PBMA’s Bicycle Mechanic Certification was initially rolled out in September at Interbike with about half the participants achieving a passing mark. PBMA’s President James Stanfill said, “Our team had to sit down and debate whether the process was too hard. At the end of the day, and with input from education professionals, we agreed that our certification is based on process and safety and we are happy with where we are today.”
 
The in-person testing involves essentially the mechanic demonstrating their proficiency at safely assembling a bicycle. They are given a bare frame (custom-built compact units by United Bicycle Institute), a SRAM group, and all the Park Tools necessary to build up the frame with the main components of a road bicycle. Each element of proper installation, torque spec, and attention to detail are scored individually, with a particular emphasis on safety. A 90-minute time limit is given to complete the build, with a 92.5% or better required score to pass.
 
Overall, PBMA Bicycle Mechanic Certification is a two-part process. Members and Non-Members alike must complete an online exam with a passing score of 90% or better.  The online exam is then followed up with an in-person practical exam conducted in front of PBMA instructors.
 
To start the certification process, interested mechanics should visit: https://www.probma.org/store/p49/PBMA_Certification_.html
PBMA Members receive $150 off the $200 cost to become certified. 
 
PBMA is also hosting an educational summit during CABDA West with the goal to unite educators within the cycling industry and create a leadership platform focused on how technical education can be delivered and tie into generalized standards industry wide.  Part of this summit is focused on training others on the PBMA Bicycle Mechanic Certification process.  Details on the summit will be available next week for parties interested in attending.
 
Certification at CABDA is limited to 6 people per session with sessions being available:
Monday January 14th(9a, 12:30p, 3:30p), Tuesday January 15th(2p), Wednesday January 16th(6:30p), Thursday January 17th(10a, 1p, 4p), Friday January 18th(9a, 12:30p, 3:30p), and Saturday January 19th(9:30a).   Future dates and times will be announced soon for PBMA’s Philadelphia Technical Workshop and CABDA Chicago.
 
CABDA is free to attend for dealers (brick and mortar, mobile and service-only alike).  To register for CABDA, please visit https://events.american-tradeshow.com/CABDA

Anthony Trujillo is no stranger to the wrench, working for major suspension manufacturers since the late 90's he's been in the trenches and now produces tools for mechanics with an emphasis on suspension.

How did you get started in the cycling industry?
I obtained my BS in Mechanical Engineering from California State University (Chico) in 1997 and focused most of my efforts for an entry level position in outdoor sports from golf to bike racks. I lucked out having a friend who was doing a summer internship at FOX in the Powersports Division which he had no interest in pursuing.  He gave my info to the Engineering Managers for Off-Road/Bike and Powersports and I went on two-bike ride interviews at the end of '97 and was hired in early '98.  I spent the first year and a half in the Powersports division and then transferred to the bike department after a managerial shakeup.

Bikes on dirt have always been my #1! Thanks to older brothers, I was thrown on the BMX track when I was like 5, in 1977.  Growing up with older cousins and uncles who liked 4x4 camping trips, I grew up happily getting dirty, wheelin', and riding dirt bikes.  I think it was 1986 when I got my first mountain bike.  I focused in on suspension while I was getting my degree because it seemed the hardest and best use of the degree in the cycling industry.  Despite some serious downs, I've been grateful and stoked for most all of my cycling industry experiences.

You have worked (or done work) for some major brands, tell us about the various roles and how they build upon one another.
Yeah, I've seen and done a bit too much to cover it all!  It's been a blessing and a curse what I've seen and done.  Starting my career as an entry level mechanical engineer with close to nine years at FOX allowed me to grow and learn in an environment that required me to wear many hats supporting multiple departments.  I took care of BOM's (a complete build list for a product consisting of all the individual parts, SKU's sourcing...), generated 2-D drawings for all the departments, and was the resident IT guy during the first few years, then adding on circuit and chassis design once in the bike department.

I remember well when FOX bicycle rear shocks were only OEM and still have the internal document communicating to the company that hiring Mike McAndrews (you can read "Mick's" interview by clicking his name) did not mean fox was going into the fork business... HAHA Right!

The direct hands-on experience I had with manufacturing and production departments under the same roof was invaluable.  Working directly with Bob Fox, Mick and John Marking wasn't so bad either.  For most of my time at FOX, there were only two of us engineers for shocks and two for forks.  I learned a lot from those others guys!

Specialized (SBC) had been working on their integrated suspension department for just a couple years before I was brought over to that amazing team.  Mick at the lead with Brian Lampman working solely on SBC forks and Fernando Hernandez as in-house machining and suspension technician.  I came in to essentially fix the SBC brand shocks and design/develop new ones. It was an amazing opportunity to work with a completely new clean slate and with frame engineers.  The micro brain chassis and circuit layout for the Epic is something I'm quite proud of and which SBC still uses today.

SBC was my full court press experience working with Taiwan for manufacturing and production.  It was great to be on the OEM side of the fence to understand that perspective from one of the major bike companies.  These experiences helped me later wearing a sales hat for X Fusion (XF) and Marzocchi.

X Fusion is another suspension name that many readers will recognize.  Tell us about your time there.
My time at X Fusion was a result of a long history with them as a supplier for parts to FOX and being the sole supplier to the SBC brand of shocks.  Their products had slowly improved over a decade and after raising their quality level while at SBC, I was happy to work with them and help move their product to a higher level.  It was great to provide them with a new look and line of shocks and improve their forks so they could compete in the higher end market. I am most proud of designing the Vector Air DH shock while at XF. 

Tell us about OSO, how did this come about?
I started Off Street Only (OSO) in ’11 as a sole proprietor in an attempt to take what I learned from FOX, SBC, and XF to support anyone who would hire me.  It did work out for the most part quite well for six years!  It was the last four years contracting for FOX, while super grateful, I was banging my head against the wall seeing what products were coming out from all the companies in the mtb industry.  The marketing seemed to be above the engineering in many cases and, along with other factors, I had that building energy of ‘WTF, do your own products already!’ and I just couldn’t ignore it any longer.  That, plus the timing of my long-time friend and ex-coworker, Vincent Chen, asking me to get in the bike biz with him. He’s the owner/founder of Racing Bros out of Taiwan and they are doing quite well on the Powersports side of things.  Together I expect we can produce what we know can be achieved with our coupled experience.  I decided to take the leap and go all in and incorporated OSO in ’17. 

OSO is still new with much more to come. Currently the Global Headquarters are happily my garage!  Right now we have a range of fork and shock dyno's that are designed to make suspension work easier at the manufacturer, service and shop levels.

What's so special about a shock dyno?  Why would a shop want to invest in one?
This is something I took for granted, a shock hand dyno is pretty much a must have for every suspension company's R&D lab and production line.  With a trained arm, you can quickly and easily diagnose a shock for errors and or check that it was built correctly.  You will see every service center and suspension race trailer with one too.  I understand if a shop doesn't do air sleeve maintenance, they might not be interested in one for the service area.

If they do, and want to do a good shock review and ever get into the damper, they would need a hand dyno.  Having the shock on a dyno allows you to feel any issues without it being masked by tires, linkage, drivetrain and awkward seat pushes. The shock dyno will also last a long time. My plan is to update mounts to fit new products as they become available.  Having used many variations of a hand dyno for two decades, I thought it was best to offer my own designs to the masses.

What's your favorite tool... you can't say a hand dyno!?
Oh... easy.  Digital caliper.  I am always reaching for my calipers.  Whether I'm designing parts on my computer or putting parts together in the lab.  Always within reach to either measure something or gain a visual reference on a feature.

***PBMA Technical Workshops registration now includes an entry to win a Shock Hand Dyno from Anthony and OSO... click here for details***

A second installment to a series of video interview within our industry features Jason Quade.  Jason is no stranger to many in our community so we encourage you to take a watch or listen and hear from the man in his own words.

Looking for other PBMA video content?  Check us out here!

Hear from insiders, promoters, team and race directors and past attendees who found success through the experience and reward in life from the outcome.  Ready to learn more about what happens and register?  Click here

Colin "Chip" Howat - class of 1991
Clinic Director / Tubular Tire Expert / Bike Rider
The Race Mechanics Clinic was one of the most rewarding educational opportunities for me because attending the Clinic opened doors to work with fantastic mechanics and athletes at races and workshops at home and overseas leading on to so many more professional and cultural experiences."

Michael Kubancsek - class of 2015
Director of Cycling Operations - Marian University
"I consider myself super fortunate to have attended the USAC Woodul Clinic.  While I had some previous race experience, the clinic helped me really understand what it means to be a race mechanic and the intricacies and details of supporting athletes(both team and neutral). The connections made at the clinic also widened my scope in the industry and led me to some new opportunities and relationships  I learned things I didn't even know that I would need to know, but I am far better at what I do because of it.  The content of the clinic takes you beyond adjusting derailleurs and inflating tires and shapes you into a prepared and safe staff member for any team or riders you may ever work for.  There is no  in-depth, complete training for race mechanics like what the Woodul Clinic offers... there is no substitute!"

Ed Beamon - veteran team director
Team Director - Team Tibco-SVB
"As a team director being able to count on my mechanic is critical. Mechanics who've come through the USA Cycling program have been given the preparation, honed the skills and have had practical exposure to the environment that is so critical to perform in a team culture."

William McPherson - class of 1996
Lead Technician - Shimano Multi-Service
"At Shimano Multi-Service we only use licensed race mechanics.  Knowing that someone has had the training and understands the process of race support is important to us and the riders we support."

Craig "Calvin" Jones - clinic instructor since day-1
Education, Training, Development - Park Tool
"It has been both a pleasure and honor to teach at these Race Mechanic Clinics.  I've been an instructor since the beginning, it's ironic, I have never attended as a mechanic... I want to!  This clinic is at the heart of the professionalism and passion for this kind of work.  Seeing mechanics from a wide range of backgrounds and regions ask us questions, argue their points, network with one another, and gain confidence to do this, give me the knowledge that our racing athletes will have the service they need to achieve greatness.  After all, this is what we are here for."

Brandon Hale - Race Director
Race Director - North Star Grand Prix
"We know that the safety of the riders depends on having the most qualified mechanics working in the caravan.  USA Cycling's training helps to ensure riders receive the highest quality service in the fastest manner possible without sacrificing safety.  The mechanics are an important component of providing riders an exceptional experience at our race."

Gal Alon - class of 2015
Service Associate - Penn Cycle
"The best experience I recall from 2015 os the people I met and got to know, instructors and students alike.  These are the people that are shaping the industry now and in the future.  Many of them are the people who started the PBMA!  People that share the deep passion to become a bike mechanic in a shop or in supporting races and events are what the Race Mechanics Clinic is all about.  Being part of the Race Mechanic group is something special that unites us as individuals to help and support each other.  I am proud to be part of that group."

Julian DaSilva - class of 2013
South Florida Territory Manager - Orbea, Santa Cruz Bicycle, Atomik Carbon, Ride 100%
"My experience at the Race Mechanics Clinic was that opening ones mind, I was set on my own way of thought and once I did the class and learned from some of the best in the industry, I changed my perception of the industry.  One of the things that the clinic helped me do was build a network of likeminded people that I could tap into, learn from one another and bounce around ideas.  Because of these ideas I was able to work along side industry people and network with them, eventually leading to a career at a higher level within the industry.  Being a race mechanic has led me to starting my own Neutral Support Business in the state of Florida which is desperately needed.  The clinic brought me to a higher level."

Doug Martin - friend of Bill
Cycling Industry Professional
"My work with Bill predates the Race Mechanics Clinic - we came out of the same shop together in Coconut Grove, Florida... Dade Cycle Shop.  Bill was already the stuff of local lore and was doing a lot of National Team trips to South America, Europe, etc. Each time he came back we'd huddle around eager to hear of some new tech tip or trick.  A better way to tie and solder wheels, linseed oil as spoke prep, a bulletproof tubular tire glue combo... you name it.  Each trip and experience benefited us all.  From there Bill went on to build and run the Campagnolo Neutral Support program, then onto USA Cycling (then USCF).  He was an early pioneer and true champion of the bicycle mechanic as a legitimate profession, and the Race Mechanics Clinic sought to build on this.  They were successful from the start and have gotten only better over time.  There is no doubt that the curriculum, shared information and overall networking are highly beneficial to not just the race mechanics, but shop and industry members alike."

Zane Freebairn - class of 2014
Team Mechanic - Rally Pro Cycling
"There was some really cool tips and tricks learned from the instructors but the best thing that I came out with was the connections.  I see guys and gals at races that were in the clinic in 2015 and have leaned on them for help.  A great example is Gary Bavolar; he has helped out a few times while working for Shimano and SRAM.  Already having a relationship with these mechanics made the race situations go smoother."

James Stanfill - class of 2000
President of the PBMA, Race Mechanic Clinic Organizer 
"I attended the clinic in 2000... since then I haven't looked back.  The opportunities created from the network of people in attendance is insane.  Since 2000 I've worked for men's and women's World Tour Teams, worked with Olympic Champions, National Champions, World Champions and met many great friends out on the road.  The skills gained at the clinic allowed me working as a mechanic to visit more than twenty countries.  I come back every year to make sure that others have the same opportunities as those in the past.  Now through the PBMA we are working to expand the level of learning to reach more mechanics and further build that network of people we can each rely on."

Tristan Brandt - class of 2015
Demo Coordinator - Pivot Cycles
"It was an amazing networking opportunity that has allowed me to further my career in the industry and I am now proud to working for Pivot Cycles.  I think the clinic really helped us grasp the scope of what being a race mechanic really entails (late nights, early mornings, long days), through the experience of current techs and those who have been in the field for decades.  I think the clinic can teach you a few new skills, but more importantly, give you opportunities to branch out to other fields in the industry besides wrenching at a shop."

The above is something we hear this daily... likely a few times a day depending on where we are.  People want to say thank you and shake our hands and chat about the challenges of the cycling industry.  Those things are amazing and we feel great about them.  They however don't pay the bills and don't allow the PBMA to grow to it's fullest potential. 

Organizationally the PBMA isn't difficult to work with and we don't make insane demands on our partners.  We like to be as inclusive as possible keeping our member needs in mind.  We like to deliver for our partners with exposure and reach into a community of people interested in mechanical things. 

We've established a basic structure of membership: individuals, shops, and corporations.  Within each level there are options with specific deliverables and specific benefits.  More often than not when asking a corporation for $500 to become a member they reply matter of factly that they can't afford it.  If this is true then our industry is in MAJOR trouble.  It seems to us a small ask and one that carries tremendous weight when looking at the future and sustainability for the PBMA.

As an organization we are focused on mechanics and service.  Imagine your company without one of those two things and what does your bottom line look like then?  

Organizationally we are looking to grow certification and applying resources towards training and the elevation of what most outside our culture consider a hobby, we look to the industry to help us build these programs and provide stable financial support.  We can't simply rely on mechanics (often earning the least) to carry the burden here.

Is membership worth it?  Our feeling is that at all levels we are showing immediate value for your dollars.  As we grow our voice grows.  We are calling on all those companies building their budgets and looking at where growth in the industry is going to occur.  We are calling on all those companies who couldn't spare a few hundred dollars in 2017.  We are calling on EVERYONE who has said: "This is a great idea, the industry has needed this for a long time".  

​Now is the time to step up and show your support.  

​Service is the future.  PBMA is a major piece of the puzzle, we can't do it without you and we don't want to do it without you.  Cycling is a community and we all need to participate for future success.

​After a successful first year, the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association has revamped its Mechanic of the Week program.  Mechanic Monday (#mechanicmonday) will feature a randomly chosen nominated mechanic each Monday with public voting on a Mechanic of the Year taking place over 14 days in January of 2019. 
 
Abbey Bike Tools is returning to sponsor the competition.  In addition to the grand prize package, Abbey Bike Tools will be supplying each week’s mechanic a co-branded custom Abbey Stu Stick.  Jason Quade, the founder of Abbey Bike Tools, said, "We are focused on building professional quality tools for mechanics across the globe. The PBMA is raising the bar for those technicians and we whole heartedly support that cause."
 
The PBMA has also bolstered the program with media outlet CyclingIndustry.News and PeopleforBikes helping to identify and promote the value of the Professional Bicycle Mechanic©.
 
The winner of the Mechanic Monday competition in 2018 will receive an all expense paid trip to the 2019 North American Handmade Bicycle Show plus an exclusive prize package from Abbey Bike Tools and a year’s subscription the print edition of CyclingIndustry.News.
 
“Bike mechanics are among the most influential people involved in helping riders, and future riders, make great decisions about what they need, as well as providing perspective on what the rider thinks they want. PeopleForBikes applauds the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association for creating a program to celebrate and promote the best of the best among the industry’s awesome community of bicycle mechanics,” said Charlie Cooper, Vice President of Membership and Development of PeopleforBikes.
 
“CyclingIndustry.News has been keen to bring to the industry discussion table the voice of the mechanic and so partnering with this great initiative to further highlight the great work of those on the frontline of the bike industry is a natural fit. We look forward to generating inspiring content alongside the PBMA, Abbey Bike Tools and PeopleForBikes to amplify the voice of those working tirelessly to raise the standards in our trade and keep our customers rolling,” said Mark Sutton, Editor at CyclingIndustry.News.
 
James Stanfill, President of the PBMA, said “Last year’s Mechanic of the Week program generated a ton of interest throughout 2017, culminating in an amazing number of people taking part in the pre-Interbike voting period for the coveted Mechanic of the Year. Winner Josh Boggs received 587 of the 4500+ votes and it wasn’t a runaway competition!  Utilizing social media to spread the word about voting we reached around 40,000 people in a very short period of time.  We’re hoping with Abbey Bike Tools, CyclingIndustry.News and PeopleforBikes we can further that awareness for mechanics everywhere.”
 
To nominate your favorite mechanic head to Mechanic Monday.
 
PeopleforBikes gets more people riding bikes more often and makes bicycling better for everyone across the U.S., for more information please visit their website www.PeopleforBikes.org
 
The Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association is dedicated to the Promotion, Advocacy and Development of the Professional Bicycle Mechanic©, for more information please visit www.ProBMA.org
 
More information about Abbey Bike Tools can be found at www.AbbeyBikeTools.com
 
Keep track of all the latest news by visiting www.CyclingIndustry.News today!

My days presently are split up three ways really.  The PBMA is a huge priority so I spend a great deal of time fielding phone calls, firing off emails, building the website and working towards driving the organization into the future.  Just to top all that off you can find me working at races throughout the year as a team mechanic or driving and jumping out of cars providing neutral service.

I got into cycling when I was 15.  I haven't really looked back since then.  I've raced competitively on and off-road.  I've been in and out of shops since 1991.  I've spent time working for Cannondale, USA Cycling and Specialized.  I've done contract work for SRAM, Mavic and others.  I've spent plenty of time on the road working for teams like Liquigas, Twenty16, Elita Pro, Webcor, Drapac the US and Canadian National teams as well as world neutral support at more races than I can actually remember.  I spent about 6 years working outside the cycling industry with a fortune 500 company, I gained and entire new set of skills outside our industry.

The PBMA began as a conversation between myself and a handful of others, some of whom are on the Board of Directors and some who were simply interested in professionalizing our craft.  Having been in the trenches (of all varieties) for many years I feel very strongly about mechanics and service.  I know there are challenges ahead and I am personally prepared to fight them on behalf of the PBMA.  For service the future is very bright.  We as technicians have the opportunity to help the future of the cycling industry by bolstering our personal skills tool box.

Sometimes real life gets in the way of goals.  We had intended to post some type of regular blog focused about life on the road.  The problem is when you're on the road there isn't much time to peck out something meaningful and interesting.  We resort to Twitter and Instagram for those quick flashes of what's going on.

I read the PBMA Facebook page and comment here and there.  I check in on the Forum and see it's not as well used as intended.  We built it because people asked for it.  Some of those people don't even use it!  

We put out a newsletter that has a lot of information about what's going on with the PBMA as well as some things that could help to bolster your business.  It's discouraging to read that someone thinks we are doing all these top secret things...  Some things are meant to be kept secret due to the sensitive nature of their development.  Other things are openly discussed in the newsletters which you can go back and read if you've deleted those emails or marked them as spam.

What's been going on is about 50,000 miles of air travel in the first 6 months of the year (and thats only accounting for my travel).  A mixture of meetings with important partners, working on valuable relationships for the PBMA and mechanics.  Top that off with my desire to be able to feed and house myself I've worked a handful of races with a few more yet to come!

If you're on the fence about Interbike, I'd encourage you to come.  Maybe it'll be the last time ever that you go to Vegas, maybe you've never been... what I know is that the PBMA has a lot to talk about including certification, training and education.  

We've put a lot of time and effort into bringing a bunch of manufacturers together in three different parts of the country (again something that many asked for).  We have spent countless hours working with partners to develop a logical certification system that accounts for prior knowledge.  We've spent way too much time in an aluminum tube flying all over!

If you're wondering what the PBMA is doing, ask.  Posting it on Facebook is a way to ask but probably won't get you an answer with any official element attached to it.  There are almost 9,000 people in that group all with an opinion and idea.  Our role is to look at the averages and strive to find something of value within that can suit and help all.  Email us, find us at Interbike, or pop a letter in the mail.  Facebook is convenient, I won't argue, if you're seeking a direct answer from the PBMA it's the worst.  Email us or find us in person at the next event you'll attend.

The PBMA isn't hiding or conducing business in secret.  We published our 2016 P&L which nobody else does.  We have attended almost every cycling industry event that has occurred so far this year.  If you follow our social media or Facebook business page it would be very easy for you to see, understand and know whom we spoke to and where we wend.  We are here to be seen and talk with you.  All 9 Board Members are here working hard on your behalf for a brighter, better and more profitable future.

​We will see you next week at Interbike!

Well this is my my story.

I have a new roll in the industry!

I just recently stepped down from the service manager position at Turin to accept the position of head mechanic with US Paracycling. I will continue to work at Turin when I'm in town and available, primarily to take care of 20 years worth of regular customers who come in specifically to see me. 

My main focus will be the national team, and development work with new athletes. I'll be on the road a bit (a lot), working at training camps, world cup races, and world championships. Standard race team mechanic stuff. 

I got into cycling young, riding bmx until I was about 12, then discovering road riding and racing through some friends in the neighborhood. I raced road bikes as a junior and a cat 3 until college, when the college lifestyle got in the way. I started at the bike shop when I was 15 to support my cycling habit, and slowly realized that I was a better mechanic than racer. 

I'm a part of the PBMA because I believe that it's time for bike mechanics to be considered true professionals, and because after 20-odd years of hiring bike mechanics I really want a way to filter out the bad and highlight those who are committed to the profession and are up to date with their knowledge and skills. 

My vision of the industry's future is very much like the automobile industry, where large dealerships dominate the sales side of things with high volumes and low margins, and smaller shops are only successful if they excel at providing quality service.

Come say hi to Steve at the PBMA booth 3271 at Interbike this year.

The Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association is pleased to announce three regional workshops designed to bolster individual mechanics’ skills while growing their business acumen. The Denver, Portland, and Washington D.C. areas will each host a three-day workshop starting in November of this year and continuing through February 2018.

Each of the three PBMA Workshops will feature hands-on technical training from Campagnolo, DT Swiss, Full Speed Ahead, Magura, SRAM,  SR Suntour and Stan’s No Tubes.  The PBMA is also collaborating with several e-Bike technology companies to offer a broad overview of e-Bike mechanical training at each Workshop.  

In addition to technical training, each workshop will also feature two presentations focusing on service-related growth, profitability, and efficiency.  Park Tool Company, and Winged-Wheel Development will conduct these presentations.

“One of the goals with training needed to be beyond the basics of nuts and bolts.  Service is an upward trend of profitability for many retail locations.  The more we as a cycling community can do to bolster our service staff, the better off we will all be in the future” said PBMA President James Stanfill.

In addition, PeopleForBikes’ DRAFT Meetups will be coming to PMBA workshops beginning in 2017. Focused on stimulating innovation and growth the in the bike industry, DRAFT: PBMA will feature talks and announcements on the latest, cutting-edge ideas from the association, in addition to great beer and food.

Thanks to the generous support of additional workshop sponsors Park Tool Company, Abbey Bike Tools, BiciSupport, Feedback Sports, Pedros and Presta Cycle, the PBMA is able to offer four scholarships for each workshop with a focus on gender diversity, which will cover the recipients’ attendance and meals.

Costs to attend the workshops are in favor of PBMA members. Individual Mechanic Members save $100 off the cost of registration, and Shop Members save $125 per person when registering two or more participants. Registration is open to PBMA Mechanic and Shop Members only until July 1st.

Locations and Dates of PBMA Technical Workshops:
Denver, Colorado – November 7 to 9, 2017
Portland, Oregon – January 9 to 11, 2018
Ashburn, Virginia – February 6 to 8, 2018