m4rx12

I have recently been offered part time work under the condition that I am someone with experience as a bike mechanic. I have worked on plenty of bicycles (mostly fixed gears) but have no formal experience.

What have your experiences been in finding work as a mechanic and how qualified you were entering the field? I am just trying to get an idea of whether I would be wasting this guys time by telling him I have experience.

Thanks!

bikemeister

I've always found honesty is the best policy. I'm in your shoes - I've been fixing/repairing bikes for myself and others since I was about 12 years old. But I wouldn't count that as "formal" experience, which is what most LBS look for.
I'd be upfront and tell him like you did here. You've got lots of hands-on experience, and, being upfront lets him decide one way or the other. Your honesty might just work in your favor. I can teach someone the skills they need to do a job - I can't teach honesty. Just my 2 cents.

jdefran

I'm not a mechanic but feel comfortable building a bike (about 95% of it)...haven't tackled building wheels yet.

So in your case I would just communicate what you are capable of and express you are interested and able to learn the rest. In the mean time read up on what you don't know so you can show be aware and prove your motivation.

dahut

Is there such a thing as 'formal training' as a bike mechanic?

reptilezs

working on your own bikes is not the same as experience. when i was starting out i knew i was qualified but inexperienced. basically had to prove myself while working. keep looking until someone gives you a chance or see potential in you. its tough to get the break in but once you are in it is much easier. the pay is not great with most shops. about 8-12hr around here. more if you are good or shop/store values the idea of doing good quality work fast and efficiently. tell them that you work on your own stuff and what you know. expect to start out doing assembly and the **** jobs.

reptilezs

there are schools like ubi or barnetts

jdefran

+1, you will be the master tube changer before you know it.

FBinNY 

It really doesn't matter how experienced you are. As long as you bring a decent level of skill so that you can be productive on straightforward jobs. The most important thing is that you're aware of your own skill level. The biggest mistake a mechanic can make is to over-estimate his skill and knowledge, and cause expensive, avoidable damage, or a problem for the paying clients.

I give all new hires and trainees the same speech. "I only need you to know three things - 1, you need to know what you know, and produce good work within your skill set. 2- you need to know what you don't know, when you're in over your head and when to ask for help. 3- you need to know the difference."

If you know those three things you'll do fine, and grow and expand your skills while on the job.