Who knew it would be such a feel-good job!
The surprising revelation of being a bicycle mechanic.
It is a celebration of hobbies, passion and community.
In a world where many find themselves tethered to the corporate grind, I have recently discovered that the rather less complex job of a bike mechanic stands out as a beacon of joy and fulfilment.
My new profession not only allows me to go back to the things I adored as a kid (two wheels, building things, tweaking things, testing things, breaking things, and fixing things… essentially working with my hands) but it also offers the unique opportunity to be engulfed by a vibrant community of cycling enthusiasts.
As a bicycle mechanic, I’ve discovered that my job is more than just fixing bikes; it’s about smiles, happiness, and building communities.
My days in the workshop are frequently a fresh happy adventure. Whether people walk into the workshop, or I collect their pride and joy from their house, every bike comes with animated stories of their latest marathon road rides or insane tales of mountain bike lunacy.
Each bike represents not just a mode of transport but a cherished hobby, a pride and joy that reflects personal passion.
Whereas in my previous life, we strived to have happy clients, very few people were genuinely excited about their 9-5 work. Today, just about everyone I see is pleased to see me and pleased to get their bike back on the road.
And kids bikes are especially pleasing to fix.
I’ll never forget the first time I heard a young kid squeal excitedly at the top of his voice “Mum, the bike man is here!!!!” as I pulled up to drop off their bikes in time for their holiday adventures.
I love being ‘the bike man’.
It never ceases to amaze and delight me how absurdly grateful people are that you ‘have the technology’ to mend their puncture which has caught them off-guard mid-20km-countryside-ride… meaning they can actually ride their bike home rather than push it.
Or the look on someone’s face when they experience their own bike’s suspension set up correctly for the first time ever! It’s a revelation!
The same bike that they’ve known and loved for years is now somehow even better!
“What else can you do? Teach my dog to talk???” 😳
Then there’s spotting the latent mechanic in someone…
I recently replaced one young lad’s front forks for a new set and when I delivered his bike back, his face lit up like a Christmas tree when I offered him the broken set of forks too!
I thought he had the look of someone who might enjoy taking them apart and finding out how they worked. I was right, he was delighted with this unexpected bonus!
I know that look, it used to be me.
It’s not just about repairing gears or rebuilding wheels; it’s putting the smiles back on my customers’ faces when they see their beloved bikes ready to ride again, which is incredibly rewarding.
It’s this connection, the shared love for cycling, that makes every conversation and every bike feel meaningful.
And then there is the community that builds naturally around the business.
Our group of ‘Trail Toddlers’ continues to grow with more and more like-minded individuals, as we throw ourselves down steeper trails, get regularly soaked at Bike Park Wales, and all head out to Morzine France every year to the biggest bike park in Europe.
It doesn’t matter whether you are 19 or 59, the shared love of your hobby brings you all together, and it is a hobby that people are fiercely obsessive about.
Conclusion
Being a bicycle mechanic is more than just a job. Every day brings new opportunities to meet happy people who share my passion for two-wheels. In an age where many feel trapped in corporate roles, this profession offers a refreshing alternative—a chance to be part of something meaningful while making a positive impact on others’ lives.
I get to interact with people when they’re in their favourite slice of their life… their ‘playtime’ not the deathly dull 9 to 5.
So if you’re considering a career change or simply want to explore your passion for bikes, remember that working as a bicycle mechanic isn’t just about fixing bicycles; it’s about embracing happiness and community with every turn of the spanner!
On more than one occasion, in response to a new enquiry, I have turned to my wife and said:
“This is a job for Bicycle Repair Man!”
Before swinging on my imaginary cape and setting off for my next rescue.
The legendary “Bicycle Repair Man” sketch by Monty Python.
