Meet Jana Stewart Our New Mechanic Volunteer

Jana completes her first bike restoration, a sweet Trek Mystic.

New volunteer mechanics are taught by an experienced Wheels’ “wrencher.” Everyone starts out on small bikes with coaster brakes and no gears or handbrakes. These bikes are much simpler than adult bikes and easy to learn on. First the bike frame is thoroughly inspected for cracks or other serious defects. If found the frame is recycled and good parts saved to repair other bikes.

Next they are taught how to take apart the wheel axles, steering column, pedal cranks and coaster brake. They inspect, clean and repack all bearings with fresh grease to make sure everything moves smoothly. Any worn parts are replaced including seats and handlebar grips. Then the bike frame is cleaned to be free of dirt and grease.

All mechanics test ride the restored bike to make sure it rides right (see video below). Additional adjustments are made if needed. Before the bike is made available to an “Earner” the bike is put into our QC, or quality control section, where it is thoroughly checked over, adjustments made if needed, and test ridden again.

Jana test rides her first bike restoration!