Park Tools School ?

[ezdoesit]

Hello everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well.
My local REI is having a Park Tools class/school which consists of 4 2 hour class's for $200.00 and I was wondering if anyone here has taken this class or if it is recommended.
Basically and help and information would be appreciated.
Just want to know if it is a good class here is a copy and paste.

Description: Join an REI Specialist for a series of in-depth bicycle maintenance classes. This 8 hour series over 4 days will cover topics including drivetrain service, hub and headset overhaul, tire and tube service, and brake service. The goal of the class will be to equip participants with the skills to perform a basic tune up on their bikes. Participants are invited to bring their own bikes to work on. Tools will be provided. Participants are encouraged to have previous basic bike maintenance experience


Thank you for your time.

[Robb]

If one has the money and time, I would imagine it is worth it. Park Tools is a premier tool company and REI is a fine retailer, but $200 to get cycling enthusiasts into a store to learn the basics seems a little steep to me, especially with each having good reason to reach those riders and sell them their products. $200 is definitely 'real money' these days, so I'd see if you get any tools or discounts or coupons with your tuition. It would be cool, no doubt, to spend four evening with a pro and some like-minded cyclists. You'd likely never forget it. In '83, I attended an afternoon seminar conducted by Eddie B and Dr. Ed Burke. It wasn't about mechanics, it was about racing, but it was worth it and the anecdotes and slide show were cool--pics of Greg LeMond as LeMonster--and I am glad I spent the afternoon with them and a bunch of other racers. It was cool.

[ezdoesit]

Thank you for your response and yes I feel the same way $200.00 is real money and I feel it is not worth it.

[jinxy72]

i am thinking of doing the park tools course here in the uk ... but its a much longer course ... full 5 days and costs £340. ... but it is much cheaper than doing the uk alternate one which works out at £950 + vat (tax at 20% )!!!!!

[Robb]

(09-11-2010, 03:55 PM)jinxy72 Wrote:  i am thinking of doing the park tools course here in the uk ... but its a much longer course ... full 5 days and costs £340. ... but it is much cheaper than doing the uk alternate one which works out at £950 + vat (tax at 20% )!!!!!

I've been thinking about this question -- whether and how much one should pay to attend a Park Tools course -- and my advice would be to go if you can swing it but if not, just invest what you have into the tools you want/need -- I use Park Tools and one of these days I want to get their complete toolbox -- and manuals and support of sites such as this one. And I would add that a bike stand should be Tool Number One as it just makes everything easier and more enjoyable. I used to think they were an unnecessary luxury -- but then again, I spent my formative years flipping my Stingray up on its seat and handlebars whenever I needed to work on it

[jinxy72]

im collecting my tools over time m8 and have most basics covered ... the bike stand the mrs is buying me for xmas .... i just feel that ive forgot more over the years of not riding ( as ive had 17 year gap ) and feel the course would help to bring me back up to speed quicker ... also would pay for its self as we now have 4 bikes in the house ( and soon to be 5 - daughters brithday present nov ) and will save on service and repair costs .

does seem a very good course ... states covers everything needed to do a full stripdown and rebuild ... ideal for the home mechanic. I would opt for the extra suspension section which covers service, strip and rebuild of most of the good makes of suspension folks