Bicycle Mechanics - Mechanics -- How did you get started

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DeafLamb
03-27-04, 04:54 PM
Just wondering how most mechanics get started... I fell confident doing minor things like adjusting brakes/shifters, replacing chains, fixing flats and the like, and was thinking of fixing bikes this summer for some extra cash. Probably just set up a small shop in my parents garage or something.

How did most of you guys get started?

Ray

Rev.Chuck
03-27-04, 09:47 PM
I was a heavy equipment tech for about ten years when I took a part time job at a bike shop. I worked with the service manager for about a year and when he left, I took over the position.
There are also many schools you could go to, some that offer frame building.
Retro Grouch
03-28-04, 03:45 PM
Just wondering how most mechanics get started... I fell confident doing minor things like adjusting brakes/shifters, replacing chains, fixing flats and the like, and was thinking of fixing bikes this summer for some extra cash. Probably just set up a small shop in my parents garage or something.

How did most of you guys get started?

Ray

Just do it. I didn't have any money so I had to learn to work on my own stuff. I worked with a lot of junk, made a lot of mistakes and gradually got smarter. The hardest thing about working out of your home is finding a reliable and reasonably quick source for repair parts.

John E
03-28-04, 04:23 PM
Just do it. I didn't have any money so I had to learn to work on my own stuff. I worked with a lot of junk, made a lot of mistakes and gradually got smarter. The hardest thing about working out of your home is finding a reliable and reasonably quick source for repair parts.

My experience is similar. Knowing that I had worked on my own and friends' bikes for several years, a fellow UCLA undergrad referred me to his friend who was opening up a used bike shop. I became the chief (only, actually) mechanic there, and when the shop went out of business, the owner introduced me to the Goldsmiths, who had recently opened the original Bikecology/Supergo. I worked there part-time for a few years, building on my base of personal experience, extensive reading, and discussions with local cyclists and mechanics. If you are interested in things mechanical, have a passion for bicycling, and are handy with tools, you can readily learn to be a decent bicycle mechanic. I still very much enjoy building and maintaining all of my family's bikes, although I wish I had more time to do so.