The problem with almost all written material is there are missing parts to each procedure. Some points are a big deal. Most people who write mechanical material are neither writers or educators, they are written by mechanics who learned most procedures through the school of hard knocks. The leading schools are based off of the Schwinn mechanics school. Lots of technology has been created in the last 30 years. Brake pad materials, brake calipers, lubrication, bearings, brake and shift levers, front suspension, frame materials, frame design, rear suspension, tools to measure, (steer tube materials, tools, parts, and processes) and so on and so on.
Example: if the rear drop outs are not parallel then they will change angle as the quick release is closed. The derailleur hanger angle will be changed. Each time the wheel is removed then reinstalled the pressure of the QR will change the sprung drop out angle then make the derailleur out of adjustment. If you are going to spend the time to align the drop outs, you might as well adjust the spacing, and the alignment of the rear triangles. Then you can start with book adjustments: Hanger alignment, high set screw, cable anchor, low set, B knuckle, cable seating and adjustment.
The lessons leave out frame materials, replacing hangers. Derailleur quality, inspection, lubrication, cable quality, treatments, lubrication. Housing quality, housing length, ferrule types and qualities. Chain quality, flex, lubrication, cleaning, wear, dynamic motion,
Every thing I am writing is vague and can be expanded upon greatly. There is so much to learn from material engineers, lubrication chemists, mechanical engineers, professional trainers, educators and many others inside and outside of the bicycle industry. Some times you even have to create new processes.
I am creating a new school and I have an idea for all of your programs. If you had an advanced set of lesson plans, Would you like to be able to teach a professional program to professional mechanics or students in your area? Would you like to have a certification program to elevate the quality bicycle industry in your town?
Part II : If you had a highly trained mechanic that was slow would you hire them? I also have ergonomic training, advanced organization for assembly and repair, speed tools. We have procedures that can increase productivity and decrease a seasoned professionals time by a third. Would you want to be able to effect the industry in positive ways and help your own organization?
My thoughts are these. Most of you are educators, with great material you can do amazing things if give the oppertunity. Second: Most shops would like to have professional processes, skills and procedures. No one wants to be an OK mechanic, we all want to be the best we can be. This program is years of hard work to elevate the industry. I am one man, I want to change the industry, I need lots of great teachers to do that.
Would your bike collective like to give opportunity to youth, adults and change the professional industry for the better?
Christopher Wallace Holistic Cycles
-----Original Message----- From: John Barrett Jonny@goodlifebikes.ca To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Thu, May 26, 2011 7:34 am Subject: [TheThinkTank] Step-by-step Mechanic Lessons Request
Hi,
Does anyone have documents for step-by-step individual mechanical tasks (IE rear derailleur adjustment). We want to make individual instruction sheets to have available in the shop so that it's really simple for folks to learn on their own.
I realize this sort of thing is widely available through many books and the Internet, but it would be great if there's an already formatted doc available.
Thanks!