Shop Talk

• Written by Calvin on February 9, 2010/Park Tool News

  2010 Park Tool Tech Summit Wrap Up

  On February 2nd in San Jose, CA, Park Tool wrapped up our 2010 series of our Park Tool Tech Summit. This is the most noteworthy and effective program of field training clinics for bicycle mechanics in the country. This year we hosted 650 professional mechanics in three cities, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Jose. We were joined by 7 of the top component manufacturers in the world. Shimano®, SRAM®, Rock Shox®, Fox®, Mavic®, Hayes®, and Campagnolo®.

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• Written by Calvin on October 21, 2009/Calvin's Corner

  Getting a Sense of the Problem

  In bicycle repair, or any other mechanical work for that matter, we should bring to the table our five senses. We need as much input as possible in order to process the data and come to a resolution on the issues before us. This article will expatiate upon the "five senses" and how they facilitate our ability to diagnose and repair. There are some that may advocate for a sixth sense, but you will not find me among them.

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• Written by Calvin on September 14, 2009/Calvin's Corner

  Campagnolo® Ultra-Torque™ and Record® Group

  As manufacturers release new groups and components, there are often new features that require new service procedures. This article will discuss the newer component groups available from Campagnolo®.

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• Written by Calvin on May 1, 2009/Calvin's Corner

  CYCLING... the book

  With the arrival of summer, it is prime time for good riding and fine reading. In this edition of Calvin's Corner I will provide a book report of a tome which influenced me, and my way of thinking. It is sometimes long after reading a piece of literature, and then by rereading it, does it become clear what it means to you. Such a book is CYCLING, published by the C.O.N.I. (Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano), Rome, Italy.

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• Written by Calvin on February 28, 2009/Calvin's Corner

  Gore® Ride-On® Cable Installation

  This article will describe the installation of the Gore® Ride-On® cable system. This is a cable housing system that relies on a tubing system to seal the inner shifting or brake wire, thereby preventing dirt and water from entering. The system is composed of housing, a full length removable liner tube, a coated brake (or shift) wire, end caps (ferrules) for both frame housing stops and component housing stops, "grub" seals for ends of the wire system, cable end crimps, and crimp covers.

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• Written by Calvin on September 30, 2008/Calvin's Corner

  Shimano® Coasting System

  This article will discuss the Shimano® "Coasting" system. The Coasting system uses a 3-speed internal hub. The shifting is done automatically the "Automatic Unit." The electricity to operate the Automatic Unit comes from the dynamo (generating) front hub.

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• Written by Calvin on August 26, 2008/Calvin's Corner

  Thinking About Your Ride

  The optic of this article will be on the relationship of the human body with the bicycle. There is both an art and science to placing and positioning the human body on a bicycle for maximum performance. This article addresses you as a casual cyclist rather than as the elite level cyclist, who must concentrate on maximum performance. It asks you to think about how you sit on a bike. You will enjoy riding more by using common sense, paying attention to how you feel, and by using trial and error in your positioning.

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• Written by Calvin on August 8, 2008/Calvin's Corner

  This I Believe

  It is difficult to go through life and not wonder if you are doing anyone any good. As the 2008 Olympic Games begin, it gives me pause to think about what I have done, or not done, for, well, the world.

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• Written by Calvin on April 30, 2008/Calvin's Corner

  Working in the Dark

  This article will discuss techniques useful to the workers of the bicycle world. Although I try hard not to, sometimes parts are dropped on the floor. Sometimes, very small parts are dropped. On the preventative side, have a place arranged to place your small parts. Use a tub, or better yet keep them in the Park Tool MB-1 magnetic bowl.

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• Written by Calvin on January 8, 2008/Calvin's Corner

  A Visit With Andy Hampsten

  Andy Hampsten is a former professional racer. Winner of the Giro d'Italia, veteran of the Tour de France, team rider for the Motorola Cycling Team, 7-11, La Vie Claire, and Levi's, Andy has seen many a mile on and off the bike. Andy was kind enough to take the time to chat about about bikes and biking. Andy was a rider for the Levi's Professional Cycling Team back in the early 1980s. I was his mechanic back then, and learned a lot from his example and attitude. It is always a pleasure to hear from Mr. Hampsten.

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