Day One of the PBMA Dulles Workshop was spectacular. With over 100 mechanics in attendance, the PBMA has shown that it has the numbers to continue development of certifications and standards for members our industry.
Our day started with an introduction from James Stanfill (PBMA President), Matt Bracken (Pedro’s) Calvin Jones (Park Tool), Brett Flemming (EVT), and Josh Parris (Bosch). Afterwards, we broke out into our small groups. I attended the following clinics today:
- FSA – Overview of new hybrid wireless road group, K Force WE, new hydraulic road disc brakes, and warranty procedures.
- SR Suntour – Review of new fork models, fork service on entry-level and performance models, review of small parts needed for service departments and the company’s fork upgrade program.
- Enduro Bearings – Information about bearings, from the history of the bearing, to bearing nomenclature, to bottom bracket standards. I never knew I needed to know that much about bearings and bearing systems.
- DT Swiss – A great hands-on clinic, covering hub overhauls, hub standards and modularity, spoke types, and a bit of wheel building theory.
- Park Tool – The best clinic and demonstration I’ve ever participated in regarding force on a wheel during use. Calvin Jones taught an amazing class that explained wheel theory in a very easy-to-understand manner.
It’s been a long training day, with two more ahead of us. I’m looking forward to more discussions with industry friends and other fellow mechanics. More to come…
PROBIKEWRENCH 
Looks like a good clinic. I took the Schwinn Bicycle Mechanic school many years ago. I worked all night helping TSam build and design the first two Freedom Ryder Handcycles that Bob Whieland used when he was the first person to ride a Handcycle across the United States. I owned two Bicycle shops in the Sacramento area at the time.
I never thought I would become disabled and become a handcyclist. I have been repairing and contributed to upgrades on Freedom Ryders. I ride a LC1 Freedom Ryder and Invacare Force RX on a regular basis, The Freedom Ryder is a better Handcycle when casual riding with a mixed group of cyclist because, I am upright and conversation is easier with bicyclists. I ride the Force RX when I train more often because I like the riding position and less wind resistance. High speed fast down hill curves are not it’s forte. I really feel the centrifugal force on tight turns at high speed which is very unnerving. The Freedom Ryder, because of it’s lean&steer design allows leaning into the turns like a bicycle.
Both handcycles have a Disc Brake on the front wheel which work much better caliper rim brakes. I have ridden and worked on most Handcycles on the market. There are many choices and I suggest you test ride as many as you can before you buy a Handcycle. Most Adaptive Non-profit cycling clinics have three to five models you can try at their Clinics. I also have Handcycles available for demos. I strongly suggest you attend an Adaptive Sports Clinics in your area and try Handcycling on as many models the have before making a choice of Handcycle. My phone:
720-341-1073
Thanks for your reply, Mark. I have a little experience with handcycles and adaptive cycling. Worked a few paracycling events a few years back. I always want to learn more, so I will keep your number on file and reach out if I have a question. Thanks for making yourself available and reaching out.