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.