Learning Bicycle Mechanics

At almost every clinic, workshop, or seminar I have ever taught on anything related to bicycle repair the same questions always come up: “How did you learn to do this stuff?” or “How can I learn more about doing my own repairs?”

Here are my suggestions for all aspiring bicycle mechanics:

Self-education:
This is a great way to get into bicycle mechanics and a must for any seasoned mechanic to continue sharpening their knowledge and skills. There are many different resources including books, websites, and magazines that are useful. Some books that I would recommend are Leonard Zinn’s bicycle maintenance books (both road and mountain), and Barnett’s Manual published by Barnett’s Bicycle Institute. There are many others, including one put out by Bicycling Magazine, but these are the two I am most familiar with. Manufacturers’ websites usually post technical or service instructions for components they make, which is an important resource for many repairs. Sheldon Brown’s website, http://www.sheldonbrown.com, is also a source for technical and repair information that I recommend. Almost every bicycle-specific magazine that is published today has a section that is dedicated to repairing a bicycle. Beyond giving repair advice they also offer technical sections that are a more in depth review and write up of new and changing technology. The more you read the better is what my mom always said.

Clinic/Workshops:
Other great resources to search out in your local areas are clinics and workshops. You might be surprised to find that your local bike shop offers maintenance clinics on just the thing you have been looking to learn. Besides shops, cycling clubs have been know to offer workshops, and sometimes you do not even have to be a member to participate. Recreation departments even sponsor an occasional bicycle repair series. If you are fortunate enough to have a bicycle cooperative in your area they will most definitely have information and classes available.

School:
This age old method of learning is also available to those who aspire to become a wrench. The two most well known schools are Barnett Bicycle Institute (CO) and United Bicycle Institute (OR), and both offer bicycle repair educations and certifications. Each school offers classes to students at the novice levels as well as to those with many years of experience. The classes are anywhere from a week to two weeks long and cost between $750 and $3000. I attended Barnett’s early in my career and have to say it made a vast difference in my understanding of the way the bicycle works. The certification process is not mandatory and is generally pursued by industry professionals looking for advancement. If you can find the time and the funds to pursue going to school I highly recommend this option for getting an accelerated leap into the trade. Check out these websites for more information http://www.bbinstitute.com and http://www.bikeschool.com.

Apprenticing/Interning:
Another option for learning the tricks of the trade is to intern or apprentice under a master mechanic at a local shop. This option is a little harder to work out but can be feasible if you trade some grunt labor for your education (i.e. sweeping, cleaning, etc.). This also happens to be the way that many mechanics got their start; being the young kid hanging out at the shop doing the dirty work who all of a sudden became the indispensable employee. At the shop where I spin a wrench we just took on an apprentice and it has proven to be a symbiotic relationship. If you are going to try and pursue this option I would do some amount of self-educating before you plunge yourself elbow deep into the grease pit. Learn the basics like flat repair, basic installations (grips, bar tape, water bottles and other accessories), and maybe even chain installation so that you can present yourself as a motivated and already helpful intern.

Hopefully this has provided some useful information to those of you aspiring to be bicycle mechanics.

I wish you much luck and elbow grease,
Sara