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Profile -- by Ty Addison
Do you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems and repairing things? If so, a Bicycle Mechanic job would be perfect for you! The duties of a Bicycle Mechanics can vary depending on what type of shop you work at but mostly include daily scheduled repairs, diagnosing problems and ordering parts. Bicycle Mechanics require technical problem solving abilities and good customer service skills. "One of the most important things is to be able to explain something technical in Basic English to a customer", says Mitch Ellison, a Bicycle Mechanic who has been in the business for 10 years and has no plans on stopping anytime soon.
Mitch has been a cycling enthusiast since the time he was just 8 years old and finds that the best part of his job is being able to promote the sport of cycling to many people. He was so passionate about cycling that when he first started his career he would sign his paychecks back to the store just so he could buy new parts for his bike!
Most bicycle mechanics earn around $10/hr. but that can fluctuate as experience and knowledge can contribute to how much you can make. If you don't have any previous experience however, it shouldn't stop a person from applying at Bike Shops; Mitch explains, "Usually just having an interest in cycling is the only major requirement. For better wages though, years of experience is necessary." Mitch has found that even when people have a lot of experience however, some find it hard to find positions that pay accordingly. When asked if it was difficult for someone to get into this line of work Mitch replied that "At this time most Bike Shops are always looking for people".
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"Usually just having an interest in cycling is the only major requirement"
Mitch Ellison
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Because Bike Shops typically operate with common retail store hours, it isn't unusual that a Bicycle Mechanic will work these types of hours as well. Most stores are open 7 days a week from the morning until mid evening. "Full time in the summer is about 44 hours a week" says Mitch, "but the hours go down a bit during the off season." Most shops offer opportunities for advancement into manger type positions and it is not uncommon that shops let you buy into the company.
A Bicycle Mechanic is able to use his skills at any Bike Shop where mechanics would be needed. It can offer a very exciting atmosphere and it is a rewarding position. Wherever there are bikes on the road, mechanics for them will be needed.
Resources
Park Tools - Bike Repairs
Sheldon Brown Bicycle Repair Articles
Alberta Bicycle Association
Canadian Cycling Association
Bicycle Trade Association of Canada
There are no Bicycle Mechanic schools in Canada. Some Maunufacturers offer training seminars to their dealers. You would need to be working for a bike shop to take advantage.
Some Canadian Bicycle Manufacturers:
Devinci
Brodie
Aquila Cycles
Norco Bicycles
Rocky Mountain Bicycles
Miele Bicycles
CCM
Opus
Video Profiles
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