For those of you who have been reading my column for the past several years, you’re likely aware of my passion for bikes and cycling culture. I have written numerous stories about cycling over the years, many of which are linked towards the end of this one. In an effort to highlight all aspects of the cycling industry, especially those folks who work and/or volunteer in the world of cycling, I connected with Bow Cycle to learn more about the service side of the business.
Bow Cycle can trace its roots back to 1957 when it was opened by Jim and Mary Sibthorpe as a small sporting goods store in the independent town of Bowness. The town was annexed by the City of Calgary in 1964 but the Sibthorpe’s commitment to quality service and products never wavered. Their sons, Jim Jr. and Brian took over the family business in 1982 and navigated Bow Cycle through periods of growth, recession, and countless changes to the industry. In 2005 a new management group picked up where the previous owners left off but even through all of the changes, the company’s core values remain firmly in place. From modest beginnings to one of the premiere cycling retailers in Canada, Bow Cycle has a vibrant history and an enduring commitment to the community.
We’ve come a long way from Baron Karl von Drais’ two-wheeled wooden velocipede, an 1817 contraption that many consider to be the first rendition of the bicycle. We now have specialized bikes for every genre of the sport, e-bikes are pushing boundaries and have made things more accessible, and with the popularity of fat bikes, it is now a year-round venture. Yes, cycling is alive and well in this province and beyond, but what happens when all those toys start to fall apart, break down, or are just downright broken? For those of us who aren’t mechanically inclined, we need to contract the services of a reputable bicycle mechanic. With the latest advancements in bicycle components and more complex technology being employed in their construction, to the likes of which even do-it-yourselfers are struggling to keep up, the need for top-notch service technicians is at an all-time high.
My last three bicycles have all been purchased at Bow Cycle and I have come to trust their expertise, advise, and service record for all of my biking needs. Recently, I had the pleasure of connecting with Jo Bubar, the Service Manager for Bow Cycle, to get an insiders look at what it takes to be a bicycle mechanic and why she got into this line of work in the first place.
You’re the Service Manager at Bow Cycle. How long have you been working at Bow?
I have been with Bow Cycle since December of 2018. I was originally hired as one of the sales managers.
How did you get into the bicycle service industry?
That dates back to 2004. I was in high school and decided to use my co-op blocks to work in a bike shop. The rest is history!
What type of training/certification/education is needed for your job?
Currently there is no industry standard to work in service shops. I went to school for Business Management and Outdoor Recreation Leadership. A lot of my job is managing personalities. With some form of management training and a passion for the industry, you can go a long way.
What’s the best thing about being a bicycle mechanic?
Having the ability to make someone’s day by getting them back out and riding their bike again. It’s also nice that the job is different everyday and you are working with your hands.
What’s one of the most challenging aspects of your career?
Currently it would be the perception of a female running a service department. With the direction bikes are moving, they are continually becoming more complex. The cost associated with fixing them has also gone up. The challenge becomes demonstrating the value to the end consumer.
Do bicycle mechanics work on all types of bikes or do you specialize?
At Bow Cycle our mechanics are capable of working on all kinds of bikes. Having said that, there are some jobs on a bike that some mechanics are better at. For example, we have a few guys in house that are really good wheel builders, some that are really good at suspension work, and others that excel with e-bikes. On a case by case basis we may be more specific with who is working on said bike based on what it needs.
Based solely on where you work, I’m going to assume you love to bike. What style of biking do you enjoy and where do you most like to ride?
I do love to be on a bike. Working in the industry I don’t get as much time out as I would like. Honestly, being on a bike is like a form of meditation for me. I love to walk out my door and just start pedalling. I don’t need a plan, just a nice day with the sun shining. In Calgary, I tend to be on the city pathways a fair bit. In the summer after sunset is the most enjoyable time for me. Back in the Maritimes where I am from, I often found myself outside the city on rural roads and logging roads. I have done some traveling with a bike and that is something I would like to do more of. I’m thinking either Italy or Chile will be my next destination.
What sets Bow Cycle apart from the competition? Why should folks choose Bow Cycle?
Bow Cycle is a special place. I’ve worked at a few shops over the years and it just feels different here. We have a phenomenal, genuine, caring team that we work with. From sales to service and our admin staff, we are all doing our best to provide top service for our customers. We are also very involved with the cycling community outside of our four walls in the form of events, sponsorships, races, charity rides, and more. The diversity of age, knowledge, and passion inside these walls is astounding. On top of all that, our customers are some of the best!
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the bicycle service industry?
You just have to start. Take that first step and go talk to a service manager. Most shops will have their own in-house training they offer. Don’t get caught up on not having experience. Some places prefer to train new hires from the ground up anyway.
I want to take a moment to thank Jo for making the time to answer all of my questions. Your willingness to be part of the process and provide us with an inside look at your job is very much appreciated. Thank you!
For all things Bow Cycle, please visit their website or you can stay connected on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
As mentioned above, I have highlighted a variety of folks in my Wild Jobs series who work and/or volunteer in the world of cycling, such as Trail Builders with the 670 Collective, Biking Guides and Instructors with Alberta 66 MTB, a Custom Bike Builder from Kruch Custom Bicycles, and even the Festival Organizer of the now defunct Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest. In addition to that, I have also penned a brief article called Fat Biking 101 for Bragg Creek Trails, and have been contracted to write several pieces for Seekers Media including stories about the Best Alberta Bike Trails for Fall Colours, How to Get Started in Fat Biking, and a feature on the Battle Creek Showdown in the mountain biking hidden gem that is Cypress Hills. I even curated a collection of vintage photographs featuring bicycles from across Alberta. Enjoy!
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About this column:
Wild Jobs is a running series that focuses on people in outdoor-related professions. It provides a brief snapshot of their career and the duties that it entails. Please see my previous post, Wild Jobs: Archaeologist to learn more.
