What qualification/s is it desirable for bike mechanics to have?

[Cyclopathic]

I'm looking to increase my knowledge and would like some advice on the right courses to take. It is my aim to make it pay so want to know what the industry want you to have.

 

[accountantpete]

It's very simple - a deep and thorough knowledge of all bike parts and then go a bit further and add your own interpretation to things where possible. Don't go on courses or you will end up like the guy on you tube putting tyres on with straps.

 

[numbnuts]

I would have thought just the understanding on how the bikes work and to be able to blind people with science that they do need a new chain, cassette and chain wheels every time you look at the bike.

 

[dellzeqq]

There's lots to be gained from Dr. Bike sessions, and some boroughs in London run courses, but Cytech is the only one that counts with employers
http://cytech.uk.com/
the biggest suppliers are ATG
http://cycletraining.co/

 

[Cyclopathic]

I agree most heartily with both of the above but I am looking for a bit of paper to prove it to other people. I understand that a piece of paper is no guarantee of competence but it is at least a starting point that people can refer to.
I'm in a fairly good position at the moment to do a course of some kind and it might as well be in something I really enjoy and that could perhaps be of benefit to me.
Accountantpete, I promise not to be like the guy on you tube with the strap on and the tyres.

 

[Cyclopathic]

There's lots to be gained from Dr. Bike sessions, and some boroughs in London run courses, but Cytech is the only one that counts with employers
http://cytech.uk.com/
the biggest suppliers are ATG
http://cycletraining.co/

Thanks. I'll investigate. And then work out how to pay for it. Looking at the prices I now see how very wise accountantpete and numbnuts are. One never knows though, there may be ways.

 

[dellzeqq]

the best cycle mechanic and wheelbuilder I know went on a Cytech course and said that it proved it was never too late to learn

 

[actonblue]

Cycle Systems academy based in east London is also very good they offer upto Level 3 which deals with hydraulics and advance wheel design.
Having done the courses myself I have found them very good but I would also recommend gaining experience in a LBS that is where you will really start to learn your mechanic's skills.
There is nothing like working on a bike that has had very little care and being told to get it back to good working order. You would be amazed how much you will learn on the job.

 

[Cyclopathic]

Cycle Systems academy based in east London is also very good they offer upto Level 3 which deals with hydraulics and advance wheel design.
Having done the courses myself I have found them very good but I would also recommend gaining experience in a LBS that is where you will really start to learn your mechanic's skills.
There is nothing like working on a bike that has had very little care and being told to get it back to good working order. You would be amazed how much you will learn on the job.

I agree. I've been working cyclemagic in leicester whenever I could for the last year or so. Definitely learned a lot, not least I learned just how much there is to learn.

 

[actonblue]

You'll never be bored.

 

[gwhite]

It's very simple - a deep and thorough knowledge of all bike parts and then go a bit further and add your own interpretation to things where possible. Don't go on courses or you will end up like the guy on you tube putting tyres on with straps.

I know the guy you mention and I only wish I knew as much about bikes as he does. Not only can he build great wheels but he has also designed some cracking frames.

As for qualifications, Cytech is the one which is most readily accepted by the trade as they were responsible for its creation. It's pretty comprehensive and would be a good start.

 

[accountantpete]

I know the guy you mention and I only wish I knew as much about bikes as he does. Not only can he build great wheels but he has also designed some cracking frames.

The point I was trying to make was that if you think about the principles involved you can work out your own and hopefully easier way of achieving the same end. I fit all my tyres by hand without straps - so could anyone who cares to think about the problem.

 

[palinurus]

Ability to listen to death metal all day long and skilled in pinning pron to the workshop wall.

 

[rusty bearing]

If you want a good qualification that goes into greater depth than Cytec then talk to Alf or Teresa at:
http://www.bike-inn.co.uk/about.asp.
Plus you get a City and Guilds certificate to hang on your workshop wall.

 

[Dayvo]

If you want a good qualification that goes into greater depth than Cytec then talk to Alf or Teresa at:
http://www.bike-inn.co.uk/about.asp.
Plus you get a City and Guilds certificate to hang on your workshop wall.

I did mine March 2009, when were you there?