Business Idea - Mobile Mechanic

http://londoncycletherapy.com/ -- these guys are "proper" mechanics and seem to be doing pretty well.

There's other companies that are more repair/first aid types (going round fixing punctures for ladies on dutch bikes with nice nails etc), here's a list; http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/london-mobile-bike-repair/

I'm not sure on courses, I know there's a lot of new companies doing training. I can only recommend the CTC who provide quite good quality training; http://www.ctc.org.uk/courses-and-training/maintenance-courses

I set up over 5 years ago, as a keen cyclist I had the basics but decided on getting a formal qualification and trained under Alf Webb at the Bike Inn near Spalding. absolutely invaluable.

I would certainly recommend attending a formal course, getting industry experience etc. but get it done. I have also worked at the nations biggest cycle shop and with attention to detail you will certainly be hugely better than the untrained youngsters who they let loose on customers bikes.

Bike fixing might not be such physical work as car fixing (lying on your back in the cold) but the car mechanics I know through my brother and his friends all want to go the opposite direction to you because they say being 'on the tools' in your 50s is no joke.

Just a thought.

I'd have to disagree with the advice on working in a bike shop; why would any bike shop owner train you up to a level of competence that would make you a potential threat to their business, either through enterprise or simply accepting a better paid position at another bike shop? They'd be pretty wary if they knew that was your intention. Apart from anything, the "training" you might receive may not be in keeping with best practice (and that's the polite way of putting it).

Get comprehensively trained at Cycle Systems Academy, and consider using a cargo bike (huge advertising potential) rather than a van, if you live in a large town. If you add extra training modules to your "CV" (such as Di2) then you might pick up some contract work from bike shops too.

But consider this...

I get my car fixed by the bloke I know down the road, because he does a good job and he's dirt cheap. But that doesn't mean that my local car dealership will go out of business tomorrow. It's the same with the bike trade; plenty of room for both savvy bike shop owners, stepping up a gear to give wealthier bike riders the premium experience they should reasonably expect for their hard earned cash, and mobile or home mechanics who can cater for the huge, relatively untapped new market developing as cycling increasingly becomes an economic choice, rather than just a lifestyle one.

The opportunities for the home or mobile mechanic over the coming years are enormous, and there's far more chance of earning a sustainable living if you are dealing directly with the customer, rather than earning money for a bike shop owner.

Apart from anything, being able to offer affordable bike repairs in your area will help reduce the number of cheaper utility bikes being consigned to landfill, which must be a good thing for the planet.

Good luck in your new venture.

I wish you every success sir and I hope the world queues at you door. But wasn't it Mike Sinyard who said if you want to make a million from your bike shop, you should start with two?

The important thing about working in a bike shop is not the skills, but understanding the business model, distributor contact etc. Shops make most money on servicing and the margin on spares rather than bike sales.

I would say the Cycles Systems is a great place to start, the problem with working in a bike shop is finding one that will teach you properly to start with, I have seen some horrific practices in shops

Best of luck

There's one that goes to Sheffield station and one of the cities cycling cafe's on fixed days each week.

This maybe a potential plan of attack - especially if your local station has a lot of regular commuters. Even if they don't ride to the station on their bike they could drop it off and pick it up on the journey back.

Good luck with your venture,

Paul

I've just used one in Derbyshire that suited me. He's already had 3 bikes and a complete rebuild from me, and I can see myself using him again regularly. (My job isn't 9 to 5 ish, and I can only get to the LBS once a week, which can lose a weekend's ride). From his website, I think he also does clubs and offers discounted rates.

He charges £60 for a full service, so at the rate of 10 per week (which I think is optimistic) that's a little under £30k per annum on service income allowing for holidays. Parts are extra, but I'd assume limited mark up on those, so I'd guess that you are in the £20-30k per annum range overall.

Minimal overheads once you have tools and a van with a mobile work stand, some consumables for cleaning and lubing etc, just marketing costs to build up a loyal base -I'd guess something like 2-300 customers (2x services per year) would do it.

Doesn't sound like a recipe for riches, but could become sustainable with the right customer base, especially when supplemented by additional product sales

Best of luck if you go ahead

Ps workplaces may be a good way to start - commuters who don't want to be without their bikes

I started doing this after ten years in the bike game and to be honest mobile spannering doesn't have a massive market, it works for a few but most customers prefer to bring their bikes to my workshop for repairs. My initial customer base grew out of loyal customers who would go to whatever shop I worked for and doing foreigners.

Repairs alone don't earn me enough though, I make more money by dealing in used bikes and I do freelance work for a couple of bike shops.

You really would be better off working in the bike trade for a while, you will need to build up the knowledge, skills and contacts, getting accounts with suppliers can be somewhat awkward.

It is something I have done. I'm in a similar situation, approaching 50, and want to 'retire' to run a B&B and Bike Tour company. Yes, working in a bike shop is important but you will probably need at least a level 2 Cytech or equivalent to do that.

I did my level 2 plus wheel building at www.cycle-systems.co.uk/ and can thoroughly recommend it.

Good luck!

The Bicycle Doctor
www.bikedoc.co

Hi,

The absolute very best thing you could do is take a job in local bikeshop.. gaining real world experiance, is far more productive to your training, than a 2day or 3week course..

Working fast, working well, to a good (high!) standard is important in bike mechanics. Anything less would make it unviable.

Best of luck!