Just spent a very fun and rewarding afternoon down at Bici Centro, our local bicycle co-op. I was working on converting my 16 year old Kona Lava Dome mountain bike into an Xtracycle-equipped utility bike.
The setup at Bici Centro is great: you get your own workstation and some expert guidance for the volunteers who run the shop, and then are turned loose to do the work yourself. Nothing better for learning how a bike works and how to take care of it!
I went in hoping to get my rear derailer setup and true my front and rear wheels. In the process I also removed the front and rear brakes and levers and donated them to the used parts section of the shop (have replacement v-brakes on order).
Everybody working there was great, very friendly and eager to help anyone learn more about their bicycles. I’ve been there three times now and that has been very consistent.
The other thing I’ve noticed is that this truly is a community institution reflective of the Santa Barbara community: patrons I’ve seen getting help there included men, women and children of all races and (apparent) income levels. By the people for the people baby! It makes me want to volunteer once I get some more experience on bike wrenching under my belt 🙂