Fifty Plus (50+) - How Do You Find a New Mechanic?

I just got word that the mechanic at my favorite bike shop has signed a contract with a pro team and will be wrenching for them this year. While I'm very happy for him, I'm more than a bit dismayed at the thought of having to find a new mechanic. This guy was fair, honest, skilled, and while young a fan of vintage and new cycling gear. I don't use mechanics much, because I do most of my own work. However, when I do take something to a mechanic I like feeling that I'm leaving the work in good hands. This has always been the case with this guy. Now that he's leaving I must search out another option, and I'd like to do it in a painless manner if that's possible. What has been successful for those of you who had to find a new mechanic? Any shortcuts or litmus tests you've discovered to ferret out the good from the not so good?

I just got word that the mechanic at my favorite bike shop has signed a contract with a pro team and will be wrenching for them this year. While I'm very happy for him, I'm more than a bit dismayed at the thought of having to find a new mechanic. This guy was fair, honest, skilled, and while young a fan of vintage and new cycling gear. I don't use mechanics much, because I do most of my own work. However, when I do take something to a mechanic I like feeling that I'm leaving the work in good hands. This has always been the case with this guy. Now that he's leaving I must search out another option, and I'd like to do it in a painless manner if that's possible. What has been successful for those of you who had to find a new mechanic? Any shortcuts or litmus tests you've discovered to ferret out the good from the not so good?

Well, you could use the other mechanics at the same shop. And it IS the same shop for both of us.

Ask your mechanic to recommend someone else at the shop.

If the shop has a good reputation- the owner will have someone lined up for the job and he will be good. Failing that- Most shopowners learnt the trade repairing bikes and now owns the shop. He will be a good mechanic.

As a test- if you want- go in in a couple of months time and ask if they can change say - A bottom bracket on a bike for you. If they say they can do it straight away- They have lost a lot of customers on the repair side. However- if it is a two week wait- the NEW mechanic hasn't lost any custom.

I think the only way is to give it a go and if the results are poor start looking elsewhere.

These sorts of decisions had a lot to do with me learning to do just about everything myself. I am only constrained now by the cost of tooling. For example, I cannot now and probably never will be able to chase the threads on an Italian bottom bracket.

I'll fix it. Just bring it here. :D

As a Mechanic myself, I try and get to know the other wrenches in town. Some people don't like coming to certain parts of town and others won't come into the City, so I need to know who I can send folks too.

Sometimes, just hanging out in a shop will tell you a lot. See who the other wrenches pass the phone too for the tough questions. Look and see who gets to work the high dollar bikes. I still have the Senior wrench work on the high end stuff, I am capable, but I am also a part-timer, these higher end clients like to "KNOW" their mechanic.

Most times, when a mechanic leaves, there is someone at the shop that is capable of filling those shoes. Sometimes you just have to trust that your bike will get the same service, and if it does not, then let the OWNER know.

Good Luck!

Chris

If you enjoy working on things mechanical (I do), strongly consider doing your own wrenching.

I'll fix it. Just bring it here. :D

I still think that anyone who can operate a camera and compose a picture can fix a bike.....

I'll fix it. Just bring it here. :D

Yes, DG needs some practice bikes to work on, before he works on his own.