Maybe you’d like to know enough about repairs to keep you bike going in emergencies. Or maybe you can’t pay a bike shop every time you need repairs. If so, learn to fix stuff yourself—it’s easier than you might think! Several ways to learn:

• Take a class. Many bike dealers, community colleges, and bike clubs offer bike-repair classes.
• Get a book. Some books on fixing bikes are easy to follow. Find one you like at a bookstore or bike shop.
• Get an advisor. Find a friend or bike dealer who’s willing to advise you when you can’t figure stuff out. In ex-change for a bike dealer’s help with your bike, you can:
• Buy the tools and parts you need at their shop.
• Refer your friends to them.
• Put off big repairs until cold or rainy months, when they need business.