Showing posts with label Bike Fix-Ups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bike Fix-Ups. Show all posts
Friday, March 21, 2014
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Lubricating Caged Bearings
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| Step 1: "Gloop" a bit of grease onto the palm of your hand. |
 | |
| Step 2: Roll caged bearings through the grease. |
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Oldies but Goodies!
Looking through some older files and found a few documents that might spark some interest around the shop!
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/trailer-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/tire-drop
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/blender-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/bicycling-vocabulary-for-kids
All documents are also located in our links tabs!
Enjoy and feel free to send along ideas that you have!
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/trailer-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/tire-drop
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/blender-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/bicycling-vocabulary-for-kids
All documents are also located in our links tabs!
Enjoy and feel free to send along ideas that you have!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Blog in Review
Hi all,
Just wanted to remind you of a few older posts made to the blog over the last two years. That's right, I believe we are nearing the blogs two year anniversary! Thanks Dillon!
Anyway please feel free to revisit some of these older posts:
Riding in that?
Colder Weather Riding
Common Misses
Crash Stats
Ways we learn
Rules of the Road
Most of the links in these posts should be up to date, but if not, here is a very important link to the BCM rules of the road page... BCM
Just wanted to remind you of a few older posts made to the blog over the last two years. That's right, I believe we are nearing the blogs two year anniversary! Thanks Dillon!
Anyway please feel free to revisit some of these older posts:
Riding in that?
Colder Weather Riding
Common Misses
Crash Stats
Ways we learn
Rules of the Road
Most of the links in these posts should be up to date, but if not, here is a very important link to the BCM rules of the road page... BCM
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Old Elastic Around the Break Pad Trick
Here is a little trick that we tried out and found to be a lot easier than using a piece of cardboard when toeing in the break pads...
You will need:
1. Break pad
2. Elastic
3. Allen or socket wrench
Step 1: Ensure that your current break pad is okay to use-- it is not to worn and it is the correct break pad for the particular bike that you are working with.
Step 2: Wrap the rear 1/4 of your break pad with an elastic (see image)
Step 3: Set break pad in designated break arm
Step 4: Press break pad against rim ensuring that the pad is aligned flush to the rim.
Step 5: Tighten break pad in place and remove elastic.
If the installation is done correctly your break pads will be properly toed in (see image)
You will need:
1. Break pad
2. Elastic
3. Allen or socket wrench
Step 1: Ensure that your current break pad is okay to use-- it is not to worn and it is the correct break pad for the particular bike that you are working with.
Step 2: Wrap the rear 1/4 of your break pad with an elastic (see image)
Step 3: Set break pad in designated break armStep 4: Press break pad against rim ensuring that the pad is aligned flush to the rim.
Step 5: Tighten break pad in place and remove elastic.
If the installation is done correctly your break pads will be properly toed in (see image)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Cross Country Adventure
I stumbled upon this site this morning and found it to be pretty neat. It highlights the journeys of two brothers traveling via bicycle across the United States, of course there is much more to the story, but my words are just that, words. Check it out and let me know what you think!
http://www.americarecycled.org/?p=618
http://www.americarecycled.org/?p=618
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Left to Right, Clean, Grease, Right to Left
If you can follow the title than you have successfully disassembled, cleaned, inspected for broken parts, greased, and reassembled any of the rotational systems on a bicycle. It is all to often that we will hear a kid in the shop ask where his lock nut disappeared to or where her axle went and our response to them is normally, "If it wasn't on a rag than it was recycled." Now I understand that this may seem a little harsh, but to think about it makes one realize that it is teaching them the correct, more organized, and easier way of taking something apart and then putting it back together.
We try to teach each participant to, when they are disassembling a component on their bike, place all of their parts on a rag from left to right just like reading a book. For example:
What we don't like to see is a jumbled mess or parts spread out all over the shop, for example:
Although the above picture does have all of its parts on a rag, they are not organized and for a participant who may not know which part goes first, it may get confusing when reassembling the system.
The moral of the story is to keep things organized whether it be at the shop, at home, or at school. Keeping things on a rag from left to right is just our way of teaching that!
We try to teach each participant to, when they are disassembling a component on their bike, place all of their parts on a rag from left to right just like reading a book. For example:
What we don't like to see is a jumbled mess or parts spread out all over the shop, for example:
Although the above picture does have all of its parts on a rag, they are not organized and for a participant who may not know which part goes first, it may get confusing when reassembling the system.The moral of the story is to keep things organized whether it be at the shop, at home, or at school. Keeping things on a rag from left to right is just our way of teaching that!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Colder Weather, Freezing Water
As we change seasons and shift to cooler fall weather, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. It may not be cold at the start of a ride, but remember, when you are on your bike you are traveling a lot faster and you must factor in wind. Be sure to layer up, you can always take layers off.
2. It is getting darker sooner. Be sure to plan your ride around sunset. You, as well as the road you are riding on, is less visible in the dark. Follow this link to view sunrise and sunset times for the month of September (http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp).
3. Keep an eye on your tire pressure. As the temperature cools down, you may lose a bit of pressure in your tires. It does not necessarily mean you have a flat or a slow leak—remember heat causes air to expand and the opposite occurs in cooler weather.
4. Give your bike a once over. Check the bikes rotational systems. Although we did not have much rain this year, there is still a chance that you have some water mixing around in there.
5. Continue to stay hydrated! You may not feel or look dehydrated, but do not leave anything up to chance. Remember; eat before your hungry, sleep before your tired, and DRINK BEFORE YOUR THIRSTY.
6. And last, but certainly not least, continue to have fun! Enjoy the different, colors, smells, and changes of fall! Follow this link to view the CBC's fall schedule (http://communitybike.net/Schedule%20Fall%202010.pdf). Hope to see or hear from you all soon!
On a more serious note, we have noticed a few participants and adults replacing their plastic water bottles with the solid aluminum water bottles. The problem with this is that water bottle cages are not designed to hold these longer more narrow water bottles. If the water bottle were to fall out it could cause serious injury. Unfortunately, a friend and supporter of the CBC has been dealing with a lower back injury for two years because of this.
If you must carry an aluminum water bottle, carry it in your back pack or in your ride bag as this is a much safer place for it. Or stick to the old fashioned plastic water bottle and if your worried about it not being as cool, come over to the CBC and decorate it yourself. An uncool water bottle is a lot cooler than not riding!
1. It may not be cold at the start of a ride, but remember, when you are on your bike you are traveling a lot faster and you must factor in wind. Be sure to layer up, you can always take layers off.
2. It is getting darker sooner. Be sure to plan your ride around sunset. You, as well as the road you are riding on, is less visible in the dark. Follow this link to view sunrise and sunset times for the month of September (http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp).
3. Keep an eye on your tire pressure. As the temperature cools down, you may lose a bit of pressure in your tires. It does not necessarily mean you have a flat or a slow leak—remember heat causes air to expand and the opposite occurs in cooler weather.
4. Give your bike a once over. Check the bikes rotational systems. Although we did not have much rain this year, there is still a chance that you have some water mixing around in there.
5. Continue to stay hydrated! You may not feel or look dehydrated, but do not leave anything up to chance. Remember; eat before your hungry, sleep before your tired, and DRINK BEFORE YOUR THIRSTY.
6. And last, but certainly not least, continue to have fun! Enjoy the different, colors, smells, and changes of fall! Follow this link to view the CBC's fall schedule (http://communitybike.net/Schedule%20Fall%202010.pdf). Hope to see or hear from you all soon!
On a more serious note, we have noticed a few participants and adults replacing their plastic water bottles with the solid aluminum water bottles. The problem with this is that water bottle cages are not designed to hold these longer more narrow water bottles. If the water bottle were to fall out it could cause serious injury. Unfortunately, a friend and supporter of the CBC has been dealing with a lower back injury for two years because of this.
If you must carry an aluminum water bottle, carry it in your back pack or in your ride bag as this is a much safer place for it. Or stick to the old fashioned plastic water bottle and if your worried about it not being as cool, come over to the CBC and decorate it yourself. An uncool water bottle is a lot cooler than not riding!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Engaging Youth in Our Programming
At yesterday's staff meeting, we continued our discussion within the guidelines of the Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) and reflected on how we might better engage the youth we serve. The YPQA divides "engagement" into three categories:
1. The staff agreed that we do a good job of giving our participants opportunities to make goals in the time they spend at the shop -- fixing a bike, helping someone else, doing homework, or creating Bike Part Art, just to name a few. When a kid picks out a bicycle they'd like to work on, we do an initial inspection to determine whether the project is appropriate for the skills and amount of patience they have. If it's in rough shape, they often decide to pick out an easier bike to fix. We agreed that we could always do a better job to help kids follow through with their plans, and it is important to appreciate their enthusiasm and support it with out own interest and guidance. How else might we help youth set goals and make plans? What other activities might work to incorporate into our programming? (remember, we aren't restricted to bike-related activities...)
2. We give our participants a regular opportunities to make choices based on their interests, whether it be to make music, dance, make videos and art, or repair bicycles (and the list continues...). Although bike repair is our central activity, we work hard to encourage participants to pursue their interests or passions, whatever they may be. On some Fridays, we often have an informal talent show to showcase our participants' unique skills, and often our volunteers become introduced to a participant through a shared interest. How might we better give our participants opportunities to make choices based on their interests?
3. We agreed that kids don't often get the chance to reflect during the time they spend at the CBC, with the exception of during informal conversations with staff or volunteers. Our drop-in program is often a bit hectic (with many people and projects going on at once), so it often isn't an ideal atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. We have experimented with different ways to gather participant input and to prompt reflection, but it has been a continuous challenge. How might we create and maintain opportunities for youth to reflect?
Feel free to leave a comment to join the discussion -- your thoughts will help the CBC to continuously improve, and to provide an even better place for helping youth to grow!
- Youth have opportunities to set goals and make plans
- Youth have opportunities to make choices based on their interests
- Youth have opportunities to reflect
1. The staff agreed that we do a good job of giving our participants opportunities to make goals in the time they spend at the shop -- fixing a bike, helping someone else, doing homework, or creating Bike Part Art, just to name a few. When a kid picks out a bicycle they'd like to work on, we do an initial inspection to determine whether the project is appropriate for the skills and amount of patience they have. If it's in rough shape, they often decide to pick out an easier bike to fix. We agreed that we could always do a better job to help kids follow through with their plans, and it is important to appreciate their enthusiasm and support it with out own interest and guidance. How else might we help youth set goals and make plans? What other activities might work to incorporate into our programming? (remember, we aren't restricted to bike-related activities...)
2. We give our participants a regular opportunities to make choices based on their interests, whether it be to make music, dance, make videos and art, or repair bicycles (and the list continues...). Although bike repair is our central activity, we work hard to encourage participants to pursue their interests or passions, whatever they may be. On some Fridays, we often have an informal talent show to showcase our participants' unique skills, and often our volunteers become introduced to a participant through a shared interest. How might we better give our participants opportunities to make choices based on their interests?
3. We agreed that kids don't often get the chance to reflect during the time they spend at the CBC, with the exception of during informal conversations with staff or volunteers. Our drop-in program is often a bit hectic (with many people and projects going on at once), so it often isn't an ideal atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. We have experimented with different ways to gather participant input and to prompt reflection, but it has been a continuous challenge. How might we create and maintain opportunities for youth to reflect?
Feel free to leave a comment to join the discussion -- your thoughts will help the CBC to continuously improve, and to provide an even better place for helping youth to grow!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Risk Management Notes -- Group Rides
This summer, CBC staff and volunteers will be leading more bike rides and extending our programming hours. There is always an element of risk to anything we do, especially when we're working with tools or out for a ride, so it's important for our policies to be carefully considered. During a staff meeting a couple weeks ago, we discussed how to better manage risk on our bike rides and in the shop. Here are our notes (Thanks to Bronwyn for typing them up!)
People: Ideally, we should have two or more adults on group rides (the ideal ratio is 5:1 kids: staff). This is important in the event of a medical emergency – at least one person to manage the emergency, one person to manage the other riders, and one person to manage the scene. Also, it’s important to have a ride leader and a ride sweep and one roaming rider. Take into account the complexion of the group and make conscious decisions about the number chaperons cycling. Consider the skills, conditioning, ages of the kids and the weather.
Be assertive and be OK with saying “No” if there are simply not enough chaperons to have a safe ride. It’s also OK to give a reason later.
Equipment: Mechanically unsound and un-checked bikes are not allowed on group rides. All bikes must pass an ABC Quick Check. Use bikes appropriate for the ride. For example no BMX bikes on a long road ride. No BMX bikes on a mountain bike ride. Preferably all road bikes and/or tandems on road rides. Properly fitted helmets are also required. Pay special attention to emergency forms and health-related prescriptions. Discourage jeans and shoes with loose shoe laces.
Protocols: We must have the emergency contact information for every participant - kids, staff, parents and volunteers. Make two copies of the emergency contact information: one for the ride leader to carry on the ride and one for your emergency contact person at the shop. Inform your emergency contact of your route and program their number into your cell phone.
Be aware of any medical issues (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes…). Document any medical issues on the emergency list and alert volunteers before the ride. Also, remind volunteers of confidentiality. Participants must have any inhalers, medications or other health related prescriptions noted on their medical sheet with them on the ride. If we know about a medical condition (aka if it is listed on their medical information form), we are liable.
Swimming: It’s OK to say “no” to swimming if you’re uncomfortable with the situation. We’re not lifeguard certified. Prefer to use swimming venue that have lifeguard or our public swimming locations.
Environment: Pay attention to weather, road conditions, and traffic. Stick to safe routes and adjust according to group complexity. Insure that the riders have the proper clothing for the weather conditions. Find shelter if the weather conditions worsen and riding becomes too unsafe– call contact back at the shop and let him/her know.
Background Checks for people 18+: If a parent/guardian is working with a child, we do not have to do a background check because a) we have all their information and b) they are primarily working with their own child. If there is someone 18 + working with frequently working with a friend, ask if he/she considers him/herself a volunteer and/or would like to volunteer here in the future. If the answer is “no,” that could be a red flag for follow-up.
Bike-to-School: If a child show up in a bike is not physically sound, he/she is not OK to ride with us. Call the parents and let them know.
People: Ideally, we should have two or more adults on group rides (the ideal ratio is 5:1 kids: staff). This is important in the event of a medical emergency – at least one person to manage the emergency, one person to manage the other riders, and one person to manage the scene. Also, it’s important to have a ride leader and a ride sweep and one roaming rider. Take into account the complexion of the group and make conscious decisions about the number chaperons cycling. Consider the skills, conditioning, ages of the kids and the weather.
Be assertive and be OK with saying “No” if there are simply not enough chaperons to have a safe ride. It’s also OK to give a reason later.
Equipment: Mechanically unsound and un-checked bikes are not allowed on group rides. All bikes must pass an ABC Quick Check. Use bikes appropriate for the ride. For example no BMX bikes on a long road ride. No BMX bikes on a mountain bike ride. Preferably all road bikes and/or tandems on road rides. Properly fitted helmets are also required. Pay special attention to emergency forms and health-related prescriptions. Discourage jeans and shoes with loose shoe laces.
Protocols: We must have the emergency contact information for every participant - kids, staff, parents and volunteers. Make two copies of the emergency contact information: one for the ride leader to carry on the ride and one for your emergency contact person at the shop. Inform your emergency contact of your route and program their number into your cell phone.
Be aware of any medical issues (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes…). Document any medical issues on the emergency list and alert volunteers before the ride. Also, remind volunteers of confidentiality. Participants must have any inhalers, medications or other health related prescriptions noted on their medical sheet with them on the ride. If we know about a medical condition (aka if it is listed on their medical information form), we are liable.
Swimming: It’s OK to say “no” to swimming if you’re uncomfortable with the situation. We’re not lifeguard certified. Prefer to use swimming venue that have lifeguard or our public swimming locations.
Environment: Pay attention to weather, road conditions, and traffic. Stick to safe routes and adjust according to group complexity. Insure that the riders have the proper clothing for the weather conditions. Find shelter if the weather conditions worsen and riding becomes too unsafe– call contact back at the shop and let him/her know.
Background Checks for people 18+: If a parent/guardian is working with a child, we do not have to do a background check because a) we have all their information and b) they are primarily working with their own child. If there is someone 18 + working with frequently working with a friend, ask if he/she considers him/herself a volunteer and/or would like to volunteer here in the future. If the answer is “no,” that could be a red flag for follow-up.
Bike-to-School: If a child show up in a bike is not physically sound, he/she is not OK to ride with us. Call the parents and let them know.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Bike Repair Common Misses (Part Two of Two)
Here are some more common misses -- watch out for these when you're fixing up your bike...
What's wrong with this picture?
Front/Rear Brakes
What other issues have you encountered when fixing up a bike?
What's wrong with this picture?Front/Rear Brakes
- Spring tension not balanced (one pad rubbing on rim)
- Pads not centered on rim (hanging off or rubbing on tire)
- Brake pads not toed-in (to prevent squaky brakes)
- Brake pads down or dried out
- Missing parts (especially where they come in contact with the frame)
- Missing cable cap
- Used derailleur housing, not brake housing (derailleur housing is more rigid)
- Dirty
- Dried out/corroded/not lubricated
- Too much lubrication (picks up dirt)
- Tight links (watch for a 'hop')
- Limit screw not set properly (not reaching gears on extremes, or overshifting and dropping the chain)
- Frayed/corroded cable
- Sharp bends in cable housing (makes it hard to shift)
- Cable cap missing
- Used brake housing rather than derailleur housing (will often cause indexed gear systems to not work properly)
- No metal ends on the cable housing
- Barrel adjuster all the way out/not present
- Bar end plugs missing
- Stem loose
- Stem higher than maximum height mark
- Levers not secured
- Levers not positioned properly (especially for hand size -- for younger riders, often the levers need to be brought within easier reach)
- Seat post rusty/ungreased (ever encountered a stuck seatpost?)
- Seat post higher than safety marks
- Wheel reflectors not positioned close to rim/loose
- Front and rear reflectors broken/not angled properly
What other issues have you encountered when fixing up a bike?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bike Repair Common Misses (Part One of Two)
We see a lot of bikes come through the CBC, and after a while you start to recognize some common problems. Here's the first part of a list that we have compiled of these common issues that can make a bicycle unsafe to ride:
Sadly, this bike might be beyond hope.
Frame and Fork
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
Chain
Front Derailleur and Cable
Rear Derailleur and Cable
Handlebars, Stem, Grips, and Levers
Seat and Seat Post
Reflectors
What other common problems have you noticed on bicycles you are fixing?
Sadly, this bike might be beyond hope.- Bent derailleur hanger drop-out
- Collision damage (see above), bent frames
- Excessive surface/interior rust
- Bearing play
- Loose of missing lockrings
- Crankarms not securely fastened
- Bent chainrings
- Pedals not securely fastened
- Locknut missing
- Locknut not tightened against cone
- Hub not centered with axle
- Bearing play
- Worn (sharp) teeth
- Dryness, corrosion
- Lockring not securely fastened
- Bearing play
- Valve stem not straight
- Tire underinflated
- Tire bean not seated in rim
- Wheel not centered
- Quick release levers closed backwards
- Safety catch washers missing
- No valve cap
- Bald (from skidding)/cracked or dry-rotted tires
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
Chain
Front Derailleur and Cable
Rear Derailleur and Cable
Handlebars, Stem, Grips, and Levers
Seat and Seat Post
Reflectors
What other common problems have you noticed on bicycles you are fixing?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tips while working in the shop
Each year, the CBC hosts the "Bike Monkeys" program, an intensive bike mechanics training class for 6 young people. At last night's session, we continued our conversations about rotational systems, finishing up bottom brackets and moving on to the front hub. We had a lot of fun, and a few tips and concepts were brought up that you might find helpful.
The first has to do with keeping your workspace organized: Fixing bikes requires a lot of disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling -- in a hectic shop, it can be a headache when parts get lost. Try keeping all your parts on a rag -- it'll keep those bearings from rolling around, and it's helpful for remembering how a part goes back together.
No parts lost here!
Secondly, never recycle a part before you find a replacement, even if it's not working properly -- often a worn-out part is better than no part at all.
Thirdly, use the appropriate tool, in the appropriate way. There are lots of tools in the shop, and lots of If you have a question, just ask! We staff are here to help you.
Fourthly, and lastly (for now) , think about where the tool is going to go if it slips. Injuries may occur if a tool accidentally strikes you or another person.
What other tips have helped you work more efficiently and safety in the shop?
The first has to do with keeping your workspace organized: Fixing bikes requires a lot of disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling -- in a hectic shop, it can be a headache when parts get lost. Try keeping all your parts on a rag -- it'll keep those bearings from rolling around, and it's helpful for remembering how a part goes back together.
No parts lost here!Secondly, never recycle a part before you find a replacement, even if it's not working properly -- often a worn-out part is better than no part at all.
This cup and spindle are really worn out, but do we have the parts to replace them?
Thirdly, use the appropriate tool, in the appropriate way. There are lots of tools in the shop, and lots of If you have a question, just ask! We staff are here to help you.
Fourthly, and lastly (for now) , think about where the tool is going to go if it slips. Injuries may occur if a tool accidentally strikes you or another person.
What other tips have helped you work more efficiently and safety in the shop?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Featured Tool -- Freewheel Grease Injector
A couple months back we received a donated tool
that none of us had ever seen -- one that injects grease into a freewheel without requiring you to take it apart. It fits on most freewheels, and is great for those bikes that are old or have been left out in the elements -- really handy in a shop like ours.
Here's how it works --
1. Remove the freewheel from the hub, and clean it with simple green and a rag or brush
2. Thread the injector onto the freewheel
3. Load the grease gun with grease (using a tube rather than a tub really makes this step easier!)
4. Attach the grease gun to the injector, and push the plunger down
5. When grease starts coming out the other side, you're done!
6. Rethread onto your hub, and enjoy the awe-inspiring silence of your freshly greased freewheel!
that none of us had ever seen -- one that injects grease into a freewheel without requiring you to take it apart. It fits on most freewheels, and is great for those bikes that are old or have been left out in the elements -- really handy in a shop like ours.
Here's how it works --
1. Remove the freewheel from the hub, and clean it with simple green and a rag or brush
2. Thread the injector onto the freewheel
3. Load the grease gun with grease (using a tube rather than a tub really makes this step easier!)
4. Attach the grease gun to the injector, and push the plunger down
5. When grease starts coming out the other side, you're done!
6. Rethread onto your hub, and enjoy the awe-inspiring silence of your freshly greased freewheel!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Learning Styles: Ways We Learn
Here at the CBC, we constantly strive for children to be proud and recognize that they are capable of problem solving and self reliance. As they work to fix bikes and participate in shop programs, it’s important to remember your role as a volunteer. Don’t do the work for them – instead, encourage them to get their hands dirty and try something new.
We have noticed that caring adults will often problem solve and perform repairs for kids for several reasons: 1) they are learning the skills themselves, 2) sometimes we don’t have the words or teaching skills to explain a task, 3) the task can be physically too challenging for a child, or 4) the task is too challenging for the child at his/her current skill level.
The aforementioned fourth reason will be discussed in a future blog post through the concepts described in the book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, 1991). Csikszentmihalyi describes that optimum learning occurs when we have the right balance between the level of challenge for a task and our level of skill at performing the task. Basically this means that sometimes we give kids a task that is too challenging given their individual skill level so we need to figure out a way to lower the level of challenge. Sometimes need to perform part of the task for them until they develop the necessary cognitive, developmental, and physical skills to complete the defined repair challenge.
So getting back to learning styles, we must match teaching style with each child’s preferred learning style. There are several learning styles models that can be found in the literature. One of the most basic describes the differences between auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners (http://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles.shtml).
Here are some more specific ways people learn, and some ideas and questions you may ask kids to help them get to know their personal learning styles better:
We have noticed that caring adults will often problem solve and perform repairs for kids for several reasons: 1) they are learning the skills themselves, 2) sometimes we don’t have the words or teaching skills to explain a task, 3) the task can be physically too challenging for a child, or 4) the task is too challenging for the child at his/her current skill level.
The aforementioned fourth reason will be discussed in a future blog post through the concepts described in the book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, 1991). Csikszentmihalyi describes that optimum learning occurs when we have the right balance between the level of challenge for a task and our level of skill at performing the task. Basically this means that sometimes we give kids a task that is too challenging given their individual skill level so we need to figure out a way to lower the level of challenge. Sometimes need to perform part of the task for them until they develop the necessary cognitive, developmental, and physical skills to complete the defined repair challenge.
So getting back to learning styles, we must match teaching style with each child’s preferred learning style. There are several learning styles models that can be found in the literature. One of the most basic describes the differences between auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners (http://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles.shtml).
- Auditory learners remember by talking out loud, like to have things explained orally and may have trouble with written instructions. Auditory learners may talk to themselves when learning something new.
- Visual learners easily remember visual details and prefer to see what they are learning. They prefer to write down instructions and may have trouble following lectures.
- Kinesthetic or tactile learners prefer activities that allow them to do what they are learning about. Tactile learners like to touch things in order to learn about them and like to move around when talking or listening.
Here are some more specific ways people learn, and some ideas and questions you may ask kids to help them get to know their personal learning styles better:
- Watching a demonstration (a.k.a show-n-tell)
- Experimenting without instruction (a.k.a. trial-n-error)
- Hearing the instructions verbally: step-by-step
- Seeing the instructions written: step-by-step
- Viewing the instructions through drawings or pictures
- Viewing and hearing the instructions through video clips
- Some people want to know “why” these steps
- Some people don’t care to learn the “why” for these steps
- Does the learner need to see how all the parts inter-connect?
- Is process and outcome feedback needed along the way: encouragement and what’s wrong?
- Does playing learning games help?
- Does learning alongside a partner help or does one person take over?
- Does changing the learning environment help – quiet space, music?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Preparing for a Group Ride and the Ride Leader Bags
When out on a group bike ride, it's important to be prepared for any problems that may arise. Injuries or illness, though usually minor, are always possibilities (especially with younger, less experienced riders), and the bikes themselves often need to be tweaked on-the-fly.
The CBC has three packs (two rack-top bags, one fanny-pack) with supplies and tools for group rides. Since the extra weight can throw off a cyclist's balance, usually it's best for an adult chaperone to attach it to their bike.
Included in each pack are:
-Emergency contacts list (double check to make sure emergency info is logged for each rider, and all have submitted permission forms)
-Non-rider emergency backup contact phone numbers
-Cell phone with In Case of Emergency(ICE) numbers programmed
-Accident/incident report forms
-Emergency whistle
-Snack money and/or energy bars
-First Aid Kit
-Bike repair tools, including: multi-tool with chain rivet, tire levers, 15mm wrench, pump and/or CO2 cartridges & dispenser, spare tubes: 26x1.50 and 700ccx23c and 24x1.50, patch kit with glue and patches, rag, duct tape
Before each ride, it is important to:
-Plan route & anticipated stops (bring a map if possible)
-Identify number of bikes & number of riders
-Assign point person & rear person
-Review Rules of the Road with the group, including: Safe road riding; hand turning, slowing, stopping, and hazard signals; and verbal signals: “Passing on your left” &” car back”
-Check to see if anyone needs to use the bathroom before the start of ride
We have cameras and extra batteries available for use on rides, also extra cable locks. Depending on the weather, rain gear and a dry bag can also be good to bring:) Each rider needs to have a bottle of water and a helmet (we have extras), and must be dressed appropriately. If anybody needs to borrow a jacket, gloves, or a hat, we have those too.
Most importantly, enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air!
The CBC has three packs (two rack-top bags, one fanny-pack) with supplies and tools for group rides. Since the extra weight can throw off a cyclist's balance, usually it's best for an adult chaperone to attach it to their bike.
Included in each pack are:
-Emergency contacts list (double check to make sure emergency info is logged for each rider, and all have submitted permission forms)
-Non-rider emergency backup contact phone numbers
-Cell phone with In Case of Emergency(ICE) numbers programmed
-Accident/incident report forms
-Emergency whistle
-Snack money and/or energy bars
-First Aid Kit
-Bike repair tools, including: multi-tool with chain rivet, tire levers, 15mm wrench, pump and/or CO2 cartridges & dispenser, spare tubes: 26x1.50 and 700ccx23c and 24x1.50, patch kit with glue and patches, rag, duct tape
Before each ride, it is important to:
-Plan route & anticipated stops (bring a map if possible)
-Identify number of bikes & number of riders
-Assign point person & rear person
-Review Rules of the Road with the group, including: Safe road riding; hand turning, slowing, stopping, and hazard signals; and verbal signals: “Passing on your left” &” car back”
-Check to see if anyone needs to use the bathroom before the start of ride
We have cameras and extra batteries available for use on rides, also extra cable locks. Depending on the weather, rain gear and a dry bag can also be good to bring:) Each rider needs to have a bottle of water and a helmet (we have extras), and must be dressed appropriately. If anybody needs to borrow a jacket, gloves, or a hat, we have those too.
Most importantly, enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Winter Riding (and Happy New Year!)
Depending on where you live, you may have noticed the weather getting colder and the roads icy-er -- it's not your eyes deceiving you -- winter is here! You may think that it would be crazy to bike in weather like this, but it turns out that lots of people do, including many of the kids and volunteers that come by the shop. Winter riding, if the rider and the bike are properly prepared, isn't unpleasant -- in fact it's alot of fun!
If a kid comes by with a bike they've been riding out in the snow and salt, there are a few basic things you can encourage them to do to be better prepared.
For bicycles:
-Clean the chain and oil the chain regularly, and consider using a wax-based lubricant (this will help shed the grime build-up and improve chain life)
-Swap out those bmx slicks for a set of tires with more traction
-Make sure that all the bearing systems on the bike are properly adjusted -- a loose bottom bracket, for example, will let in lots of dirt and moisture, leaving you with a headache!
-If possible, store your bike inside. Don't let it end up like this:)
When out on the road:
-Ride predictably and cautiously -- stay constantly aware of road conditions and other vehicles
-Wear bright clothing, and use lights at night -- remember, the sun sets much earlier in winter
-Obey traffic signals and laws, and wear a helmet
-Layer up your clothing, and don't forget gloves, ear coverings, a wind breaker, and long socks
How else might bicyclists ride safely in the wintertime?
If a kid comes by with a bike they've been riding out in the snow and salt, there are a few basic things you can encourage them to do to be better prepared.
For bicycles:
-Clean the chain and oil the chain regularly, and consider using a wax-based lubricant (this will help shed the grime build-up and improve chain life)
-Swap out those bmx slicks for a set of tires with more traction
-Make sure that all the bearing systems on the bike are properly adjusted -- a loose bottom bracket, for example, will let in lots of dirt and moisture, leaving you with a headache!
-If possible, store your bike inside. Don't let it end up like this:)
When out on the road:-Ride predictably and cautiously -- stay constantly aware of road conditions and other vehicles
-Wear bright clothing, and use lights at night -- remember, the sun sets much earlier in winter
-Obey traffic signals and laws, and wear a helmet
-Layer up your clothing, and don't forget gloves, ear coverings, a wind breaker, and long socks
How else might bicyclists ride safely in the wintertime?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Introduction to Rotational Systems
Last week, the CBC staff gathered before the shop opened for a mechanical tutorial -- the subject was bottom brackets (around which the pedals turn), but here's a little introduction to rotational systems in general.
A "rotational system" is any part of the bike that involves circular motion -- the wheels (hubs), steering (headset), and the drive-train (bottom bracket). Each of these parts of the bike operates in a similar way, containing a set of parts that work together to allow smooth, but solid, motion.
Perhaps the most important part of rotational system is the bearings, small metal balls that reduce friction by distributing the pressure placed upon them. Before they were invented, bikes weren't nearly as smooth or comfortable to ride, in fact they were called "boneshakers" and looked like this -- ouch!
For more information about rotational systems (specifically bottom brackets), check out chapter 3 of the Bikes Not Bombs training manual. Jim Langley has a great page that offers a step-by-step guide to overhauling hubs.
A "rotational system" is any part of the bike that involves circular motion -- the wheels (hubs), steering (headset), and the drive-train (bottom bracket). Each of these parts of the bike operates in a similar way, containing a set of parts that work together to allow smooth, but solid, motion.
Perhaps the most important part of rotational system is the bearings, small metal balls that reduce friction by distributing the pressure placed upon them. Before they were invented, bikes weren't nearly as smooth or comfortable to ride, in fact they were called "boneshakers" and looked like this -- ouch!
For more information about rotational systems (specifically bottom brackets), check out chapter 3 of the Bikes Not Bombs training manual. Jim Langley has a great page that offers a step-by-step guide to overhauling hubs.
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