When you entrust your bike to someone for upgrades or servicing, you need to know it’s in safe hands. At Big Bear Bikes, everyone in our workshop is either qualified to at least Cytech technical level two or working towards the qualification. But why is this important and what does it mean for you? Read on to find out.
Cytech technical are a set of courses which cover the basics of cycle mechanics right through to dealing with the most advanced and high-tech components and parts. Cytech delivers training and promotion of technical skills to the bicycle trade and cyclists globally, and are considered the industry standard for excellence when it comes to skills and knowledge of working on bikes. As bike components become more and more sophisticated, with the increased popularity of e-bikes and electronic gears, for example, it’s essential for bike mechanics to keep up with the technology and have the formal qualifications to demonstrate their competence.
These qualifications require learners to get things right to a very close degree so that means Cytech-qualified mechanics work to very tight tolerances. Cytech mechanics have to complete an assessment to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have learned in a controlled assessment day.
This involves successfully completing a number of set tasks, including a wheel build within a set time limit and to a small degree of tolerance for the “trueness” of the wheel. Aside from the practical engineering side, Cytech qualifications also teach excellent customer service, in-depth technical knowledge and the relevant health and safety regulations.
What all that means for you is that the work our team carries out on your bike is done to the very highest standards. Incorrectly fitted or adjusted components are more likely to wear so what we’re doing is helping to ensure the longevity of your bike but is also keeping you safe and out on the trails for longer.
Harry in our workshop has recently completed a Cycle Maintenance Apprenticeship with Activate Cycle Academy, which includes the level two and three Cytech technical qualifications. This has been an 18-month journey for Harry, who joined the Big Bear Bikes workshop team after working at our sister store Dalby Forest Cycle Hub.
Harry said: “A lot of people can become mechanics but doing it through Cytech gives people the peace of mind that you have done it in a controlled environment and you can do what you say you can. The margin for error on things like wheel build is absolutely tiny compared to the law and other regulations.”
He continued: “The tutors at Activate are very professional and their technical knowledge is like an encyclopaedia. You can ask them anything – even the most obscure stuff – and they’ll know about it.
“What it means for our customers is that they’re talking to someone who has a really deep understanding of their bike, down to the smallest detail, and is going to look after their bike to the highest standards.”
Our Service Lead Richard added: “Having a Cytech qualification gives the holder the solid foundation to build upon the skills and experience gained during the apprenticeship.
“Cytech is a bike industry-wide recognised qualification which is becoming more and more important as the bikes become more technical with the rise of new technology, such as e-bikes.
“It also means our customers can be assured that their bike, no matter the value, is in safe hands.”
Harry with his apprenticeship completion certificate receiving a congratulatory gift from our MD David.
Adam Harries, from the Cycles Apprenticeships Team at Activate Learning, has supported Harry through his qualification. He said: “Harry has grown as a young man, a mechanic and a valued member of the team at Big Bear Bikes over the course of this apprenticeship. He is clearly very passionate about bikes, which is a great trait to have in the cycle industry, passing on that passion and positivity to his colleagues and to the customers.
He added: “He is always very keen to learn new skills and knowledge and has always represented his employer very professionally when attending his off-site training with us during the apprenticeship. Harry is obviously a very highly valued member of the team and it has been great to see him develop into another highly proficient mechanic within this shop.”
Want to know more about our workshop services for maintenance and upgrades? Come and see us in store in Southgate, Pickering, or visit our website’s workshop page to find out more.
