I'm actually thinking about leaving the bike industry altogether. Bike mechanics make around $20 an hour tops, and now that I own a house and see how much home improvement stuff costs, it would be nice to be making more like $30 an hour. We'll see what else is out there for someone like me.
The way this industry is turning is really, really offputting. Feels like what BMX went through around a decade ago when money was injected.
Think I'm starting to lose my passion for bikes. Everything feels so media controlled, consumerist, and all about that hype.
+1. I don't know exactly what it is - being injured and unable to ride, getting older, becoming more aware of industry dynamics, nostalgia for the period when I really got into biking, etc. but I'm losing my passion as well. Two big contributors:
1) Much of the easily accessible articles (especially PB homepage) are either data mining, clickbait, a press release, thinly veiled advertising, or carefully curated instagram style content that feels hollow. Despite the mind blowing riding, a lot of content produced feels bleached and takes itself too seriously. Think Drop-In vs. PB Academy. I know which I would rather watch...
2) The current state of most manufacturer's lineups. Used to seem like everyone had a DJ bike, a slope/4X bike, trail bikes, DH bikes, and there were always wacky alu prototypes to drool over. Now everyone is focused on the latest greatest generic carbon 29" trail bike, which doesn't really get me fired up.
Bikes are undeniably better today than 10-15 years ago and I know at the end of the day it is a business, but it's boring when the same "design language" is used across a brand's entire lineup and you can't tell the difference in silhouette between a 5010 and a Megatower. Bring back the flavour!! Give me a Cove Shocker, Yeti 303, VP-Free, Sunday, Blur 4x, SX Supercross, BeOne Woodbumble, Morewoods, XXXX / Empire 5s, Balfas, BMWs, Dobermanns, Xprezos, M6s, etc. (barely scratching the surface with that list).
I acknowledge it has always been about profit, and there are still lots of cool brands making cool metal bikes, but the boutique stuff costs an arm and a leg. I miss when your garden variety (Norco, Kona, SC, Rocky Mountain, etc.) brands were doing that stuff too.
This is spot on, as I’ve got older and have seen behind the curtain a little bit you realise the bike biz is at least 90% bullshit.
For European riders the European Bike Project has a good Instagram account with loads of interesting stuff on it. He built up a Nicolai gravel bike recently and I hadn’t heard of half the component manufacturers.
For tinkerers, I enjoy the Rulzman (sp?) suspension tuner from Italy, don’t agree with everything he says but at least he’s out there doing his own thing.
I'm actually thinking about leaving the bike industry altogether. Bike mechanics make around $20 an hour tops, and now that I own a house and see how much home improvement stuff costs, it would be nice to be making more like $30 an hour. We'll see what else is out there for someone like me.
'
Do it. Best decision I ever made..
I worked my ass off for a Shimano Rep position and didnt land it, then tried to buy a local shop out and got shut down, then tried to open a mobile repair gig and my box trailer that I had built into a mobile shop got crushed.. It was a sign that I had run my course in the industry.
Self employed now and I regret not leaving the industry 5 years ago. I netted more in 3 months doing my own thing 20-30 hours a week than I did in a year at the bike shop full time.
I'm actually thinking about leaving the bike industry altogether. Bike mechanics make around $20 an hour tops, and now that I own a house and see how much home improvement stuff costs, it would be nice to be making more like $30 an hour. We'll see what else is out there for someone like me.
'
Do it. Best decision I ever made..
I worked my ass off for a Shimano Rep position and didnt land it, then tried to buy a local shop out and got shut down, then tried to open a mobile repair gig and my box trailer that I had built into a mobile shop got crushed.. It was a sign that I had run my course in the industry.
Self employed now and I regret not leaving the industry 5 years ago. I netted more in 3 months doing my own thing 20-30 hours a week than I did in a year at the bike shop full time.
For tinkerers, I enjoy the Rulzman (sp?) suspension tuner from Italy, don’t agree with everything he says but at least he’s out there doing his own thing.
I like following Rulezman as well. Dude is definitely a bit kooky but definitely passionate. He definitely does shill certain brands that will work with him and always claims them to be the best "Period. No question!"
I am debating sending a Dorado to him to get the "Rulezman Race Tune" but he will not give me the exact cost when I message him.
I'm actually thinking about leaving the bike industry altogether. Bike mechanics make around $20 an hour tops, and now that I own a house and see how much home improvement stuff costs, it would be nice to be making more like $30 an hour. We'll see what else is out there for someone like me.
Change is good.
I bet there are plenty of opportunities to earn good living working for yourself. Judging by $$$ I pay for various skilled tradesmen.
Skilled trades. I considered becoming a PG&E lineman, HVAC tech, plumber... I've had many jobs: (bike shop of course), construction management, woodwork. Outdoorsy gigs along the way. Now I'm a freelance draftsman and ADU builder. Nextdoor accounts in Northern and Southern Marin keep me damn busy when I need quick cash. I do miss having insurance though.
I'm actually thinking about leaving the bike industry altogether. Bike mechanics make around $20 an hour tops, and now that I own a house and see how much home improvement stuff costs, it would be nice to be making more like $30 an hour. We'll see what else is out there for someone like me.
'
Do it. Best decision I ever made..
I worked my ass off for a Shimano Rep position and didnt land it, then tried to buy a local shop out and got shut down, then tried to open a mobile repair gig and my box trailer that I had built into a mobile shop got crushed.. It was a sign that I had run my course in the industry.
Self employed now and I regret not leaving the industry 5 years ago. I netted more in 3 months doing my own thing 20-30 hours a week than I did in a year at the bike shop full time.
Stoked for you!
Cheers! Been a good change for the most part. Only thing I regret is that I don't ride at all any more But been busy with other work/hobbies.
Skilled trades. I considered becoming a PG&E lineman, HVAC tech, plumber... I've had many jobs: (bike shop of course), construction management, woodwork. Outdoorsy gigs along the way. Now I'm a freelance draftsman and ADU builder. Nextdoor accounts in Northern and Southern Marin keep me damn busy when I need quick cash. I do miss having insurance though.
Thanks Fredro, staying on topic I see
I have been bantering with Seraph here for a while, but online bullshit aside he strikes me as a grounded dude with good attitude. I am sure he will land on his feet with just a few good decisions to make.
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