5 ways to choose a great bike mechanic
If you're leaving your bicycle with a mechanic, you want to know you can trust them to do a good job at a good price. After all, this isn't just about loving your bike, it's about your safety out on the trails and the road.
Here's how to tell and what to ask to check your mechanic is the right person for the job.
Qualifications and experience
Most mechanics will be Cytech qualified, but you may have a mechanic who's been doing it for so long they don't have the official paperwork. That doesn't mean they don't know what they're doing, but it's worth ensuring your mechanic is either qualified or experienced (ideally both).
You could ask where they've worked before, if they're happy to share, as you'll know big brands will only work with qualified mechanics.
Bike types
You want a bike mechanic who has worked on your type of bike before, not only on gravel/hybrid/road/MTB bikes but on the specific brand and understands the differences. For example, knowing about the Trek Iso-flex system, or specific designs that only work with certain brands.
Understanding the little details and ticks of each bike type and brand matters. It means they know how to adapt and treat your bicycle individually, not just applying a 'one size fits all' approach.
They ask you questions
A great bike repair expert will want to know how you ride, where you ride, and what's comfortable for you. If the standard way of riding is more forward but you're comfortable with your setup, they'll make sure it's set the way you like. They may ask if you've had a bike fit, or take measurements to insure it's set back to your preference.
If you prioritise speed, they can make adjustments. Similarly, if you just like a leisurely ride to the pub, the setup and adjustments can reflect that. For example, Di2 can be set to slow, medium and fast-shifting.
You and your bike are individuals - you should be treated as such.
They confirm the quote first and explain why
Price can be a difficult one - Brexit impacted the cost of importing bike parts, and in general things feel more expensive these days. However, a great bike mechanic will explain what they're suggesting and why, as well as justifying the cost. Often with bikes, buying once at a higher cost will last longer and keep you safer, rather than constantly trying to make do with old or half-broken parts.
Consider the cost and use of your bike - the better you look after it, the longer it will last and the better it will feel to ride.
We offer a bike maintenance course to ensure you know how to look after your bike long term, which will keep down costs!
They offer alternatives
If you can't quite face some of the repair costs or changes, a great mechanic can offer solutions. However, it's always worth being aware that these are often adjustments that don't align with their recommendations.
A mechanic wants your bike working at its best - it shows their skill and it makes them proud. No professional wants to do a half-arse job. But if you just need something that can make do for now, most of them should be able to offer an alternative unless it puts you in danger.
We think we're a great bike repair shop, and if you're looking for bike repairs in Watford, we hope you'll stop in to see us. We treat you as an individual, considering how, where and why you ride to make sure your experience with us is as personal as possible.
Give us a call or stop in to the workshop for a chat, we're always happy to help.
