Workshop forum?

[hydorah]

There's some awesome collective knowledge among folk on here and we could kick the ass out of any existing tech resource on the web

We should include content for current bikes too, I think...

As above I've had some obscure questions answered instantly and accurately on here.

I've alos seen the same questions asked lots of times... and people repeating themselves or posting a link to page 9 of the hidden thread with the gold in it

Another potential suggestion:

Diameters 'database'

Such and such make and model such a yeah such and such a part is this diameter could be handy that's a FAQ for sure front mechs and seat posts usually...

Although everyone should actually own a set of verniers

 

[highlandsflyer]

General technique is all very well, and indeed advice for such is available across the net. Difference is that here there are specific fixes for specific bikes, and that is invaluable, basically knowing what has worked for others gives you the heads up to go straight to what will work.

Lots of the bikes we run are idiosyncratic, and the fixes are too.

It would be great to formalise all the info here into easily navigable How Tos.

 

[yo-Nate-y]

I think a "Workshop" or "Mechanics" sub-forum would be a great idea.

We all work on our own bikes (or try). There is great collective mechanical knowledge, and plenty who would benefit from having it easily navigable.


Some topics the might fit there could be:

mechanical Q&A and advice
restoration techniques, questions, and tutorials --shock rehabs, polishing, set up questions, seat tube removeal!, etc
threads on tools, vintage or otherwise
threads on workspaces, garages, and bike storage --there have been lots of neat ones in the "Retro MTB Chat" section over the years
stickies on sizes/diameters, etc of particular frames and BB spindle lengths, etc
info on the particulars and a place to ask questions about the weird old parts we like

 

[classen]

Sheldon is no longer with us

:cry:

really?

 

[yo-Nate-y]

2-3 years back. There are a lot of really nice retrospectives out there. I used to post a lot on Bikeforums and he was always such a great guy.

 

[Drencrom]

Would a forum divided into the specific areas of a bike work - laid out a bit like the spec sheets for a new build? That way it wouldn't end up being a mess of repeated random threads at the top of a forum, with the older less diluted threads buried under the sheer weight of requests for help.

Maybe something similar to the "HOW MUCH IS MY xyz WORTH" thread would be helpful for general requests for help or advice, if users/newbies aren't sure where to look or ask. Of course the trick would be to keep everything respectful, no matter how trivial or banal the request might seem.

It would need a lot of moderation though, with lots of sticky threads.

I think it would be worth it though, as has had been said, there are users on here with some highly impressive knowledge (not geekery, honest) and it's often unique - think of some of the members who are or were in the trade. It'd be cool to get that stuff out there.

 

[john]

A forum might work for this idea, however it is surely more suited to a wiki given it's more structured nature.

I've set one up on the development site. That bit was easy! However i've no idea about how to best structure any information. If anyone has experience of such things and fancies lending a hand and / or giving me some pointers please let me know!

 

[greenstiles]

I would like to say that if one starts up as an ex mechanic, i would only give:


Technical advice on stuff i actally know or have done in a workshop

Suggestions on stuff that i feel is a good idea based on previous experiences, that should not be taken as a 100% solve for the problem

Photos would help greatly to reduce mis information / mis interpretation on parts discussed. Easily done with so so many parts, makes mark 1 mark 2 etc etc.

Hot tips area like that one about setting fire to your puncture glue to make patches stick better ! (again not always 100% gospel)

No arguments between mechanics, we all have our own fixes on some issues, but arguing will only confuse the person who wants to fix their bike, so perhaps if a disagrement between mechanics arises, it should be moved to the Suggestions area ???


Just throwing stuff into the mix, don't know how it would be structured etc, but hope it happens

 

[brocklanders023]

Sounds like a great plan to me as this place is a wealth of knowledge.

My first entry will be a picture of the steerer collar on my Pace RC35's

 

[Defender]

This sounds like a great idea, it would certainly make searching for a fix or tip you remember easier?

ATB,

Defender.