Mechanic Monday p/b Abbey Bike Tools

#mechanicmonday honors Gareth Jones

​A new week means a brand new Mechanic Monday feature to share! Today we are excited to introduce you to Gareth Jones of Atlanta, Georgia by way of the UK!
 
For those of you who are unfamiliar with PBMA’s Mechanic Monday series, this is where we feature one mechanic each week who is chosen randomly from the pool of nominations that we receive. Mechanic Monday is all about mechanics supporting fellow mechanics, and we are proud to partner with Abbey Bike Tools, Cycling Industry News, and People for Bikes to share these great features with you.
 
Gareth got his start working on bicycles as a teenager in his local shop in the UK. His cycling industry career was put on pause while he finished university and served in the military. Ultimately, once he immigrated to the United States, Gareth picked back up in the cycling industry as if he’d never left, and he hasn’t looked back since. We had a chance to catch up with Gareth recently, and we’re excited to share some of his story with you today, in his own words.
 
 
PBMA:  How did you become involved in cycling and/or cycling mechanics? 
 
GJ:  I started working at my local shop in the UK at 14. I worked there for 4 years until I went to college and then the Royal Air Force.  I spent 10 years in as an Airframe Technician before leaving to live in the United States. I got my first job in the US at Free-Flite Bicycles one month after getting here. My technical abilities learned working on aircraft helped develop the skills needed to become a successful professional bicycle mechanic.
 
 
PBMA:  Do you have a favorite moment or story from your time in the cycling industry? 
 
GJ:  I’d have to go with working IM Chattanooga on the Saturday before race day. [It was a] long day of the most varied repair work, from rigging snapped derailleur hangers to replacing the internal cables and housing on a gunked-up, filthy Tri bike.
 
 
PBMA:  What motivation or advice would you give to aspiring professional bicycle mechanics? 
 
GJ:  Embrace the challenge of finding the problem. Don't assume the first fault you find is the primary reason for the issue. Attention to detail is key and safety check the bike front to back, last thing before test riding.
 
 
PBMA:  What is your favorite tool?
 
GJ:  Q Tips
 
 
That’s all for this week! Thank you for following along with our series and sharing our support for our fellow mechanics. We’ll be back next week with a new feature. In the meantime, we are still in need of nominations!! You don’t need to be a PBMA Member to nominate or be featured! (All that we ask is for no self-nominations, please.) Click here to learn more about our 2018 Mechanic Monday series, and here to learn more about how to nominate your favorite mechanic!