PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANICS ASSOCIATION
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PBMA Newsletter #1

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​AND SO IT BEGINS
Genesis of the PBMA

Back in March, some conversations began among some professionals in the bicycle industry seeking a paradigm shift. We are mechanics of varying degrees of expertise and focus, but all with a similar drive to elevate ourselves and each other so that we have the respect reflected from our skills.

We formed our Board of Directors based on folks who we know who showed dedication and passion for what we’re looking to do. We started a facebook group which now has over 7500 members internationally. We came up with a mission statement, which drives everything we do. We looked at all the legalities and so incorporated, trademarked, and branded ourselves.

We began the production of branded merchandise to promote our visibility. We sent out press releases. We organized a time line and put various projects into that time line, prioritizing and arranging as needed so that it made sense not just for us, but for those with whom we were seeking involvement.

We have had numerous Skype meetings with our board to keep us organized and on track.  Our initial timeline took us right to September and Interbike.  Around half the board of directors attended to introduce ourselves, attend meetings, shake hands, make new friends and forward our cause.  It may seem a small task, bringing an organization from non existance to near daily conversation in the cycling industry is no easy task.  Events like Interbike and subsequently Fall CycloFest offer us the avenue to get the message out and meet with members and those who are curious what the PBMA is.

​We recently announced a call to action revolving around certification, continuing education, professional developmnet and technical training in general.  We aren't looking to write the book, we are looking to create some simple standards like many others industries so we as mechanics can define our value in simple terms.  We want the industry to recognize mechanics as Professionals and for mechanics to identify with what being a professional means.

​"A profession is “an occupation whose core element is work based upon the mastery of a complex body of knowledge and skills. It is a vocation in which knowledge . . .  or the practice of an art founded upon it is used in the service of others. . . . governed by codes of ethics and profess a commitment to competence, integrity and morality, altruism, and to the promotion of the public good . . . . form the basis of a social contract between a profession and society, which . . . . a monopoly over the use of its knowledge base, the right to considerable autonomy in practice and the privilege of self regulation.  Professions and their members are accountable to those served, to the profession, and to society.” -Teaching and Learning Professionalism: A Core Competency, Snell, L. 2007

So come on in, and see what excites us, drives us, motivates us to be in this industry, and let’s all be in this together to make our passion for bicycle mechanics and the service we provide be the best it can be.

THE PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANICS ASSOCIATION'S MISSION IS TO PROMOTE, DEVELOP, AND ADVOCATE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANIC.
THOUGHTS ON ETHICS AND CERTIFICATION
I was discussing work with my partner the other day, who is also a mechanic, albeit for motor vehicles. He is an ASE certified mechanic as well as a certified Acura Specialist. He has a very high standard for the work that he does, and so is called upon constantly for his skills both at his regular day job, and off-the-clock.

One thing he said that stuck with me during our recent conversation, was this:

“I wanna make sure that whatever I do, it doesn’t become a problem for the next mechanic working on it”

And I thought, wow, how many mechanics think this way? Actually thinking ahead to the next time someone touches that component?

I would imagine most mechanics in the PBMA do, in fact think this way. And that is one aspect why we are looking to distinguish ourselves, to make clear the fact that we are professionals, because that is what professionals do... we see the bigger picture and care about the longevity, durability, and quality of our work.

This detail is what separates us from the “just make it work” type of mechanic, who may use too much force, too much loctite, not enough (or the right kind of) grease, or not go through the time and effort to look up the proper way to do something.

By making a concerted effort to certify, quantify, and otherwise assess a mechanic’s aptitude and proficiency, the hope is that the ethics are part and parcel of this greater picture view of what it is to be a professional mechanic. This is in regard to not just the ethics of what the mechanic does in relation to the bicycle or the customer, but to each other as mechanics. How many times have we as mechanics cursed the last person to work on something? Once we have better standards to strive towards, hopefully the incidence of this happening will be lessened, as there will be a resource for all mechanics to look to...

​the PBMA.
WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK - JIS SCREWDRIVERS
You may have noticed that derailleur limit screws seem to be easily stripped at the head.

This is usually due to the use of a non-JIS screwdriver being used: a standard Philips screwdriver. Since we often have Japanese components on bicycles (Shimano), they are made with JIS screws, which have a slightly different design and thus need a correspondingly compatible tool to avoid damage. 

Philips head hardware and the corresponding screwdrivers “cam-out” when torqued heavily, wheras JIS is specifically designed to not cam out when under heavy torque. 

​So, when combining a Philips head driver with a Japanese bit of hardware, stripping often occurs when we’re not super careful (but you can typically use a JIS screwdriver on non-JIS hardware with no ill effect). The solution, is of course to have a set of JIS screwdrivers for your shop, the most commonly used one is a #2. Vessel, Hozan and Wera make very nice drivers and are highly recommended!
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On the PBMA Interwebs

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​Mechanic of the Week, Interviews, News
A collection of posts from the PBMA

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Mechanic Members Discounts 
Taking advantage of the discounts will save you more than the cost of membership.

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Photo Gallery of Tools on the go
Send us your toolbox photo!
A collection of posts from the PBMA


Closing Thoughts
We hope that you enjoyed this first newsletter and update.  As we (you as members and us as a Board of Directors) grow the PBMA we will continue to works towards valuable programs and benefits to our membership base as well as create programs that benefit our industry.  Our goals are firmly set to benefit bicycle mechanics.  Our involvement must be broad and include input and ideas from all facets of industry to make a positive impact on the future.  To benifit mechanics we must work with all to ensure there are career pathways developed for successful futures.

We are making efforts to create training opportunities as well as be present as an organization at multiple events this coming year.  You can listen to a few words from PBMA President James Stanfill on the Paceline Podcast #42 (click the link), we encourage you to listen to the whole podcast but if you're impatient jump to around minute 40 and go from there.  Stanfill comments on many impactful pieces of the PBMA and the future for all bicycle mechanics.

​Keep the wrenches turning!

proudly supporting the mission:

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© 2022 Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association
  • PBMA Home
    • PBMA Board of Directors
    • Newsletter Archive
    • FAQ
  • PBMA Mechanic Certification
  • PBMA RESOURCES
    • PBMA Job Board
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    • PBMA Tech Resource
    • PBMA Library
    • Blog
    • Pro Mechanic Life
  • PBMA Membership
    • PBMA Members Area
    • Corporate Memberships