Bicycle Mechanics: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Bicycles had become the most efficient way to travel nowadays. Because of environmental concerns and increase in petroleum prices, many people opt to use bicycles for short trips like going to the store, visiting friends and going to work. The use of bike is also recommended by doctors as a good way to exercise. Bikes that were first built had large front wheels and smaller wheel at the back. Modern bikes have an improved appearance and design. Technology helped bike riders balance, brake and steer easily. Those who maintain and repair bikes and provide conditioning services as well are called the bicycle mechanics.
Education,Knowledge and Trainings Required
Formal education is not required to be hired as a bicycle mechanic. Some employers still prefer to hire an applicant who is high school graduate. Shop class will develop skills in following blueprint and working with hands in building an equipment. Physics class will help applicants understand the principles of the design of the equipment and its functions. Having a background in retail environment is beneficial and they will be equipped with knowledge by taking Accounting, Business and Computer class.
Skills and Abilities
Mechanical skill should be possess by any bicycle mechanic. They should be keen to details. They should be updated with the new models of bikes. They should know how to work with different tools in fixing bicycle problems and should have the skills in solving problems and deciding what should be done best for the bicycle to be repaired. It is important to have a proper and accurate repair strategy. Also, they should know how to work with a team but they should know how to work independently also. Those who are working in bicycle shops would need to know how to communicate with customers well.
Duties
Bicycle mechanics service, repair and assemble different types of bicycles. Their duty includes conducting routine maintenance and tune-ups and rebuilding old or damaged bicycles. Some repairs that are made are about replacing brake cables. They use different tools such as drills, wrenches, vises, screwdrivers and other specialized tools to maintain and repair bikes.
If working for a bicycle shop, bicycle mechanics assemble the parts that came from bicycle manufacturers. Some make adjustments so that bikes may operate properly. It is their responsibility to build or replace wheels. Gear mechanism needs adjustment frequently. The mechanics can align the gears.Some bicycle mechanics also advise customers on how to take good care of their bikes.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Earnings of bicycle mechanics would depend on the weather. During winter or cold season there is less use of bicycles which will also decrease the need for a bicycle service. Some mechanics are required to work overtime during spring when people usually use their bike. Bicycle is now getting popular in terms of transportation, fitness and fun. Job opportunities for bicycle mechanics will continue to increase in the future until 2014.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 528 Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 Time: 7:42 PM
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