Bike mechanics arent real mechanics
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gary Mills on -
But doctors and surgeons do think like that Don. It is fairly common now for surgeons to delay until you get your body in better shape - lose weight, stop smoking etc before they will operate.
Dirty bikes aren't really a problem, but those encrusted with dried grease, mud and redback spiders do pose a problem for mechanics. Bring your bike in that condition and expect to pay more. We have to clean the bike before we can start the real job. It's not hard to keep you bike clean but if you want someone else to do it, you shouldn't expect it done for free.
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Permalink Reply by Stig of The Dump on -
quite ridiculous really.. when more bikes have been sold every year than cars for the last 10 or so years. When i last read up on it it seemed to be a job that was in demand.
Most go into it knowing they're not going to make a fortune, and a lot of people are probably working that have gained their knowledge through experience rather than a piece of paper.
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on -
Is this why it has become a "lifestyle course"?
People realise they can make a better living doing something else?
While Lots of bikes have been sold the distance many of them travel may be small.
We have had bikes donated to bikes for refugees that the braking surfaces on the rims have not had the anodising worn off and the mould marks on the tires are not worn off.
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Permalink Reply by heather on -
Don, has Bikes for Refugees considered asking and recording why the person donated the bike? Could be interesting for cycling advocacy. For example, bought another bike, traffic, poor infrastructure, not as keen on exercise as I thought.
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Permalink Reply by Gary Mills on
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I can remember a time, not so long ago, when anyone with a bit of mechanical knowledge and a couple of spanners could service their own car. That time is pretty well over now with computerised systems, specialised tools and more complex mechanicals and electricals. Look under the bonnet of a 1980's car and compare it with a new model. Staggering difference.
Now bikes are going the same way, more complicated drivetrains, electronics and specialised tools needed to do the job properly and the time is coming that unless you want to invest in these tools and knowledge you may need that "lifestyle" bike mechanic to do the job for you. And with the way some component makers develop their systems, the tools you have for your current bike may not be of much use on the next.
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Permalink Reply by Jilden on -
All the more reason to adopt a "classic", car or bike, and keep it alive as long as you can...
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Permalink Reply by Tim on -
The reason for the computerised engine management in cars is to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Modern cars are much more efficient and produce much less pollution than older cars. Unless you enjoy being a grease monkey then saving a bit on service costs is maybe false economy. I don't know if the same can be said for bicycles. Are modern carbon bikes with electronic shifters which require special tools substantially more efficient?
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Permalink Reply by Michael Murray on -
Not if they are ridden by old guys like me who need lots of fuel and release lots of emissions. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Richard on -
Hmm, and I'm currently looking at getting a carrier so I can carry my eighties Europa on the back of my MGB
My personal emissions are a lot less than Michaels though ... maybe
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on
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Certainly I would agree that things have changed since 10 gears was considered a lot of gears and back pedal brakes were common.
Certainly I would not like to try and sort out electronic shifting issues without some instructions.
Presently disc brakes are something I know very little about.
Even the newer two piece cranks are something I would have to think carefully about.
While this minister is probably looking for some justification for cutting courses it could also be that TAFE has dumbed down the course so much that it is now useless.
After all how may bike shops would employ a mechanic who had done a 3 day course or even a six month course?
Even if they did how long would the person hold down the job if they can't work quickly with minimal supervision?
Certainly my experience of TAFE is that they seem hesitant to fail people.
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