At small independent bike shops and large sporting goods stores across the country, bicycle repairers serve a range of roles, from helping first-time customers choose a bike that fits them, and teaching them maintenance techniques, to performing in-depth repairs and custom builds for serious cyclists. Replacing pedals or tires is usually a simple task that requires few tools and little time, but some bikes require specialized equipment or in-depth troubleshooting to diagnose and fix the problem. Some bicycle repairers work only in the repair shop, dealing exclusively with metal, rubber and grease, but others focus on customer service, educating new cyclists about logistics, providing expert advice about gear and apparel, and even helping advanced cyclists design a bicycle from scratch to suit their specific needs. Bicycle repairers may work full- or part-time schedules, and opportunities for work may fluctuate seasonally as people tune up their bikes for the summer and store them away in the winter. Qualifications needed for bicycle repairer positions may vary from basic personal experience with bikes and a willingness to learn on-the-job, to a few years of bicycle repair experience. Customer service skills are a definite plus.
What they do:
Repair and service bicycles.
On the job, you would:
Install and adjust brakes and brake pads.
Help customers select bicycles that fit their body sizes and intended bicycle uses.
Align wheels.
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
product and service development
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Hand and Finger Use
put together small parts with your fingers
hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
Dependability
Self Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Data base user interface and query software
RepairTRAX
Upland Consulting Group Repair Traq
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
no high school diploma/GED or high school diploma/GED usually needed
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