Bicycle mechanic

Bicycle mechanics maintain and repair a variety of bicycle models and component parts. They may perform customized alterations, according to their client’s preferences.

A bicycle mechanic typicaly does the following:

• Examines bicycle and identifies parts that may need to be repaired, replaced, or otherwise modified.
• Installs, repairs, and replaces various equipment including handlebars, stands, lights, and seat.
• Adjusts vehicle components according to customer request or company specifications.
• Installs and adjusts speed and gear mechanisms.
• Aligns wheels of bicycle.
• Inspects tire tubes and uses scrapers and patches to repair them.
• Installs new vehicle parts or accessories as directed.
• Disassembles axles when required to repair, modify, or replace faulty parts.
• Repairs broken or cracked frames.
• Applies paint to bicycle frames with spray guns or brushes.
• Builds or assembles new bicycles.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The following job titles also refer to bicycle mechanic:

scooter technician
bicycle fixer
bike repairer
bicycle repairer
bicycle shop attendant
bike shop assistant
cycle technician
bicycle technician
bike mechanic
cycle mechanic
bike technician
cycle repairer
bicycle maintenance technician
bike shop worker
scooter mechanic
bicycle shop assistant
scooter repairer
bicycle repairman
bicycle shop worker
bike shop attendant

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a bicycle mechanic.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Bicycle mechanic is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to bicycle mechanic.

consumer electronics repair technician
gunsmith
sports equipment repair technician
household appliances repair technician
computer hardware repair technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of bicycle mechanic. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of bicycle mechanic with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

body artist
life coach
wedding planner
bicycle shop manager
beauty salon manager

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of bicycle mechanic.

• Bicycle mechanics: Technicalities over mechanics in bicycles and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repairs in bicycles.

These skills are necessary for the role of bicycle mechanic.

• Purchase supplies: Purchase and replenish supplies; make sure that all required goods are available in stock.
• Apply company policies: Apply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.
• Tune bicycles: Make sure bicycles are in good working order. Make performance adjustments using hand tools.
• Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
• Maintain braking system: Maintain the system that stops motor vehicles and bicycles. Identify problems such as leakages. Make repairs if necessary by using hand and power tools.
• Maintain work area cleanliness: Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
• Use repair manuals: Apply the information, such as periodic maintenance charts, step by step repair instructions, troubleshooting information and overhaul procedures to perform routine maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain customer service: Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Wash bicycles: Clean and dry bicycles with the appropriate tools and products, making sure that no corrosion appears and that the bicycle chain is properly smeared.
• Assemble bicycles: Fit together component parts of bicycles, making sure that every part is fastened properly and that the bicycle is ready for use. Install bicycle accessories such as speedometers, lights and bottle holders.
• Perform repairs on bicycles: Identify mechanical/technical bicycle problems, perform intermediate or permanent repairs, taking into account individual customer requests.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of bicycle mechanic. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Electric bicycles: Type of bicycle that functions with an integrated electric motor that assists the rider’s pedal-power.
• Electric drives: Electromechanical systems that utilise electric motors to control the movement and processes of electrical machinery.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of bicycle mechanic. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Repair electric bicycles: Inspect the functioning of the electrical components, wiring, and fuses. Check for damage and malfunctions and determine the cause. Dismantle and repair bicycle components, such as add-on drives, switching systems, power supply systems and lightning systems. Adjust mechanical and electronic switchgear, drives, brake systems and chassis components. Check the bicycle’s operating fluids and see if it needs refills or changes.
• Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
• Manage schedule of tasks: Maintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.
• Maintain records of maintenance interventions: Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
• Manage a small-to-medium business: Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
• Maintain relationship with suppliers: Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.
• Assist customers: Provide support and advice to customers in making purchasing decisions by finding out their needs, selecting suitable service and products for them and politely answering questions about products and services.
• Ensure compliance with warranty contracts: Implement and monitor repairs and/or replacements by the supplier in compliance with warranty contracts.
• Maintain professional administration: File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
• Administer appointments: Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Develop professional network: Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Issue sales invoices: Prepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and calculate the customer’s final bill.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Keep stock records: Keep written records of the amount of stock in storage, incoming and outgoing products required for the proper operation of services, repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Sell bicycles: Sell new or second-hand bicycles, mountain bikes, race bicycles or electric bicycles, and bicycle accessories.

7234 – Bicycle and related repairers

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References

1. Bicycle mechanic – ESCO
2. Featured image: Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash