Bicycle Repairers inspect, maintain, and service bicycles in need of maintenance so that they can operate safely and efficiently. Some may also repair exercise equipment such as stationary exercise bicycles, rowing machines, and treadmill equipment. Repairers use both power tools and hand tools.  

JOB DUTIES  

General duties of Bicycle Repairers may include:

Tighten and loosen spokes to align wheels  

Disassemble the axle to repair coaster (foot) brakes and to adjust and replace defective parts   

Adjust cables or replace worn or damaged parts, to repair hand brakes  

Install and adjust speed and gear mechanisms  

Shape replacement parts, using gear grinders  

Clean and replace worn or broken bicycle chains  

Install, repair, and replace equipment or accessories, such as handlebars, stands, lights, and seats  

Paint bicycle frames, using a spray gun or brush  

Replace or patch bicycle tubes and tires  

Build wheels by lacing spokes into wheel rims and hub 

Straighten bent frames  

Assemble and sell new bicycles and accessories  

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

639.681-010 BICYCLE REPAIRERS inspect, maintain, and service bicycles in need of maintenance so that they can operate safely and efficiently. Repairers use both power tools and hand tools.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Bicycle Repairers work inside well lighted and well ventilated shops. They work independently, although more than one Repairer may be employed in a shop.  

Repairers who only repair bicycles usually work 8 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week. They may work overtime during very busy periods. They might work in shifts in factories. Their work is usually seasonal in snowbelt regions. Some Repairers might have to travel to the manufacturer's location for training.  

You Should Prefer:

• Working with machines, processes, or methods  

• Working on or producing things for personal satisfaction  

You Should Be Able To:

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands  

• Repeat activities according to a required routine/procedure/sequence  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a part costs $26 and the labor to install it is $30, how much is this customer's bill including tax?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Prior to any major adjustment of the brake system, check to see that the front portion of all four pads nearly contacts the wheel rim.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any major repairs that had to be done and your thoughts on why this malfunction may have occurred.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most efficient way to repair a bicycle so that you waste the least time possible.  

Bicycle Repairers do not need licenses. Often, however, before they can receive factory authorization to repair new makes of bicycles, they must demonstrate their ability to do the work after having received detailed training from a representative of the manufacturer.  

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: This occupation does not require a High School Diploma. On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2300 METALS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Part-time or summer work as a clerk in a bicycle shop may give a student an opportunity to observe the actual work of a Bicycle Repairer. Usually, no formal training or education is needed for most Bicycle Repairers.  

                 School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Bicycle Repairer employer 

internships  

volunteer work with a Bicycle Repairer employer  

community service work with an agency  

Persons seeking work as Bicycle Repairers should apply directly to shop owners or factories. Assistance in finding a job may be obtained from your high school counselor or a local office of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as: 

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank  

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Bicycle Repairers depend on the size of the shop, the experience and skill of the individual, and the geographic location. Sales or management responsibilities may also affect a Repairer's earnings. Repairers may be paid different rates depending upon the difficulty of the particular repairs they make. Large shops in large metropolitan areas tend to pay higher wages. Many bike shops are family-owned and may hire family members or students because of the seasonal nature of the business in Michigan .

Nationally, in mid 1998, beginning Bicycle Repairers earned from $5.15 (minimum wage) to $7.00 or more an hour. Experienced Repairers earned up to $11.00 or more an hour.  

Bicycle Repairers in Michigan  (1998) earned from $5.15 (minimum wage) to $6.50 an hour if inexperienced and from $7.00 to $12.00 an hour if experienced. The higher wages are paid in large bike shops.  

Depending on the employer, most Bicycle Repairers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.  

About 2 years of on-the-job training is required to become a fully qualified Bicycle Repairer. Continuous training is required because new models are introduced each year by major manufacturers. Advancement opportunities might include:trainee , Bicycle Repairer, and manager or owner. Some Repairers may also wish to teach in vocational or technical schools, or in manufacturing plants. However, Repairers might have to relocate because few of these plants are in Michigan . 

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK 

Nationally, there were 15,400 Bicycle Repairers employed in 1996. Employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. The demand for Bicycle Repairers should be somewhat favorable because of growth in two age groups that use bicycles most, the post-world war II baby boomers and children under age 13. A positive indicator is the installation of bicycle trails in some residential communities and parks. Another is that increasingly, bicycles are being purchased by women who view exercising and cycling as part of a healthier lifestyle.  

Approximately 650 Bicycle Repairers are employed in Michigan  . Almost all were employed in the retail trade industry. About 42.4% of all Bicycle Repairers were self-employed. The distribution of Bicycle Repairers in the retail industry was: 

The employment of Bicycle Repairers, in Michigan  , through the year 2005, is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations. An average of 20 openings is expected annually, all due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.  

Manufacturing and sales of bikes and exercise bikes are increasing while the repair of bikes is decreasing. High technology areas such as the repair of competitive racing bikes show the most growth.  

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

The occupation of Bicycle Repairer can be summarized by the following:

   MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development