What separates a genuinely good mechanic from the rest? Gasperotti brings up a story from surfing legend Garrett McNamara, who spent years dreaming of owning his own surf shop, only to discover that, once he did, every single day began with driving past perfect waves to go fix other surfers’ problems. “That’s the core of it,” Gasperotti says. “A proper mechanic has to be committed. They need to love the technical side, and sometimes even more than riding. The worst mechanic is the one who spends the whole day thinking about the brilliant ride they’re missing because they’re stuck in the workshop.”
Whether a big workshop or a small garage is better is impossible to generalize. A larger shop may have more resources; a smaller one may feel more personal. But the reverse can be true as well. A big service centre can feel cold and unwilling, while a small one might accept so many jobs just to stay afloat that they start falling behind.
What to look for
Personal recommendations beat anonymous online reviews. Not every complaint is fair, and every business (and every customer) has bad days.
Experience and tradition are strong indicators. A shop with well-used tools and a seasoned mechanic is often a better choice than a shiny new operation. But the best sign of all is the atmosphere. If you arrive and sense energy, movement, and engagement, if things are being solved and the place feels alive, you’re likely in the right spot.
If you feel comfortable there, chances are your bike will be treated well too. If something feels “off,” it often is. Trust your instincts. The shop where you’re welcomed, treated politely, and encouraged to ask questions often becomes the one you return to again and again. Many also offer pre-season check-ups, which can save you from expensive surprises later in the season.
A good mechanic can tell you right away what’s likely going on, walk you through the repair plan, and give you at least a rough estimate. They don’t show off, they don’t bury you in jargon, and they certainly don’t complain about the “mystery work” someone did to the bike before you brought it in.
Why buying local helps
“When choosing a service shop, I’d go even further,” Gasperotti says. “The best service is often the one where you buy your bike.” Many brands now sell online and ship boxed bikes directly to customers. Those customers must then find a mechanic to assemble the bike, but because the shop isn’t authorized by the brand, they lose access to free warranty tune-ups.
Specialization matters
Modern bikes are increasingly diverse. There are universal mechanics who can handle city bikes, folders, and full-suspension mountain bikes, but today’s systems are becoming more complex, such as electric drivetrains, electronic or automatic shifting, and ABS brake assist. A good service shop has the right tools needed to identify issues in advanced electronics. And if they don’t, a good mechanic will direct you to someone who does.
E-bikes: Look for authorized diagnostic service
E-bike maintenance goes beyond regular mechanical work, as it requires inspection of motors and associated systems. Diagnostics reveal hidden issues: plug the bike in, and the technician can see what’s wrong. Many modern e-bikes, connected via smartphone apps, can even suggest the nearest authorized mechanic for your brand.
If a service shop has diagnostic equipment for your system, you know the mechanic has completed the proper training, has the latest software, and can access the correct spare parts, often having them delivered within a few days. Not every brand offers this level of support, so keep that in mind when choosing your next e-bike.
A bike without service is like a monkey without food
“Buying a bike without service is like getting yourself a monkey and forgetting that you’ll need bananas as well as a plan for where to get them,” Gasperotti jokes. A bike will run without service, but not for long. And nothing is worse than having a great bike while the cycling season slips away because you’re stuck waiting for a mechanic. A good service technician is almost as important as a good doctor. You’re happy to travel for one, but it’s even better to have them close by, and once you find the right one, you build a real relationship. You know they won’t turn you away, they have the right contacts, and they won’t leave you waiting all season for a spare part.
