My first banana seat bicycle.
When I was a kid (in the 1960's) I wanted one of those new bicycles banana seat bicycles more than anything. They had cool handlebars and a banana seat that allowed you and a buddy to comfortably piggy back (no more of the unsafe and uncomfortable riding on the handlebars) down the block or across town. Those banana bicycles also came in awesome orange, green and red and if your Dad knew his P's and Q's he put a playing card in the spokes so the bike sounded like a motorcycle chopper. But alas we were poor people and I knew getting a new bicycle was out of the question.
Well I was partly right. You see there was twice in my life when my mother was surprizingly intuitive (once when she wouldn't let me buy stretch pants for the second year in a row) and she put her own plan to work. She got a old bicycle frame, handlbars from the police auction and a banana seat from the junk yard. My father sanded and painted the frame and for my 11th birthday I got the greatest gift a boy could ever have. His own banana seat bicycle.
So it gave me great pleasure to see that http://JustBicycles.com had reintroduced the old Banana Seat Bicycles and my own son could have his also. His eyes sparkled like mine when I first gave that bike to him and it has made for wonderful days with just the two of us taking a bicycle ride. . . .
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You can get your own Banana Seat Bicycle at http://JustBicycles.com
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Showing posts with label Schwinn Bicycles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schwinn Bicycles. Show all posts
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bicycle Mechanic as a Career?
Found on the web.
Because bicycling is popular as a form of exercise and recreation as well as a means of transportation, specialized mechanics are in demand. They usually work for bicycle shops or for the bicycle departments of large sporting goods or department stores.
After determining what repairs or services are needed, mechanics give estimates and order any parts that are not kept in stock. They may have to adjust the frames or replace or repair major parts such as wheels or brakes. They also upgrade bicycles by adding special tires or pedals or customize bikes to fit their riders.
Mechanics also provide basic maintenance, such as cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting chains and hub bearings. In some shops, mechanics teach bike owners to do basic maintenance themselves.
Some mechanics specialize in racing bicycles. They are usually employed by large bicycle shops or by racing teams.
Education and Training Requirements
No formal training is required, but good mechanical and communication skills are necessary. On-the-job training is usually provided, and some manufacturers offer free repair courses for employees of stores that carry their products. Some vocational schools and high school shop classes teach bicycle repair.
Getting the Job
Job seekers can apply directly to bicycle shops or to the bicycle departments of large stores. Many repairers contact the bike shops they patronize.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Bicycle mechanics may become sales representatives for manufacturers. They may also be promoted to shop or department managers, or they may open their own shops.
The demand for bicycle mechanics is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014.
Working Conditions
Mechanics generally work in rooms set aside at the back of bicycle shops. They use a variety of spare parts and tools such as air hoses and racks for mounting bicycles. They may use electronic monitoring equipment to make adjustments.
The demand for mechanics is often seasonal. Many mechanics work part time or only on weekends when their services are most in demand.
Because bicycling is popular as a form of exercise and recreation as well as a means of transportation, specialized mechanics are in demand. They usually work for bicycle shops or for the bicycle departments of large sporting goods or department stores.
After determining what repairs or services are needed, mechanics give estimates and order any parts that are not kept in stock. They may have to adjust the frames or replace or repair major parts such as wheels or brakes. They also upgrade bicycles by adding special tires or pedals or customize bikes to fit their riders.
Mechanics also provide basic maintenance, such as cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting chains and hub bearings. In some shops, mechanics teach bike owners to do basic maintenance themselves.
Some mechanics specialize in racing bicycles. They are usually employed by large bicycle shops or by racing teams.
Education and Training Requirements
No formal training is required, but good mechanical and communication skills are necessary. On-the-job training is usually provided, and some manufacturers offer free repair courses for employees of stores that carry their products. Some vocational schools and high school shop classes teach bicycle repair.
Getting the Job
Job seekers can apply directly to bicycle shops or to the bicycle departments of large stores. Many repairers contact the bike shops they patronize.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Bicycle mechanics may become sales representatives for manufacturers. They may also be promoted to shop or department managers, or they may open their own shops.
The demand for bicycle mechanics is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014.
Working Conditions
Mechanics generally work in rooms set aside at the back of bicycle shops. They use a variety of spare parts and tools such as air hoses and racks for mounting bicycles. They may use electronic monitoring equipment to make adjustments.
The demand for mechanics is often seasonal. Many mechanics work part time or only on weekends when their services are most in demand.
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