Tom Sacco wrote:
> A related question is how do you learn to do the work yourself...
Tom, wonderful question. There might be something on youtube or even bikeforums, but I would suggest that you get a good book - there are many books out there on bike repair and a list can be found here
http://www.ibike.org/
and then start doing little things. First get a feel for your tools, so that they feel comfortable in your hands. Then take small steps - Learn to replace and adjust a brake cable, adjust a derailleur limit screw, take the chain off and clean it.
As you get more comfortable you can move up to more complicated repairs, like repacking hubs or installing a bottom bracket.
There's very little on a bike that is hugely complicated; given reasonable care and some advice most maintenance and repair tasks can be learned easily.
Also I'd recommend getting good tools. Don't try to fix a bike you care about with a multi-tool and a pair of vice grips. You don't need a complete bike shop, but certainly a set of allen wrenches, combination wrenches in 8,10 and 13mm (plus 9 and 11 if your bike has Mafac brakes) a good pair of pliers and one of those screwdrivers with interchangeable bits will make things much easier. On top of that the spanners to fit wrenching flats on the headset and pedals, and cone wrenches are certainly useful. All of this can fit into a cheap plastic tackle box from the hardware store.
I think you'll find that if you invest in tools, you'll start tackling more repairs and your skills will grow.
Good luck
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA