On March 8th, BBP will begin a new Member’s Night series about all of the tools BBP Members can access in our cooperative bike shop. This class is the result of feedback from January’s Annual Impact Meeting and has a goal of getting BBP’s members familiar with the $10,000s worth of tools they have access to on a daily basis.

Since BBP has nearly 1000 tools ready and waiting to be used by the community, we’ve broken the series in to four progressive sessions. While it is not mandatory to attend every class in order, it will be easier for newbies if they do. Classes will be a blend of lecture and hands on greasy tool usage!

March 8th: Tools on the Bench

In this class we will cover every tool (what it is and how to use it) that hangs from every workbench. These are the tools our own Mechanics use 95% of the time and the tools every entry level to expert mechanic should be familiar with.

• Cool Toolz covered: All of the basics, chain tools, bottom bracket tools, freewheel and cassette removers, chainwhips, and more!

• Ability Level: All Ages and Experience Levels

• BYOBS: The “B” stands for beverage, the “S” for snacks. But no “BS” allowed!

March 15th: Torque and Measuring

In this class we will play around with all of the tools in BBP’s torque and measurement drawer. This is probably $3,000 worth of tools. This class might not sound super exciting, but is actually an action packed class covering the skills and techniques that separate entry level mechanics from seasoned veterans.

• Cool Toolz covered: 4 different types of torque wrenches, calipers, 4 different types of measuring devises, conversion charts, and more!

• Ability Level: All Ages and Experience Levels

• BYOBS: The “B” stands for beverage, the “S” for snacks. But no “BS” allowed!

March 22nd: Advanced Tools

This hands-on class is recommended for those who’ve taken the previous two classes in the series, or for those more advanced in their bicycle mechanic skills. We will cover the tools that are too expensive and too advanced to live on each of our public benches. These tools are still available to everyone who uses our shop, but require special training in order to use without the assistance of one of our mechanics.

• Cool Toolz covered: All of the different headset-related tools, derailleur hanger alignment, external bottom bracket tools, and all the fancy stuff that we only use 1-5 times a year!

• Ability Level: Previous Classes and/or Bike Mechanic Experience Recommended

• BYOBS: The “B” stands for beverage, the “S” for snacks. But no “BS” allowed!

March 29th: Frame Prep and Repair Tools

This hands-on class is recommended for those who’ve taken the previous classes in the series, or for those more advanced in their bicycle mechanic skills. BBP has about $3000 in tools dedicated to prepping new frames before the components are installed. Did you know that the headtube and bottom bracket shell need to “faced” before the headset or bottom bracket are installed? Did you know bottom bracket threads need to be chased? They sure do! The same tools can also be used for used frames that are damaged and need to be repaired. A lot of advanced mechanics have never used these types of tools!

• Cool Toolz covered: Cutting and chasing tools needed for building up a new frame or repairing an old frame

• Ability Level: Previous Classes and/or Bike Mechanic Experience Recommended

• BYOBS: The “B” stands for beverage, the “S” for snacks. But no “BS” allowed!

We hope you are excited to embark on this new class series with us. If you attend one or more classes, we are confident you will have a better understanding of all that BBP’s cooperative shop space has to offer its members and the community at large. We’re also confident your bike mechanic skill will go up 1-4 notches!

-Jimmy