jim]

I got an alert that I was mentioned in this post. I have no idea what this has to do with making money as the pandemic subsides.

For the most part, we don't work on our bikes enough to get good at it. One could probably substitute many other items for bikes. Our expertise is limited. One way around this is to have and ride 20+ bicycles. Another way is to work on other people's bikes. Something like how to put a new cable in a grip shifter is not always obvious, but having done it thirty times, it becomes rote. Likewise, knowing there even is a tool for it—say the Park cotter crank pin extractor—goes a long way. I have become a much better wrench turner by simply knowing there is a specific wrench.

How to make money as the pandemic subsides? I'm seeing ads for mobile bike repair shops. A repair guy with a van stocked full of parts and tools, comes to your house or job, and does the repair there, avoiding bricks and mortar. This likely works for the mid to low end bike range. Yet when you get to the high end bikes most of you have, there are a lot more specific, non-standard parts. At the Bike Exchange, we are inundated with new, non-standard parts donated by bike shops. Maybe a teardrop profile seat post. Likely only fits one bicycle. So I'm not sure how scalable this mobile repair shop model is.

A current opportunity is the refurbishment and sale of kids bikes. I am looking for someone to take kids bikes, fix them and sell them. I am sending too many kids bikes to scrap metal that could be fixed and used. We don't have the bandwidth: storage, mechanics, sales force, to expand this. Someone with a barn or warehouse, truck or trailer, and the gumption, could have this money making opportunity.

 

[dvaidya]

I got an alert that I was mentioned in this post. I have no idea what this has to do with making money as the pandemic subsides.

For the most part, we don't work on our bikes enough to get good at it. One could probably substitute many other items for bikes. Our expertise is limited. One way around this is to have and ride 20+ bicycles. Another way is to work on other people's bikes. Something like how to put a new cable in a grip shifter is not always obvious, but having done it thirty times, it becomes rote. Likewise, knowing there even is a tool for it—say the Park cotter crank pin extractor—goes a long way. I have become a much better wrench turner by simply knowing there is a specific wrench.

How to make money as the pandemic subsides? I'm seeing ads for mobile bike repair shops. A repair guy with a van stocked full of parts and tools, comes to your house or job, and does the repair there, avoiding bricks and mortar. This likely works for the mid to low end bike range. Yet when you get to the high end bikes most of you have, there are a lot more specific, non-standard parts. At the Bike Exchange, we are inundated with new, non-standard parts donated by bike shops. Maybe a teardrop profile seat post. Likely only fits one bicycle. So I'm not sure how scalable this mobile repair shop model is.

A current opportunity is the refurbishment and sale of kids bikes. I am looking for someone to take kids bikes, fix them and sell them. I am sending too many kids bikes to scrap metal that could be fixed and used. We don't have the bandwidth: storage, mechanics, sales force, to expand this. Someone with a barn or warehouse, truck or trailer, and the gumption, could have this money making opportunity.

It started with me asking if someone was willing to teach a class on bike maintenance and one of the suggestion was to volunteer at bike exchange.

 

[Fire Lord Jim]

Here is your bike repair class.

 

[dusaken]

The pandemic has dramatically shaken the financial well-being of people worldwide. I was left without a job and funds at the very beginning of the pandemic. I had to return to my parents' house and look for a job in my hometown. But taking into account the global situation, I could not find a job. I spent a lot of time on the Internet and learned how to earn money online. One of them allowed me to win real money online instantly. I didn't even believe at first that this money would come to my account. But the funds were credited almost immediately. Since then, it has been my primary source of income.

 

[Bike N Gear]

Didn't click link, but sign me up. What's mom serving for dinner?

 

[JimN]

What's mom serving for dinner?

 

[Patrick]

Might have been a real person behind that.....or not

 

[iman29]

The pandemic has dramatically shaken the financial well-being of people worldwide. I was left without a job and funds at the very beginning of the pandemic. I had to return to my parents' house and look for a job in my hometown. But taking into account the global situation, I could not find a job. I spent a lot of time on the Internet and learned how to earn money online. One of them allowed me to win real money online instantly. I didn't even believe at first that this money would come to my account. But the funds were credited almost immediately. Since then, it has been my primary source of income.

Im good I have a huge deposit coming already from the deputy of the supreme southern tribe in Nigeria who left a fortune in my name.

Just waiting for the check I sent them to clear and then Im good. thanks anyway.

 

[mattybfat]

This is fitting