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A Bicycle Mechanic is a person who can perform a wide range of repairs on bicycles. A person who works in a cycling store is usually not considered a bike mechanic, unless that person has experience repairing bikes. Bike mechanics can be employed in various types of stores, ranging from large department stores to small shops.
The New York State Department of Labor describes bicycle repair as a "realistic" occupation, meaning an occupation that would be enjoyed by somebody who likes "practical, hands-on problems," dealing with "real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery," and one that "does not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others." They classify it as a job that "usually requires a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed. Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees." They indicate an "annual wage" in the neighborhood of $15,000, but can earn up to a litle more than $30,000. "In 2002, employment for bicycle repairers in New York was 360." [1]
The skills involved in maintaining racing bicycles and other specialized bicycles of course go beyond the basics outlined in New York's "occupational brief." Well-known schools offering advanced training for bicycle mechanics include the United Bicycle Institute of Ashland, Oregon and Barnett Bicycle Institute of Colorado Springs. The Park Tool Co., a well-known maker of bicycle mechanic's tools, has an outreach training program called the "Park Tool School" which available at many local bike shops, taught by local bike shop personnel with the assistance of training materials and manuals from Park. The Plaza Ashland is a city in Jackson County, Oregon, near Interstate 5 and the California border, and nestled in the south end of the Rogue Valley. ...
Downtown Colorado Springs skyline. ...
Among many references on bicycle repair, Barnett's Manual[2] stands out as a comprehensive four-volume set that includes detailed coverage and diagrams of bicycle components from many different manufacturers. The Lonely Planet cycling guide suggests "If you want to know more about maintaining your bike... Richard's Bicycle Book[3] is a classic. If you want to know absolutely everything get Barnett's Manual... or Sutherland's Handbook.[4]."
References
- ^ Bicycle repairers (.pdf) New York State Department of Labor "Occupational Brief"
- ^ Barnett, John (2003). Barnett's Manual: Analysis and Procedures for Bicycle Mechanics, VeloPress. ISBN 1931382298.
- ^ Sutherland, Howard (1995). Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book , Sutherland Publications. ISBN 091457809X.
- ^ Ballantine, Richard (2001). Sutherland's Handbook for Bicycle Mechanics , Overlook TP. ISBN 1585671126.
- United Bicycle Institute website
- Barnett Bicycle Institute website
- Park Tool Co website of bicycle repair tool company which offers training through local dealers
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