Wrench your way to a happy bike!

Find out what makes your bottom bracket tick, and how to make it stop!

From flat tires to shifting gears, from brakes to bearings, learn bike repair and maintenance at the Des Moines Bicycle Collective.
In the introduction to "Anybody's Bike Book," Tom Cuthertson writes,
"Many of you (especially the ladies) have been given the idea that if something is mechanical, you can't do it. That's outrageous. Bicycles are not monstrous machines that only wizards can understand. They are all simple enough that with a little know-how and patience, anyone can work on them. You can do it! You don't have to know any magic."

There's not a better time to learn than now. The Des Moines Bicycle Collective now offers a 4-week series of bike maintenance classes on Tuesday evenings. Austin Bailey, a bike mechanic with nine years wrenching experience at Bike World, will lead the classes.Upon completing the class, you will have a tuned-up bike ready to ride. And, you'll have the skills and confidence to keep the bike in good working order for years to come.

Classes will be hands-on, so bring your bike  an inquisitive mind, $80 (credit card, cash or check), and clothes that can get greasy. No previous bike knowledge is required or expected—just bring along your interest in learning the essential skills of maintaining your bike.

To reserve a seat and pay online.

Please sign up for classes ONLY IF you are certain you can make the dates. Space is limited. It really bites when people don't show up and/or cancel at the last minute.
Tuesday evenings, 7-9 p.m.
Location: Des Moines Bicycle Collective, 617 Grand Avenue (downtown Des Moines; Ruan Center is across the street.)

• Class size: Minimum of 4 students, max 8 
• Fee: $80 for package of all four classes
• What to bring: Your bike, your favorite non-alcoholic beverage
• What to wear: work clothes and/or work apron
• Interested? Questions? Plan to show up? Info@dsmbikecollective.org

We'll supply the tools and bike lubricants. There will be a nominal charge for replacement parts such as cables or brake pads. At the end of the class, you'll have a chance to order bike tools at a 10 percent discount.

MORE INSTRUCTION

Do You 3-Speed? Special two-week class on maintenance and repair of Sturmey-Archer 3-speed internal hubs. Instructor Jeff Bock wants to check out your S-A hub before the class begins. Because some replacements parts are hard to acquire, Jeff wants to see what you plan to bring to class. Contact Jeff. $40 gets you a place in the class. We will conduct the class when we get four interested students.