Cycle mechanic
Build, repair and service all kinds of bicycles. Fix bikes for your customers and do repairs at cycling events.
Also known as: bike mechanic
About the job
What it's like
You would build, repair and service all kinds of bikes. You’d talk to your customers about any problems with their bicycle, identify the faults and decide what repairs are needed.
You would:
Investigate problems with a bike and discuss solutions with the customer
Estimate the cost of repairs and give quotes
Do routine bike services and safety checks
Carry out repairs and replace parts
Clean, degrease and lubricate bike parts
Give advice to customers on cycles and cycling
Order bike parts and keep a log of stock
Liaise with suppliers and dealers
Take bookings for repairs and process paperwork
You might also build a bike from scratch to a customer’s specification.
At cycling race events and charity bike rides you could do repairs and give technical support if any problems arise.
Hours
You will work 35 to 40 hours a week. Depending on your place of work, you may be expected to work shifts including Saturdays, Sundays and some evening hours. Some employers will expect you to work overtime.
Environment
You will usually work indoors in a workshop. If you are working for a large cycle shop or retail chain, then you will be part of a team of mechanics. You may also work for an online bike retailer, which means you could be on your own in a workshop, building new bikes for customers. The work can be quite physically demanding and you will be on your feet a lot of the time. As you will be using various tools and chemicals in this job, such as cleaning products and greasing agents, you need to be aware of your own health and safety. You will usually be provided with protective clothing such as overalls and some form of eye protection.
Other careers that you might like
Roadside technician Mechanic
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Transport Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mechanics
- bicycle repair
- selling techniques
- merchandising
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- evaluating
- problem solving
- understanding
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
- time management
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
There are no set entry requirements to enter this role. Most employers value a good general education.
Recognised industry qualifications such as Cytech certification.
Qualifications that demonstrate practical mechanical, engineering such as City & Guilds Introductory Qualifications in Vehicle Systems, Body and Paint Maintenance and Cycle Mechanics (SCQF level 3).
Customer service and ICT or business qualifications may also be of value.
SQA Cycling Awards (SCQF level 1/2) can offer a helpful introduction to cycle maintenance.
Qualifications in cycle coaching may also be useful such as SQA Mountain Biking qualifications (SCQF levels 4-6).
Knowledge and experience working with bikes.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Cycle mechanic'
