- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Wheel Building classes
by Jason Tanzman 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Hi Rich and others, At Sibley Bike Depot in St. Paul, MN we've taught a number of successful wheel building classes. We usually have 8-14 participants. We usually have two instructors (pretty much for all of our classes) which includes one mechanic with reasonable wheel building experience and one mechanic who works at Quality Bike Products in the Wheel Building division (so he is truly an expert). We've tried both used parts and new parts for our wheels; since we're usually low in 27" rear wheels, in our last class, we deconstructed 27" front rims (which are always in abundance) and rebuilt the rims with rear high flange Normandy hubs (in abundance off of old schwinns and others). This ended up not working super well - the single wall used rims did not rebuild well, and we had a couple wheels literally taco in my hands when I was attempting to de-tension spokes. We built a few wheels using the rear normandy hubs and new Sun CR18 rims - those worked way better. We used new spokes for all wheel builds. In general, wheel building is pretty hard to teach, especially if you're using used rims. For future wheel building classes, I think we will build with all new parts - we've built a number of track wheels using dimension/formula hubs - it comes to around $65/wheel wholesale in parts but you can sell those wheels for $100-120, or put them on old road bikes and add value (especially if your shop is having trouble getting decent bikes donated for your sales floor). You can also charge $20 for parts/materials for the class to offset the investment in expensive new parts - that's what we do (registration is free for all classes, except for the parts/materials offset for wheel classes). We have always let people purchase parts at retail prices and build wheels for themselves - it gives us a bit of revenue, and people get to build something that they can keep. Jason Tanzman jtanzman(a)riseup.net thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Cutting Bike Locks (Scott Beardsley) > 2. Anyone have a wheel building class curriculum? (Rich Points) > 3. Re: Cutting Bike Locks (Stuart O Anderson) > 4. Re: Cutting Bike Locks (reno bikes) > 5. Re: Anyone have a wheel building class curriculum? (Sam Santos) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:25:22 -0700 > From: Scott Beardsley <scott(a)sacbikekitchen.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Cutting Bike Locks > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <67b59b4e0906231525r103fccd9w6f9b84b37540e9b8(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > I'm involved with the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen in California. We > recently sealed a deal with the local Police to take 30-40 bikes/month > off of their hands in return for working with troubled (meaning > law-breaking) teens (something we're doing already anyways). I'm > really excited about this and it'll bring even more exposure to our > quickly growing shop/org along with giving us a ton of extra used > parts. I have a question about breaking/cutting locks. Most of the > bikes we will get still have locks (U-locks, chains, cables locks, > etc) on them. What is the best way to remove these? Right now we are > passing it on to the customer, but it'd be nice to at least have the > proper tools if they wanted to DIY it. So far we have zero power tools > in the shop. This might end up being the exception. What do we need to > consider? Eye protection for everyone? Tell me how you handle these > issues in your shop. > > Thanks! > Scott > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:27:16 -0600 > From: Rich Points <rich(a)communitycycles.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Anyone have a wheel building class curriculum? > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: <4A4156C4.6030207(a)communitycycles.org> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed" > > Hey All, > We're developing a wheel building class here at Community Cycles. We > have a rough idea of what we'd like to do but we could use some help > smoothing it out. > > We're thinking the class would be three 2 hour sessions at a cost of $X > to 6 - 8 students. > > We've thought of two ways to go about supplies for the class. One would > be to use recycled rims, hubs, nipples and maybe spokes. Another way > would be to buy the parts from our wholesalers. The latter option means > we could have control of what the class is working with. The former > option could mean a lot more on the fly problem solving for the > instructor and class but it'd be a lot cheaper for us and our students. > I'm leaning towards the new parts option because I think it'll provide > the highest quality of instruction. What do you guys think? > > Another question we're trying to figure out is what happens to the > wheels that get built in the class. At our shop we're always in dire > need of 700cc wheels. So we're thinking the class could build 700 > wheels and they'd be used by the shop. However people taking the class > may want to build wheels that they'd keep as their own. If we structure > the class to just build 700 fronts we have more consistency and > control. If we let folks build wheels for their own projects the class > might have more general appeal but presents logistical and supplies > hurdles. > > Please let us know how your shop is teaching wheel building. > > Ride On! > >

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bylaws
by KRANK IT UP community bicycle shop 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

there is a new info shop opening here in tallahassee and they are working on bylaws so they can start working on their 501(c)3 and state nonprofit paperwork. the organization is a collective and i suggested setting up the board of directors as an advisory board that has no decision making ability, much like the yellow bike project in austin. my question is: do the bylaws have to contain the decision making methods of the collective, or can they just have information on the board and just state that decisions are made by the collective counsel? i guess the benefit would be that the collective can have be more fluid in its structure if its not contained in the bylaws, but if the board has no decision making ability, will the government accept bylaws without the collectives structure? justin krank it up! community bicycle project 663 industrial drive tallahassee, fl 32310 www.krankitup.info > From: thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > Subject: Thethinktank Digest, Vol 34, Issue 27 > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:00:58 -0700 > > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Wheels and Truing Workspaces in your shop > (Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:37:23 -0400 > From: "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Wheels and Truing Workspaces in your shop > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <eddde2f70906211537s25a53615g25a59291d969dd52(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Here's a picture of our modest truing station...The cone wrenches reside > next to the station on the master toolkit, along with chain breakers and > other stuff. The whole setup is movable, though it usually stays right > where it is. As you can see, it tends to collect random junk/parts, like > all flat surfaces in the shop. > > Brian > > Urban Bike Project of Wilmington > -a 501(c)3 non-profit bike shop- > 1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the building) > Wilmington, DE 19802 > > Hours: > Thursday 6:30-9:00 > Saturday 1:00-4:00 > > Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org > > > On Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 1:45 PM, <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Here's a picture of the bicycle kitchen (LA)'s wheel truing "room",<http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ms7n82ikuU5mhdJSEq_aTA?authkey=Gv1sRgC…>taken when I was visiting late last year. > > > > The thing I liked most about it was the directional lighting above each > > stand. It's also set up at a sitting height, with chairs. Presumably, when > > you're using a truing stand, you'll be at it much longer than if you were at > > a vise or something. It's also outside of the normal flow of traffic/shop > > floor, so you can focus more readily on the wheel you're working on without > > being distracted. Very nice. > > > > > > On Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 11:07 AM, rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org>wrote: > > > >> We keep the cone wrenches by the stationary truing stand, and that's in > >> the back of the shop, so you have to travel a long way to get to those > >> wrenches. The box wrenches live near the front of the shop, far far away > >> from the cone wrenches. Seems to help. I do think people get hungry > >> sometimes and gnaw on the cone wrenches. > >> > >> The freewheel tools are in the center of the shop, next to the vice. > >> > >> -rachael > >> > >> > >> On Sun, Jun 21, 2009 at 12:56 PM, Rich Points <rich(a)communitycycles.org>wrote: > >> > >>> Collectives, > >>> We're about to start digging into setting up our new space, specifically > >>> the wheel and truing station. Right now we have a dedicated work space for > >>> a truing stand, spokes and hubs but our cone wrenches, free wheel and > >>> cassette tools are mixed in with our general tool bench. Because of this > >>> our cone wrenches are often used for the most inappropriate jobs imaginable. > >>> We also have a couple extra truing stands that float around the shop. > >>> > >>> Now that we have a little more space we want to set up a wheels and > >>> truing area of the shop. I'd love to see photos of how you do this in your > >>> shops. > >>> > >>> Looking forward to your responses. > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Rich Points > >>> Community Cycles Director > >>> http://CommunityCycles.org > >>> Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org > >>> 720-565-6019 (W) > >>> 303-589-0597 (C) > >>> Donate your old car to Community Cycles > >>> http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/donatecar.html > >>> Make your ride count! Register for Bike to Work Day June 24, 2009 > >>> http://www.drcog.org/btwd2009/index.cfm?page=Register > >>> > >>> _______________________________________________ > >>> Thethinktank mailing list > >>> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > >>> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > >>> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > >>> To manage your subscription, plase visit: > >>> > >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >>> > >> > >> > >> > >> -- > >> Sopo Bicycle Cooperative > >> 404-425-9989 > >> www.sopobikes.org > >> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > >> Hours of operation: > >> Tues, Wed, & Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm > >> Sat & Sun 2 pm - 6 pm > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Thethinktank mailing list > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: > >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >> > >> > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Cutting Bike Locks
by Will Wolfe 23 Jun '09

23 Jun '09

Sticking with the human powered method, we use a 4 1/2 ft. industrial grade, monster of a bolt cutter to get through U-locks and anything else that stands in the way. Don't know where it came from, but its quick and quiet. -Will 21st St. Coop Bike Project --- On Tue, 6/23/09, reno bikes <renobikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: reno bikes <renobikeproject(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Cutting Bike Locks To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 11:16 PM angle grinder with cutting wheel. On Tue, Jun 23, 2009 at 3:56 PM, Stuart O Anderson <soa(a)ri.cmu.edu> wrote: Bolt-cutters are low cost and pretty safe, and will get you through cables and chains. A hacksaw is slow and labor intensive but will eventually get you through a u-lock. An angle-grinder with a good cutting disc is my preferred tool for this work, although I wouldn't feel comfortable handing it to a random volunteer. If you do get an angle grinder, consider getting a 6" one so you can use it to cut up frames too, I've also heard (but never used myself) that a portable hand-held bandsaw (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_20030896…) works well for this... Stuart On Tue, Jun 23, 2009 at 6:25 PM, Scott Beardsley<scott(a)sacbikekitchen.org> wrote: > I'm involved with the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen in California. We > recently sealed a deal with the local Police to take 30-40 bikes/month > off of their hands in return for working with troubled (meaning > law-breaking) teens (something we're doing already anyways). I'm > really excited about this and it'll bring even more exposure to our > quickly growing shop/org along with giving us a ton of extra used > parts. I have a question about breaking/cutting locks. Most of the > bikes we will get still have locks (U-locks, chains, cables locks, > etc) on them. What is the best way to remove these? Right now we are > passing it on to the customer, but it'd be nice to at least have the > proper tools if they wanted to DIY it. So far we have zero power tools > in the shop. This might end up being the exception. What do we need to > consider? Eye protection for everyone? Tell me how you handle these > issues in your shop. > > Thanks! > Scott > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org > To manage your subscription, plase visit: > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives..org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- www.renobikeproject.com Wed-Sat 11-6pm 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list. -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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collective call
by bike talk 22 Jun '09

22 Jun '09

Hi, I stopped writing our weekly emails to the thinktank list because some collectives were getting kind of cranky (pun!) about all the email and the local issues we put out, but I think this is a valid query: does anyone want to be part of a collective phone call, otherwise known as a conference call, about collective issues like spreadsheets, shop space, volunteers, structure, and management? I think we'd be doing it thurs. night. Nick -- please let us know if you want to be taken off this list. Hear Bike Talk! live on www.killradio.org, 10am-noon Saturdays. Call in at (213) 252-0998. Hear the podcast at kpfk.org: http://www.kpfk.org/programs/170-bike-talk.html See what's new with us at www.biketalk.us

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Wheels and Truing Workspaces in your shop
by Rich Points 21 Jun '09

21 Jun '09

Collectives, We're about to start digging into setting up our new space, specifically the wheel and truing station. Right now we have a dedicated work space for a truing stand, spokes and hubs but our cone wrenches, free wheel and cassette tools are mixed in with our general tool bench. Because of this our cone wrenches are often used for the most inappropriate jobs imaginable. We also have a couple extra truing stands that float around the shop. Now that we have a little more space we want to set up a wheels and truing area of the shop. I'd love to see photos of how you do this in your shops. Looking forward to your responses. -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) Donate your old car to Community Cycles http://communitycycles.org/get-involved/donatecar.html Make your ride count! Register for Bike to Work Day June 24, 2009 http://www.drcog.org/btwd2009/index.cfm?page=Register

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volunteer application
by Liza Mattana 20 Jun '09

20 Jun '09

Hey, Does anyone have a volunteer application they'd be willing to share? Pedals2People is finally seeing a lot of interest from possible volunteers, and we feel like we should have a more formal process for new folks. Before, it was all friends-of-friends showing up, but now we're actually growing (yay!) and meeting many new people. If there's a helpful application out there, please send it my way! Thanks, Liza -- Liza Mattana president www.pedals2people.org Spokane, WA

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BICAS is hiring!
by troy neiman 18 Jun '09

18 Jun '09

Hiring Community Mechanic/Educator. 20hrs/week BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Action & Salvage) is a collectively-run non-profit community education and recycling center for bicycles. We are currently seeking a qualified mechanic to fill shifts in our community shop and co-coordinate womens and trans classes/workshops. Duties include: teaching bicycle repair skills, refurbishing bikes, coordinating volunteers, assisting customers, etc. Strong mechanical and personal skills, bilingual, and commitment for long term employment a plus. $8.50/hr. Accepting resumes until Aug 1st @ 44 W. 6th St (drop in or mail) or e-mail bicas(a)bicas.org. Call 628-7950 for more information. www.bicas.org. Love Peace and Bicycle Grease! -- Be Yourself @ mail.com! Choose From 200+ Email Addresses Get a Free Account at www.mail.com

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"discrimination concern"
by Plan B 18 Jun '09

18 Jun '09

Hey y'all, This is Victor at Plan B down in Hot as Hell New Orleans (the new official name for the city). I just got this email, and it's almost laughable, but I wanna deal with it in by using an accountable and knowledgeable (and perhaps vicious) response. I'd love some ideas. Here's the email, in it's entirety. /While viewing your website, I have noted that tuesday nights are exclusive to women and transexuals- I hope that you are aware that as a non-profit this constitutes sexual discrimination. If you do not cancel this event, I may refer the situation to the ACLU. Thank You, Thomas Taylor /My gut instinct is to be a jerk. My original response started with the line, " Dear Big Dummy...." I'm not the best at responding to jerks, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks y'all! Overheated hugs and sweaty kisses, Victor

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Shop Signage
by Erik Stockmeier 18 Jun '09

18 Jun '09

Hi- The Recyclery is almost finished moving into our new storefront and making some nice signs to help people understand who we are and what we do (among other things). I know we have all figured out much of this on our separate owns, but what kind of community shop-specific signs do we all have? is there a collection of them somewhere? I know the wiki is down... But specifically I'm thinking about the many "we will not fix your bike for you..." type signs. does anyone have any lists?

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Hiring at Bikes Not Bombs
by arik grier 12 Jun '09

12 Jun '09

Bikes Not Bombs seeks to hire a Director of International Programs to oversee BNB’s overseas development work. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Salary range is $32,000 – 35,000 based on experience. The Director of International Programs reports to the Executive Director. BNB is a vibrant, open, effective, and collaborative non-profit organization. Staff members and volunteers are determined and hardworking, the environment is fast-paced and friendly, and the work is demanding and rewarding. Professional development is considered a high priority, and we strive to achieve a strong sense of community and solidarity. Responsibilities: ➢ Develop and manage relationships with BNB’s new and existing international partners, including: o Identify and evaluate potential new overseas partners in terms of their capacity and potential to initiate, manage, and sustain a bicycle-based enterprise and/or educational project. o Develop Memoranda of Agreement that includes project timelines, budgets, fiscal agreements, guidelines, and expectations. o Recruit, train, supervise, and support BNB international trainers to provide intensive, on-the-ground assistance for new projects. o Evaluate projects’ progress and needs, and provide guidance and technical assistance on a regular and as-needed basis. ➢ Schedule and oversee logistics of material support of international projects, including: o Manage the procurement of tools, parts, and other items needed by international projects, securing shipping containers, coordinating and overseeing container loadings, recruiting volunteers, ensuring paperwork is properly completed, managing communication with custom officials, invoicing, and managing relationships with trucking companies and freight forwarders. o Manage bicycle procurement, preparation, and storage by working with other BNB staff and key volunteers. o Supervise and support volunteer Bike Drive Coordinator and Assistants in the planning and implementation of bike drives. o Manage issues related to BNB’s offsite storage, which is primarily used for bikes to be shipped overseas, including the use of this storage for Wednesday Volunteer Nights. o Help to coordinate and staff Wednesday Volunteer Nights, where volunteers process and store bikes to be shipped overseas. ➢ With the Executive Director and other development staff identify, report on, and solicit sources of support for the program, including grants and individuals: o Identify event opportunities to promote BNB’s international work; help to organize and staff events. o Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors who have a specific interest in international work. o Help to develop strategies for new revenue streams (e.g., fee for service activities). ➢ Draft the International Programs’ annual budget; monitor expenses and provide quarterly reports to the Executive Director and International Committee; assist ED as needed with financial reporting and forecasting. ➢ Recruit members for BNB International Committee, coordinate and oversee involvement of each member, and schedule and facilitate monthly meetings. ➢ Facilitate and promote interaction between the International Program and other BNB departments, including: o Work with the BNB youth development programs to develop opportunities for cultural exchange and engaging local youth in international work and events. ➢ Develop and oversee efforts that help to spread Appropriate Technology designs among international partners, and share knowledge between them. o Stay up-to-date on latest research and innovations in the fields of bicycle-related and appropriate technology (AT). o Cultivate relationships with MIT’s Design Lab and key innovators – both individuals and institutions – in AT. The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics and experience: ➢ 3-5 years experience in the management of international projects with community-based partners ➢ Ability to be both a creative and strategic visionary as well as a practical thinker ➢ Self-motivated, highly organized, systems oriented ➢ Strong written and verbal communication skills in English ➢ Experience in international shipping procedures ➢ Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural competency, strong listening and negotiation skills ➢ Experience in program management and staff/volunteer supervision, with the ability to mentor, motivate, prioritize, and set clear expectations ➢ Facility with Macintosh computers, and experience using MS Word and Excel ➢ Must be willing and able to work some evenings and weekends ➢ Multi-lingual candidates (Spanish, Swahili, French, and Haitian Creole) highly preferred ➢ Knowledge of bike shop procedures, shop tooling, sales, bicycle assembly and repair operations ➢ Demonstrated commitment to alternative transportation, grass-roots organizations, and international development Please submit a cover letter and résumé to hiring(a)bikesnotbombs.org by June 22, 2009. Target start date is August 1. Bikes Not Bombs encourages applicants of diverse age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, physical ability, religion, and sexuality.

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