Introduction to Our Bicycle Mechanic Online Course
While being a bicycle mechanic might seem simple on the surface, there’s a lot more to it than just knowing how to repair a broken or damaged bicycle.
Bicycle mechanics also help customers choose the right kind of bike based on their skill level and biking frequency.
So, how do you become a bicycle mechanic? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re in the right place.
Duties of a Bike Mechanic
There are a variety of day-to-day duties that a bike mechanic may need to accomplish.
This includes things like:
- Identifying mechanical problems with a bike;
- Lubricating and cleaning bike parts that are dirty;
- Repairing or replacing parts for customers as needed;
- Interacting with customers, bike manufacturers, and dealers;
- Adjusting screws, cables, crank arms, etc. to help tune bike performance; and
- Assembling custom bikes from scratch based on customer specifications.
Many of these duties require hands-on technical skills with different types of bikes and the mechanisms they use. Thus, this career is good for those who have a passion both for bikes and for their inner workings.
Becoming a bike mechanic may seem difficult at first, but there are many opportunities to improve your technical skills. Receiving training, signing up for an apprenticeship, or even working in a bike shop may help develop those skills.
Ways to Learn How to Repair Bicycles
When it comes to starting a career as a bicycle mechanic, there are a few different avenues open to you. Some may be hobbyists that make their way into a supporting role at a bike shop, while others may start from scratch with educational training.
Here are some ways people learn how to become a bicycle mechanic depending on their goals.
Get Education and Training
Like other mechanic jobs, the path to becoming a bicycle mechanic starts by obtaining the necessary education or training. Although they are technically not required, taking a bike technician course can help set you apart from others.
Taking a bicycle mechanic training course can help you strengthen existing knowledge and provide you with the tools needed to progress if you’re just starting out. These courses teach you the hard skills necessary for being a bike mechanic, including using repair tools, painting equipment, and even welding equipment.
If you’re looking for more specialized training or preparation for running your own bike shop, you may want to consider a certification. Currently, the United Bicycle Institute offers classes to become a certified bicycle technician. In addition, they have advanced seminars in specialized areas such as suspension and wheel building.
While this isn’t the cheapest way to learn how to become a bicycle mechanic, it can give you an edge over others looking for a bike mechanic job. In addition, it can provide you with plenty of networking opportunities.
Find an Apprenticeship
After taking a bicycle mechanic training course, it’s a good idea to start looking for an apprenticeship at a bike shop or sporting goods store. There, you can practice and improve on the skills you learned in the training course.
In addition to the hard skills learned in the training course, working in an apprenticeship is a great way to further develop the soft skills that are also necessary as a bike mechanic. Soft skills include everything from working with other people and providing friendly customer service to critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
Good people skills are a must to become a successful bicycle mechanic because, as mentioned above, a bicycle mechanic is also there to help guide customers on choosing the right bike for them. This includes knowing a lot about different brands, bike styles, and designs to help your customers make the right choice.
Unlike hard skills, these kinds of skills can’t be so easily taught in a classroom environment. Instead, they need to be practiced in the real world, and finding an apprenticeship can help you get that opportunity.
After completing training and getting some experience, you may decide it’s time to start your own bicycle repair shop. If that is your ultimate goal, then finding an apprenticeship is even more important because it can allow you to see and work with a mentor that can help you understand the challenges of running your own bicycle repair business.
Work in a Bike Shop
Since there aren’t any specific educational requirements to work in a bike shop, it’s a great way to get the experience you need. While you may not start out as a mechanic, you can expect to assist the mechanics with their repairs. Even those who begin their job in sales end up learning the construction of a bike.
At this entry-level position, you may be responsible for simpler tasks within the shop, such as tune-ups or assembly. However, as you gain experience, your manager may give you more opportunities to shadow other mechanics and help them on major projects. Arguably, this is one of the best ways to gain the experience you need.
Interested in Becoming a Bicycle Mechanic?
One of the best places to start is with a training course that can provide you with the knowledge you need. The Stratford Career Institute offers a number of distance learning courses on a variety of topics, including our Bicycle Mechanic Training Course.
Enroll today!
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