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Bicycle Repairers

SOC 49-3091.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers bicycle repair, assembly, fitting, and retail sales competencies performed in bicycle shops and related service environments across all four career stages from entry-level technician to shop lead or manager.

Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Basic hand tools and bike standidentify and use under direct supervision during initial assembly of new bicycles in a retail shop setting.
  2. Brake pads and brake hardwareinstall on standard caliper and V-brake systems following written instructions under technician guidance.
  3. New tires and inner tubesmount and seat onto rims using tire levers and a floor pump under close supervision on common bike sizes.
  4. Wheel trueing stand and spoke wrenchrecognize misalignment and make minor spoke adjustments under direct technician direction.
  5. Speed and gear mechanismsidentify derailleur and shifter components and assist with basic cable installation under supervised conditions.
  6. Accessories such as seats, handlebars, and lightsinstall pre-specified items on customer bicycles following step-by-step shop procedures.
  7. Customer bicycle fitassist customers in selecting appropriately sized bicycles by applying basic frame-size charts under staff guidance.
  8. Point-of-sale softwareprocess simple bicycle and accessory sales transactions following store protocols with supervisor oversight.
  9. Shop safety rules and tool storage standardsfollow consistently during daily tasks to maintain a safe retail repair environment.
  10. Manufacturer assembly manualsread and interpret to complete straightforward bicycle build tasks under the direction of a senior repairer.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Brake systems including rim and disc typesadjust cable tension, pad alignment, and lever feel independently on a range of customer bicycles.
  2. New tires and tubesselect correct size and type, install, and inflate to specification without supervision across standard and specialty bike formats.
  3. Wheel alignmenttrue wheels to within acceptable tolerance using a stand and spoke wrench on both new builds and customer repairs.
  4. Derailleur and indexed gear systemsinstall, cable, and adjust front and rear mechanisms to achieve smooth shifting on multi-speed bicycles.
  5. Handlebar, stem, seat post, and saddle assembliesreplace and torque to specification on customer bikes within typical shop turnaround times.
  6. Customer needslisten actively and recommend bicycles and accessories that match body size, riding style, and budget in a retail floor environment.
  7. Inventory management softwareenter parts received, update stock levels, and flag low-quantity items during routine shop inventory cycles.
  8. Common mechanical faultsdiagnose by inspection and test ride, determine root cause, and communicate findings clearly to customers.
  9. Bicycle accessories including lights, locks, and standssell and upsell during customer interactions by applying basic product knowledge.
  10. Completed repair qualityinspect against service checklist before returning bicycles to customers to ensure safety and workmanship standards.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex brake systems including hydraulic disc brakesbleed, rebuild, and calibrate autonomously on a wide variety of road, mountain, and hybrid bicycles.
  2. Advanced drivetrain systems including electronic shifting and internally geared hubsdiagnose, adjust, and repair without reference to supervision.
  3. Severely damaged or out-of-round wheelsrebuild from the hub using a spoke calculator and trueing stand to achieve professional tension and alignment.
  4. Non-routine assembly faultstroubleshoot and resolve issues arising from mixed components, damaged threads, or incompatible standards in a busy shop environment.
  5. Full bicycle fitsconduct body-measurement-based fitting sessions and advise customers on stem length, saddle height, and cleat position for performance and comfort.
  6. High-value bicycle salesguide customers through premium product selections by applying technical knowledge of frame materials, geometry, and component groupsets.
  7. Repair estimates and service recordsproduce accurate written quotes, maintain job records using shop software, and communicate timelines reliably to customers.
  8. Warranty and technical documentationread and apply manufacturer service bulletins and recall notices to ensure compliance across all shop repair work.
  9. Parts sourcing decisionsevaluate supplier options, select compatible components, and manage special orders using inventory and supplier database tools.
  10. Apprentice techniciansmentor in diagnostic and repair procedures during day-to-day shop operations, providing feedback that builds foundational competence.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Shop-wide service standards and repair workflowsdesign and implement to maximize efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction across all technician skill levels.
  2. Training curriculum for new bicycle repairersdevelop and deliver covering tool use, safety, repair sequences, and customer service within a retail or organizational setting.
  3. Inventory and purchasing strategyestablish reorder points, negotiate with suppliers, and manage stock levels using inventory management and spreadsheet software to control costs.
  4. Point-of-sale and shop management systemsselect, configure, and train staff on software platforms that integrate sales, service, and customer data for the business.
  5. Performance benchmarks for repair quality and customer serviceset, monitor, and continuously improve using data drawn from service records and customer feedback.
  6. Technical expertise on emerging bicycle technologies including e-bikes and advanced drivetrain systemsresearch, acquire, and disseminate to keep the shop's capabilities current.
  7. Complex customer escalations and warranty disputesresolve by applying deep product knowledge, supplier relationships, and professional communication skills.
  8. Safety protocols and compliance requirementsauthor and enforce shop-wide policies covering tool handling, chemical storage, and workspace standards.
  9. Community and organizational partnershipsrepresent the shop or program in outreach, cycling advocacy, or educational initiatives that build brand reputation and customer base.
  10. Business performance metrics including revenue, labor efficiency, and gross marginanalyze using spreadsheet and POS data and present strategic recommendations to ownership or leadership.

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Show O*NET source anchors52 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Bicycle Assembler · Bicycle Fitter · Bicycle Mechanic · Bicycle Repair Technician · Bicycle Repairer · Bicycle Repairman · Bicycle Service Technician · Bicycle Technician · Bike Assembler · Bike Assembler Tech (Bicycle Assembler Technician) · Bike Mechanic · Bike Technician
RAPIDS apprenticeships
O*NET skills
RepairingTroubleshootingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingService OrientationEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge domains
MechanicalCustomer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyAdministration and ManagementDesignProduction and ProcessingMathematics
Abilities
Finger DexterityNear VisionVisualizationManual DexterityArm-Hand SteadinessInformation OrderingProblem SensitivitySpeech ClarityOral ExpressionSpeech Recognition
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessCooperationPerseveranceIntegrity
Technology
Inventory management softwarePoint of sale POS softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing softwareData base user interface and query softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Install and adjust brakes and brake pads.
  2. Help customers select bicycles that fit their body sizes and intended bicycle uses.
  3. Align wheels.
  4. Assemble new bicycles.
  5. Sell bicycles and accessories.
  6. Install, repair, and replace equipment or accessories, such as handlebars, stands, lights, and seats.
  7. Install new tires and tubes.
  8. Install and adjust speed and gear mechanisms.
CIP education codes
47.0610

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.