Bicycle Repairers

Career summary

Bicycle repairers may also be called bicycle or bike mechanics, or bicycle technicians.

#4/2/19 lh

Bicycle repairers work on both new and used bicycles. They repair and recondition used bikes to prepare them for sale. They also assemble new bikes that come from the factory.

Bicycle repairers talk to customers when they bring their bikes in for repair.

Bicycle repairers make simple repairs such as repairing holes in tire tubes. They also repair or replace parts, such as handlebars, lights, and seats. Bike repairers keep bikes tuned up. They make sure all the safety equipment such as reflector lights are working correctly.

Bicycle repairers also make complex repairs to gear mechanisms and bike frames. Repairers also take apart and reassemble axles to work on them. Mechanisms vary on different makes of bicycles, so repairers have to keep up with current models. Some bicycle mechanics specialize in building new bicycles.

Bicycle repairers use tools, such as:

• Wrenches and screwdrivers
• Bench grinders
• Frame straightening machines
• Torch and welding rods
• Truing machines

Some bicycle repairers also sell bikes in their shop. They advise customers about bikes and accessories and order new parts.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Locksmiths
• Mechanic and Repairer Helpers
• Motorboat Mechanics
• Motorcycle Mechanics
• Precision Assemblers
• Small Engine Mechanics
• Welders and Solderers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to bicycle repairers.

• Assemble new bicycles according to directions. Adjust brakes and gears for proper operation.
• Repair tire tubes or repair holes in them, using glue and patches.
• Install, repair, or replace equipment, such as handlebars, lights, and seats.
• Order new parts.
• Shape replacement parts, using bench grinders.
• Align wheels and replace or tighten spokes.
• Install, adjust, and repair gear and brake mechanisms.
• Take apart hubs to clean and grease, adjust, repair, or replace defective parts.
• Straighten bent frames.
• Weld broken or cracked frames together, using torches and welding rods.
• Use hand tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers.
• Advise customers about repairs or purchases.
• Paint bicycle frames, using spray guns or brushes.

Common work activities

Bicycle repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Perform for or work with the public
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Control machines and processes
• Schedule work and activities
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Teach others
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, bicycle repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They communicate with customers in person and on the phone on a daily basis.
• Often work as part of a team of other repairers, mechanics, and salespeople.
• Write emails daily.
• Are somewhat responsible for the safety of bicycle owners.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other repairers.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors, but may occasionally work outdoors when testing a bike.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as lubricant.
• May on occasion be exposed to sounds and noise levels that might be uncomfortable.
• Are exposed on a weekly basis to hazardous situations and equipment that might produce minor cuts or burns. They often wear protective attire as a precaution.
• Work near others, usually several feet apart.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause injuries to bicycle riders.
• Regularly make decisions that affect the company's reputation and bicycle owners. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding how to repair a bicycle.
• Set nearly all of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a superior first.
• Operate by strict weekly deadlines.
• May repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• May work days, evenings, or weekends.
• Most work 40 hours per week.

Physical demands

Bicycle repairers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for bicycle repairers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for bicycle repairers to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Bicycle repairers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Bicycle Mechanics and Repair

Training

To work as a bicycle repairer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school. There are only a few formal training programs available in bicycle repair. In these programs students take courses in bicycle assembly, advanced mechanics, and shop operation. Each course usually takes one to two weeks to complete. Bicycle repair training programs usually award a certificate.

On-the-job training

Most bicycle repairers learn their skills on the job from an experienced bicycle repairer. You begin as a helper. As you gain skills you work on more complex tasks. During training, you learn to:

• fix and change tires;
• tune up bicycles;
• clean and lubricate parts; and
• assemble bicycles.

In general, bicycle repairers receive about one month of on-the-job training. However, many repairers receive up to six months of training. Employers also send bike repairers to training workshops provided by bicycle manufacturers.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also prefer applicants who have good communication skills. They may prefer applicants who have mechanical experience or training.

Tips

Most repairers need to be able to work on several bikes at a time. Knowledge of older and new bikes, different brands, and changes in bike technology is important. Repairers must also have good public relations skills, especially when dealing with demanding or difficult customers.

#Article brought in by Leo from The Bulletin, June 4, 2012, (Bend, OR) "A look inside a bike mechanic's world." Added related cmts 6/12/12 cj.

Costs to workers

Repairers may have to supply their own tools, except for larger tools. Tools can cost from $350 to over $725 for complete sets. Workers may increase their chances of being hired by becoming certified as a bicycle mechanic through the United Bicycle Institute which is listed in the Other Resources section of this description.

#UBI still offers certification 2/7/18 cj. 4/2/19

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Bicycle Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by the repairer's level of experience.

Full-time bicycle repairers may receive benefits such as sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Part-time repairers rarely receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Bicycle and sporting goods stores
• Bicycle repair shops

National outlook

Demand for bicycle repairers is increasing. People are becoming more concerned about the environment and choosing to ride bikes as an alternative form of transportation. As gas prices rise many people cannot afford to drive as much. In addition, many retirees are riding bikes for exercise or entertainment.

Some riders lack the time or interest to repair or maintain their own bicycles. Job prospects are best for bicycle repairers with formal training.

Other resources

Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association 

United Bicycle Institute 
401 Williamson Way
Ashland, OR 97520
541.488.1121

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Bicycle Repairers (49-3091.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Bicycle Repairer (639.681-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled