Student tells how he set up a mobile bike repair business

So you've been riding and repairing your own bike for years, and now you want to start your own bicycle repair business?

It can be tempting and fulfilling, especially if you find yourself unemployed or working for a real jerk.

But there are a few things you should consider before jumping into a new vocation like this, cautions The Oil Drum: Campfire website in its article, “How to set up and run a bicycle repair company.”

1. Is there demand for bike repairs in your area?

2. Do you have lots of experience fixing lots of different bikes and components?

3. Will you be offering something new?

What you'll need

The article then goes on to tell, in detail, what you'll need in terms of equipment and knowledge to set up a mobile bike repair business.

It was written by Robin Lovelace, a PhD candidate in energy research at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Lovelace has a lot of experience in this area, as he has set up his own mobile bike repair business, RobRod Repairs.

He writes:

“Bike repair should not be seen as a short-term money spinner like a trendy new Internet company during the dot-com boom. Bicycle repair is inevitably a social activity where you will slowly build up a network of friends and fellow cyclists who trust your abilities.”

Exposure

One of the most important aspects of bike repair is getting exposure to lots of bikes. Lovelace recommends taking classes, volunteering for a community bike projects, and fixing up friends' bikes for free.

To set up his mobile business, Lovelace acquired a bike trailer, tools and a workstand with a loan from a small entrepreneur association. Then he and his partner set up shop on a university campus on sunny days and went to work.

Lovelace says bike repair businesses might flourish as people seek alternative transportation choices to the automobile. He concludes:

 “But the key is to start small and master the art of walking before you begin to run.”

Check out all the bike tools and other details of his business at the Oil Drum website.

Photo above shows Montrose Bicycle Shop mechanic at a mobile bike repair stand at Seattle Bike to Work Day.