Troubleshooting Bicycle Shocks

Here is a list of common issues that can occur with shocks on a bicycle and some troubleshooting steps to help you fix them:

1. Lack of Suspension Performance:

   • Problem: The shock feels stiff, unresponsive, or lacks proper suspension performance.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Check the air pressure (if air suspension) or the coil preload (if coil suspension) according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
     • Verify that the rebound and compression settings are properly adjusted.
     • If the issue persists, consider having the shock serviced or rebuilt by a professional technician.

2. Leaking Suspension:

   • Problem: The shock is leaking oil or air, resulting in reduced suspension performance.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Inspect the shock for visible leaks. If you find any, it may require a seal replacement or servicing by a professional.
     • Ensure that the air valves or the oil seals are clean and not damaged.
     • If the shock continues to leak, it should be taken to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.

3. Squeaky or Noisy Suspension:

   • Problem: The shock makes squeaking, creaking, or unusual noises during compression or rebound.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Apply a thin layer of appropriate suspension oil or silicone-based lubricant to the stanchions and seals.
     • Check for loose or worn mounting hardware and tighten or replace them as necessary.
     • If the noise persists, consult a professional technician for further inspection and potential rebuild.

4. Excessive Play or Bushing Wear:

   • Problem: The shock exhibits excessive play, feels loose, or has worn-out bushings.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Inspect the shock for any visible wear or excessive movement in the mounting points or bushings.
     • Tighten any loose bolts or mounting hardware.
     • If the bushings are worn, they may need to be replaced by a professional technician.

5. Bottoming Out or Harsh Bottom-Outs:

   • Problem: The shock bottoms out easily or experiences harsh bottom-outs, even with proper setup.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Check the sag settings and adjust the air pressure or coil preload accordingly.
     • Increase the compression damping to prevent bottoming out or adjust the suspension settings for your riding style and terrain.
     • If the issue persists, consult a professional technician to ensure the shock is properly tuned for your weight and riding preferences.

6. Remote Lockout Malfunction:

   • Problem: The remote lockout system on the shock fails to engage or disengage.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Check the cable or hydraulic hose for any kinks, fraying, or damage.
     • Ensure the remote lever or switch is properly adjusted and securely tightened.
     • Lubricate the cable or the lever pivot points as recommended by the manufacturer.
     • If the issue persists, seek assistance from a professional technician for further inspection or potential repair.

It's important to note that suspension systems can be complex, and some issues may require specialized tools or knowledge. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with troubleshooting and fixing suspension problems, it is recommended to consult a professional bicycle mechanic or suspension technician for assistance.

Experienced Bicycle Mechanic Wanted in Calgary

Lou’s Performance Centre has a full time position open for an experienced bicycle mechanic in Calgary.  Lou’s is a 20 year old ski shop specializing in performance that is now going to stay open year round with a bike repair shop.  The experiment worked well last year.  Calgary is a growing market with long wait times for bike repairs and tunes and Lou’s already has a well established client base.

This position is ideal for someone capable of running a workshop as well as working in it.  The position can be year round for someone interested in ski and ski boot teching in the winter.  

Call or email Lou (403) 288-8518 or lou@lous.ca to learn more about this opportunity.  Resumes, cover letters and references are welcome.

Lou

Lou’s Performance Centre

6434 1A St. SW
Calgary, AB. T2H 0G6
www.lous.ca
(403) 288-8556

How much should a Canadian Bicycle Mechanic be charging for repairs?

If you're new to being a bicycle mechanic and you're not sure what you should be charging here is a quick guide:

$60 per hour + the cost of parts.

Seriously. That is how much you should be charging if you are running your own bike shop. That price margin allows you to make a decent living and still be able to pay the rent on your workspace, keep the electricity running, pay your bills, etc.

Anything less than that and you had better be operating out of your garage or basement, because otherwise you won't be able to afford rent.

Also if you live in any of the cities where rent is more expensive (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver) then expect to be charging slightly more than $60/hour, but you will likely have several junior bicycle mechanics at your shop working for $20+ per hour (if you're paying them a fair wage) or minimum wage if you're a cheap jerk.

Below is a list of tasks, plus the time required to complete them, plus what you should be charging for the service:

TASK	TIME	COST
Level 1 tune-up	1.6	$96.00
build rear wheel	1.12	$67.00
install new fork	1	$60.00
brake system tune-up	1	$60.00
replace headset	0.67	$40.00
major wheel truing	0.6	$36.00
replace one piece crankset	0.55	$33.00
overhaul rear hub	0.52	$31.00
overhaul fr. Hub	0.47	$28.00
adjust single brake	0.37	$22.00
bleed hydraulic brake	0.3	$18.00
adj. front indexing derailleur	0.3	$18.00
install sealed B.B.	0.28	$17.00
adj. rear indexing derailleur	0.27	$16.00
replace square taper crank arms	0.25	$15.00
tape road handlebar	0.25	$15.00
install tire/tube w. wheel removal	0.23	$14.00
minor wheel truing	0.22	$13.00
Intall mtb. stem	0.17	$10.00
Adjust loose-ball bottom bracket	0.12	$7.00
replace freewheel/cassette	0.12	$7.00
size and/or install chain	0.07	$4.00

 

Which basically brings us back to the concept that the best way to make money as a bicycle mechanic is to own your own bike shop.

That way you make money every time you sell a bicycle.

You make money every time you repair a bicycle.

You make money every time one of your junior mechanics repairs a bicycle.

Working for someone else ("the boss man") may sound great when you're 19 years old and you think working at a bike shop is a great idea, but when you're 30 or 40 years old and you have a spouse and kids to feed then you need to be making more than $20 per hour. $20 per hour is peanuts. $20 per hour means you live in a tiny apartment, aren't married, have no kids, no savings for the future and no retirement plan.

Some people say they just love fixing bicycles, but a clap on the back and a sense of satisfaction doesn't pay your dentist bills (or any other bills).

Speaking for myself I got professionally trained as a bicycle mechanic (thanks to Smokey from the Quadra Bicycle Mechanic School), got my BTAC certification and all that... I spent years fixing and repairing bicycles, buying old bicycles, fixing them (and painting them), and selling them for a profit.

And I was okay. But eventually I reached a point where I realized I needed to either open a bicycle shop of my own or I needed to switch careers to something else and start a different business.

I ended up switching businesses and starting my own business which I've been doing for 11+ years now. A business where I charge a lot more per hour and make more than just "rent money".

I credit Smokey with turning my life around, because it was the bicycle mechanic training I received from him that opened my eyes to the fact that I could be doing other things with my life than just doing office work / data entry for less than $20 per hour (which is what I was doing prior to taking the bicycle mechanic course).

So my message today is as follows:

Don't undervalue yourself and your abilities.

Charge a fair rate that means you still make a living, not just rent money.

Get Away From It All + Learn How To Fix Bicycles

Tired of COVID?

Wouldn't it be nice to get away from it all and go live in woods, ride bicycles every day and learn how to fix bicycles at a bicycle mechanic school tucked away in a sunny place like Quadra Island, British Columbia?

Well good news.

"Smokey" is currently accepting new bicycle mechanic students for the 2021 season at his Quadra Bicycle Mechanic School in British Columbia.

The good news is that British Columbia's COVID numbers are really low, and they're even lower in regions of the province which are "under populated" like Quadra Island is.

Think of it like a "working vacation" where you learn an useful skill or expand your knowledge.

You will spend 7 to 14 days, 6 hours per day, learning how to fix bicycles in a professional bicycle mechanic shop. There are two courses offered, one for beginners and one for professionals, so whether you are an amateur looking to learn, or someone seeking to become a professional bicycle mechanic Smokey will train you properly.

See the bicycle mechanic course details to learn more.

Hub City Community Cycles looking to hire Bicycle Mechanic

The manager at Hub City Community Cycles, located in 12 Lois Lane, smack in the middle of downtown Nanaimo, is seeking a mechanic for 2021.

Pay rate is $18 per hour plus benefits.

Phone: (250) 591-2159

Note - If you want to save money during your stay in Nanaimo it is actually cheaper to buy a small boat and then row to work every day instead of paying $5 each day for the ferry. Then when the bicycle season is over just sell the boat.

Or if you really like there, why not stay?

Recommend phoning during business hours:

Hours:

Wednesday	10a.m.–6p.m.
Thursday	10a.m.–6p.m.
Friday	10a.m.–6p.m.
Saturday	10a.m.–6p.m.
Sunday	Closed
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10a.m.–6p.m.