Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
The thing about a hobbyist, is if you pick a small niche, you can become a "subject matter expert", and more knowledgable than many "pros".
I am an engineer by education, and spent over 30 years in operations and maintenance management. Never worked in a bike shop. Never raced either.