Tools – PROBIKEWRENCH

PBMA Dulles Workshop – Days 2 & 3

20180207_075058[1] The second and third days of the PBMA Dulles Workshop were as packed with information as the first day, if not more so.

All the seminar attendees began Day Two with a panel discussion about the future of service in our industry. Panelists included Ed Reynolds (PBMA Board Member, Clemmons Bicycle Shop), Jenny Kallista (PBMA Board Member, Appalachian Bicycle Institute), and myself. It was a great discussion panel. Several members of the crowd participated, and several participants appoached us following the discussion for more conversation. The buzzwords around the discussion and the workshop seemed to be “service-only,” “mobile,” and, “consumer-direct.” Take that for what it’s worth. More thoughts to come…

Here’s a breakdown of what my group did on Day Two:

SRAM – Great hands-on clinic. We did a remote lever bleed on a RockShox Reverb dropper post, overhauled a Charger 2 damper for a RockShox Pike, and bled a new SRAM Guide hydraulic disc brake. I learned a lot, and Ed and Simon had great tips on how to sell suspension service and upgrades to customers.

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Stan’s No Tubes– We learned a lot about the history and technology that has led Stan’s to be the industry’s leader in tubeless products. This clinic taught us a lot about different conversions, materials used in sealant, what makes a tubeless rim and tire combination work, and more ways to be profitable by selling tubeless technology to those that come in our shops.

Magura– I thoroughly enjoyed the Magura session in Dulles. Jude Monica, who is really a legend in our industry (and overall great dude), instructed us on how hydraulic brakes work, including some really in-depth drawings of a lever and caliper. The Magura staff also showed us new technology, like their wireless dropper post (WANT), and instructed us on how to properly bleed a Magura brake.

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Ruckus Composites – This seminar, although not really a hands-on period of instruction, was one of my favorites. Carbon, one of the most widely-used materials in bike and component construction, is very mysterious to some people. The guys at Ruckus spent time explaining the material, then showed examples of their carbon repair process. The things that they can do to repair and salvage a broken carbon frame is RIDICULOUS. If you can imagine it, they can probably make it happen, AND paint it to match the old paint job. I was severely impressed.

We finished the evening with a networking event in the lobby. I got to spend some time meeting with new industry folks, catching up with old friends, and sharing war stories with seasoned mechanics. That was a really fun time, and I hope the PBMA continues to integrate that into their events.

Day Three began with a talk by Mike Reisenleiter (Winged Wheel Development), entitled, “Service Profits and the Future of Retail.” His talk took a look deeper into the state of bicycle retail, both now and in the not-so-distant future. The buzzwords kept coming back into the picture, but Mike presented numbers that demonstrated that brick-and-mortar stores are not all going away, but the landscape of how we do business is changing. I found his talk to be very interesting, and plan on discussing these topics with him more in the near future.

The next presentation was from Brett Flemming (Efficient Velo Tools). A former service manager for multiple Bike Gallery locations in Portland, Oregon, Brett followed his passion for tools and founded his own company several years ago. EVT has now become his main job, in addition to speaking gigs around the country with PBMA. I heard Brett speak in Atlanta at a NBDA seminar around ten years ago, and the message remained mostly the same: your quality and customer service should never be compromised, and that will set you above the rest. I thoroughly enjoyed the talk, and the conversation with Brett over the course of my time in Dulles.

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The rest of the final day concluded with two three-hour seminars. The first was the PBMA eTech seminar, taught by Ed Benjamin of the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA). Ed is probably the BEST resource for general e-bike knowledge in the United States. We learned a lot of basic e-bike knowledge, parts, and tools we would need to repair e-bikes. LEVA also offers other advanced certifications to allow mechanics to level up their knowledge and be a better technician for our customers.

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The last clinic of the event was the Campagnolo Tech Clinic. The Campy N.A. crew did a great job teaching us about the history of the company, EPS (Campagnolo’s Electronic Groupsets), the MyCampy app, and their new hydraulic road disc brakes (which is styled and functions a LOT like a Magura brake… ). I have never seen a rotor with a more rounded edge on it, which should silence critics of road disc technology.

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All in all, the PBMA Technical Workshop was a great event, and offered certifications and continuing education units that will be helpful in maintaining my mechanic certification and increasing my effectiveness around my shop. I would highly recommend these events in the future, as I’m sure they will expand to other regions of the country and also modify the courses of instruction as time passes.

EORA Show – Greenville, SC, Feb. 10, 2015

A couple of cool finds at the EORA Winter Show in Greenville, SC

I had a few minutes to kill today, so I stopped by the EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) Winter Show in Greenville. I checked it out last fall, and went ahead and registered for this show, too. For those who have never been to this show, it’s not really bike-oriented… more geared towards folks running outdoors-type stores. Regardless, they had a few bike-related brands, and some other cool stuff to check out. Here are my favorites:

1. Camelbak

I have always loved Camelbak hydration products. They came up with the idea, and they continue to develop new products that are really innovative. The best looking models I saw at the show were the K.U.D.U. packs. They come in two different sizes, multiple color options, 100 oz. reservoir, a load bearing belt with cargo pockets, and up to 915 cubic inches of capacity (for the K.U.D.U. 18).

The coolest part, that isn’t visible while you are wearing the pack, is the Impact Protector. It is a special panel made of multiple foam layers that protect you from the pack’s contents, in case of a crash. It is designed to take multiple impacts, and is very lightweight, at only 2 lb., 8 oz. for the larger model. Definitely an enduro-designed pack, but very eye-catching, and an excellent idea.

One of the coolest extra details of the K.U.D.U. pack, specifically for those like-minded friends who like to have every tool needed to do a minor (or major) trailside repair… a “bike tool organizer,” or as we call it in the pits, a “tool roll.” It’s not really heavy duty, but Camelbak was going for something lightweight that could offer benefit to the rider who needs to pack a lot of stuff in their pack, but keep pointy tools segregated from the rest of their gear. Nice work on this pack, Camelbak.

2. Timex

Timex is on the verge of releasing a game-changing new GPS watch called the ONE GPS+. This watch is the neatest “smart-watch” I’ve seen. The features include:

InstaFix GPS Speed and Distance
Phone-Free Messaging
Find-Me Feature
Live Online Tracking
Music Player
Always-On Sunlight-Readable Qualcomm Mirasol Display
Heart Rate Compatible
50m Water Resistance
Includes 1 year of AT&T mobile data service
Directly connects to Strava, MapMyRun, and RunKeeper apps
Utilizes Bluetooth Technology

I’m pretty sure you have to have AT&T phone service to optimize the messaging functions on the watch. It is a really sleek piece of gear, very comparable in size to the Garmin Forerunner 920xt. I think the social aspects of this fitness watch will prove to be a popular selling feature, as oppposed to other GPS-based watches. Although it may not be cycling/multisport compatible yet, I believe it will get there in the near future. I was impressed. Timex-sponsored athletes are testing the ONE GPS+ right now, but they should be coming soon. Look for a summer/fall release.

3. Leatherman

So… once again, the gear junkie in me comes out. This isn’t a bike-specific product, but it is a sweet new tool from Leatherman. The new Tread tool is basically 25 tools in a nice, neat watchband-style carrying device. It looks like a nicely-machined bracelet, but by removing it, it becomes the be-all, end-all multi-tool. The Tread and the Tread QM1 (same style band, but with a watch face and only 20 tools) both weigh less than 8 oz., and here’s the kicker – they are TSA compliant. Stylish and functional. My kind of fashion accessory.

Got any cool new pieces of gear for me to check out? Shoot me an e-mail at probikewrench@gmail.com and I’ll see if I can get it in for review. Thanks for reading.

Tools I Must Have – Post 1 in a Series

I’ve been drooling over several new tools lately, so I’ve decided to start a list of which tools/items are striking my fancy. Here’s the first of many:

This gem is a sweet new tool from Abbey Bike Works, called the Crombie. The Crombie does the obvious job of removing a cassette lockring. There are a few different models of the Crombie, including a single-sided model with a Campagnolo or Shimano head , a dual-sided model with Campagnolo AND Shimano heads, and a dual-sided SL model with both heads and a hollow handle. The hollow-handled SL model is made with the traveling mechanic in mind, understanding that for those mechanics, like myself, who utilize air travel from time-to-time, there are weight restrictions on toolboxes that we must meet, in order to spare extra fees.

It’s a pretty handy tool with these functions alone, but one additional function of the Crombie makes it stand head and shoulders above the rest. The Crombie fits over the quick release nut, enabling the mechanic to swap cassettes without removing the QR skewer. This is a HUGE plus for anyone having to make a cassette swap in a hurry. Sure it doesn’t take THAT much longer to remove the skewer, but every second counts in a race mechanic’s day… why not make it easier on yourself?

The fact that I can carry a handled multi-use tool, and eliminate two small bits and a wrench, makes this a tool that I must have. Several mechanic friends already have the tool, and are really enjoying it. Abbey Bike Works is also beginning production on a chain whip that the Crombie will slide into, making a very lightweight and compact two-tool combo. Both tools are on my shopping list, and will be purchased soon.

Oh, yeah… for an extra $10, you can get your name engraved on it, making it a truly custom piece. Yes, I’m a nerd. Yes, I’ll probably pop for the custom tool.

For more information on Abbey Bike Works and their line of tools, visit http://www.abbeybiketools.com/

Professionalism in the Workplace

It’s always fun to work on nice things in the shop. Take, for instance, these HED Wheels above. One is a disc rear wheel, the other is a tri-spoke rear wheel. Both are very expensive, aerodynamic upgrades for a time-trial or triathlon bike, and are very rare to see in most bike shops on a daily basis. The wheels were in the shop today to switch axles and overhaul the hubs, a pretty simple task.

I disassembled both hubs to find there was some writing behind the freehub bodies, on the aluminum surface that the carbon is bonded to. It was not etching, like you may find from a machine shop, indicating a lot number or technical specification. It was just a couple of stupid sayings, which made no sense to me, but were obviously written by the last mechanic that had done the same procedure on the wheels.

The writing on the hubs was not a structural or mechanical integrity issue, but rather a professional integrity issue. The writing was put there, thinking that no other mechanic or the owner of the wheels would ever see it. Well… I saw it, and I take issue with it.

If I took my bike to a bike shop, I would want the mechanic that repaired my bike to treat my bike like it is a prized possession. It is, after all, MY prized possession, that I spent my hard-earned money on. Going into a bike shop, the customer has a certain level of trust in the bike mechanic, and from the time they drop off their repair, they believe that the mechanic will do the absolute best job possible, with great attention to detail, and care for the bike.

That was not done in this situation. Was the repair completed by the last shop it was serviced at? Sure. Was it done with care and detail? Absolutely not. No professional bike mechanic, in my opinion, takes a Sharpie to someone else’s property without their permission. Regardless of what it said, whether the customer would never know, or whether or not it affected the performance of the wheels, drawing on someone else’s property like this is childish and disrespectful.

I probably sound like I’m going off the deep end with this one, but I can’t help but feel that if a mechanic doesn’t take the work they are paid to do to your bike seriously, even in little matters like this, would they really provide you a proper level of customer service if you were in a bind? I’ll say it again… working in a bike shop is less about bikes, and more about developing and maintaining relationships with people. If you conduct yourself in a professional manner and provide a premium service, it will be recognized and you will have a loyal, repeat customer. Act like a fool and treat customer badly, and they will pick up on it… and will find another place to have their bike serviced.

I’m not sure why the customer that owns these wheels started bringing them to our shop to service them. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t because he found the writing behind the freehubs on his wheels. Maybe it was because he and I developed a working relationship, and he is more comfortable bringing his bikes to me for service than to take them to another shop, which I know is a shorter drive from his home. I appreciate that he values the work I do, and I appreciate his business.

The Sharpie musings of the last mechanic came off the aluminum really easy with some light rubbing with a bit of steel wool, and it didn’t enhance or detract from the performance in any way. But in case this customer takes his wheels to any another shop for service, I can rest assured that there is no mistaking that the repair was done properly and professionally… and that they won’t have anything to write a blog post about.

Passing It On

Over the course of the last few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with several mechanics, some who are aspiring to either jump into the race mechanic scene, and others who plan on opening their own shops in the near future. We have had discussions about goals, dreams, plans, ideas, and aspirations for the future, as well as how I got started in the industry, as a race mechanic, and how I landed where I am right now.

I consider it a privilege and honor to talk to these up-and-comers, and appreciate the fact that they value my opinion as someone who has gone before them in the bicycle mechanic arena. I don’t consider it a burden to pass on information or spend time with any of these guys and gals, because I was there once, myself. If there hadn’t been other mechanics who had followed the same path and passed the knowledge and experience on to me, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now. I can’t name them all, but a few of the influential mechanics and bike folks in my life are:

John Duncan – John was the owner of the first bike shop I worked at, WheelSport Bicycles in Anderson, SC. After begging for a job for a long time, John finally gave me a shot. I had already been working on my own bikes for a few years, but he gave me the entrance into the industry that I had been longing for. John schooled me on repairs, especially fine-tuning derailleurs. One of the tidbits of advice that John told me, that sticks with me is, “Tune every bike like MY kids are going to be riding them.”
Merlyn Townley – As the back of his business card says, Merlyn “gets things done.” One of the most experienced mechanics I’ve ever met, Merlyn has been around the world and back, wrenching on bikes all along the way. Merlyn was one of my instructors at the Bill Woodul Mechanics’ Clinic in 2005. He instructed classes on cyclocross race support and wheel changes. His tips and advice in that clinic stayed with me, especially his compliments on my attempts at pushing riders back into a race. I pride myself in a good push… and Merlyn taught me that. He is one of only a handful of Category 1 mechanics in the United States, something I still aspire to be. We’ve become friends over the years, and chat often regarding work we’re doing. Good to have him on my side. Visit Merlyn’s business here.
TJ Grove – TJ is a rock-star mechanic, and also one of my former instructors at the USAC Mechanic’s Clinic. His resume is a mile long, including work at several Olympics, World Championships, and multiple WorldTour teams, just to scratch the surface. It’s always good to see him at the races, because of his amazing demeanor, even under pressure. He’s one of the hardest working mechanics in the business, and I observe him in action, every chance I get, in order to soak up a new tip, trick, or shortcut that I can use in my own work.
Calvin Jones – Anyone who has used a blue, Park tool in the past 20 years, can most likely thank Calvin for the development of it. Calvin is the head mechanic/tool guru at Park Tool, and also an instructor at the Bill Woodul Clinic. He’s a very likable character, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of everything that has to do with bicycles. To obtain some of Calvin’s knowledge for yourself, visit his blog.

Like I said, these are just a few of the great mechanics that have helped me along in my career. They’ve given a little bit of themselves and their vast knowledge and experience to mechanics who want to follow in their footsteps. Now that I’ve got over a dozen years in the industry, including several years as a race mechanic, I feel indebted to these men, and many others, for their help along the way. It’s my pleasure to offer advice, help, or any input to those who are looking to get a start in the business.

Thanks, to those who I’ve been speaking with about the business. Feel free to contact me any time. You keep me motivated to wrench, write, and create.