I called myself a bicycle mechanic the other day...

[yoothgeye]

Am I allowed to do that?

I know there are lots of people who know how to work on bicycles and even build them, but when are you allowed to call yourself a bicycle mechanic?

I'm sure there are some working bicycle mechanics out there who are reading this and taking it as an insult and are thinking "This clown doesn't have a CLUE about what I do."

I've got bicycle tools, I can fix bikes, build bikes, modify bikes, ride bikes, etc...

I fix bicycles for people all over town since we don't have a LBS anymore.

Am I allowed to call myself a bicycle mechanic?

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Just add 'shade tree' as a disclaimer. That should keep you out of any legal trouble. :wink:

 

[outskirtscustoms]

That's just a sign you are addicted to bicycles. :mrgreen: :lol:

 

[CCR]

When people ask me if I work on bikes I just tell them I like to play with them. I laced a wheel at my lbs once while he took a phone call and he acted surprised. He said "I didn't know you could lace a wheel" ... I've been buying spokes off the guy for years too :lol:

 

[thatismytruck]

LIAR!!

As the self appointed head of the USBMA, demand that you cease and desist from such language!! If said language continues I will be forced to take legal action.


(disclaimer: I do not know if the United States Bicycle Mechanics Association actually exists. If it does, I am neither it's head nor a bicycle mechanic. the above statement was written in humor and is in no way meant to insult the USBMA, if it exists, or the original poster)

 

[user 135]

I "work on bikes" but have been referred by others as a mechanic through my volunteer work at the local coop.

 

[schwinnmesa]

Do you think this thread will prompt a rule not discuss the definition of bicycle mechanic? Hehehe.

 

[yoothgeye]

As the self appointed head of the USBMA, demand that you cease and desist from such language!! If said language continues I will be forced to take legal action.

Pretty sure the USBMA is out of commission right now with the government shut down.

I don't go tossing it around all the time, but sometimes that term works nicely to put some importance on what you might be telling someone, like if you see something wrong with a bike that should be fixed for safety reasons I have told someone "You might want to flip that fork around the other way for proper handling, just loosen this bolt, spin around and tighten it back up, I'm a bicycle mechanic." haha

I just want to know when I can officially step up from the guy who likes to mess with bikes to a bicycle mechanic.

 

[kingfish254]

Think of it the same way your would a car mechanic. I know people that completely break down a car and rebuild it, but they would not call themselves a car mechanic unless they actually worked at a repair shop.

 

[slowriderz]

how about just "Bicycle repair man" ?? 8) :lol: :lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01xasUtlvw

 

[the_undecider]

I used to wrench at a small shop when I was in college, though I have had no formal training. Given access to the right tools, I can do anything short of frame repair and shock rebuilds. The latter I would try if the opportunity arose. The shop where I worked would send forks and shocks in for service. I hesitate to call myself a bike mechanic, though I have. I usually say I used to sork at a bike shop. Most of my neighbors know I fix bikes up and bring me stuff when it needs work.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I just say I have worked on bikes for 20+ years. That is the truth and gets just the same if not more respect than "I'm a bicycle mechanic".

 

[CCR]

Mom said you can pretend to be whoever you want as long as your chores are done :mrgreen:

 

[The Renaissance Man]

I'm not a bicycle mechanic, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[yoothgeye]

I only use the title to make people feel inferior.

 

[user 135]

I only use the title to make people feel inferior.

You want a title? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrwcS4n1kzQ

 

[Chips_Mahoy]

I like to tell to tell people I enjoy working on them as a hobby and by "work" I mean do things to them until I break something..... :wink:

 

[chepe13]

This is America, it's your right as a free American to call yourself whatever you like.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

This is America, it's your right as a free American to call yourself whatever you like.

True, just look at all of the politicians in Washington. :roll:

 

[chepe13]

This is America, it's your right as a free American to call yourself whatever you like.

Try calling yourself a doctor, lawyer, police officer, airline pilot, college proffessor, etc. and see how that works out for you..... :?
Just flash that Detective's badge and say "Its OK, this is America." :shock:

I've done all those things.