The bike-building process is essential for ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency in our service. This structured training program consists of six progressive levels designed to develop and evaluate your skills. Each level must be completed in sequence, and it is the responsibility of staff to take the initiative and identify a suitable time during the normal workweek to request an assessment. Progression requires the approval and sign-off from both Craig Larsen, Head Mechanic, and Kyle Marwood, Managing Director.
To advance through the levels, you must demonstrate proficiency in the required tasks, approach management for an assessment, and receive constructive feedback. Once both Craig and Kyle are satisfied with your performance, they will sign off, allowing you to move forward in the process. The steps for progression are straightforward and require active participation from staff to ensure steady growth and mastery of skills.
Six Levels: The process builds skills progressively, with each level requiring completion in order.
Staff Initiative: Staff must identify opportune times during the normal week to request assessments.
Dual Sign-Off: Both Craig Larsen and Kyle Marwood must assess and sign off before progression to the next level.
Please note: majorty of this process is based off a typical high volume kids or entry level mountain bike
Prepare for Assembly: Remove the bike from its box and ensure the workspace is organized and ready for efficient assembly.
Attach Documentation: Staple the customer order to the top tube or apply the price sticker to the reflector for clear identification.
Unpack the Bike: Carefully remove all packaging materials, ensuring no components, accompanying documents, small parts, or chargers are misplaced.
Dispose of Rubbish: Take the packaging materials to the two large bins located outside. Sort waste efficiently:
Place recyclable cardboard in the designated cardboard bin.
Place other materials in the general waste bin.
Inflate Tyres: Inflate the tyres to the correct pressure based on the bike type:
Road bikes: 80 psi
Hybrid bikes: 60 psi
Recreational mountain bikes: 40 psi
Performance mountain bikes: 30 psi
Kids' bikes: 30 psi
Communicate Completion: Clearly notify the Head Mechanic (Craig Larsen) or the next relevant staff member:
Identify who or what the bike is for.
Confirm that the bike has been prepared to a Level 1 Prep Build standard.
Complete and Confirm Level 1 Prep Build: Ensure level 1 prep build is complete before starting Level 2.
Install Seat Post:
Apply a small amount of grease to the seat post.
For adult bikes, set the seat post to the maximum extension.
For kids' bikes, adjust the seat post to the minimum height required to fit securely in the Park Tool stand.
Fit Handlebars:
Attach the handlebars to the stem.
Ensure the stem faceplate has an even gap between the top and bottom screws.
For higher-level bikes, adjust to ensure no gap at the top of the faceplate, if specified.
Attach Pedals:
Apply a small amount of grease to the pedal threads.
Use a pedal washer for square-edged faced pedals.
Fit Safety Accessories:
Install the bell on the left-hand side of the handlebars.
Securely attach both the front and rear reflectors.
Communicate Completion:
Notify the Head Mechanic (Craig Larsen) or the next relevant staff member
Clearly identify who or what the bike is for
Confirm the bike has been fully prepared to Level 2 standards
Confirm Level 1 and Level 2 Completion: Ensure both Level 1 and Level 2 are complete before beginning Level 3.
Fit Front Disc Brake Calliper or V-Brake:
For disc brakes, attach the front calliper to the fork and tighten the bolts until just before they take full tension.
For V-brakes, fit the cable and noodle loosely to allow for further adjustment.
Install Front Wheel:
Fit the front wheel, ensuring it is square and properly seated in the fork.
Place the bike on the ground with both wheels to ensure alignment if necessary.
Adjust Front and Rear Brakes:
Set up both brakes to achieve the correct lever throw for the right and left brake levers.
Ensure there is no rubbing on the rotors or rims during operation.
Part tool resources for disc brake and v-brake
Report and Note Brake Issues:
If an issue arises related to the brakes that is beyond your skillset, notify Craig Larsen or a senior staff member.
As well as write a note of the issue on a post-it and attach it to the bike for clarity.
Communicate Completion:
Notify the Head Mechanic (Craig Larsen) or the next relevant staff member
Clearly identify who or what the bike is for
Confirm the bike has been fully prepared to Level 3 standards
Confirm Level 3 Completion: Ensure Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 are complete before starting Level 4
Adjust Rear Gears:
Fine-tune the rear derailleur for smooth shifting across all gears
Ensure proper alignment, tension, and limit screw settings
Refer to the video tutorial for guidance: Rear Derailleur Adjustment
Adjust Front Gears:
Set up the front derailleur to shift smoothly between chainrings
Adjust limit screws and cable tension for precise operation
Refer to the video tutorial for guidance: Front Derailleur Adjustment
Test Shifting Performance:
Shift through all gears on both the front and rear derailleurs, ensuring smooth transitions and no chain rub
Check the drivetrain under light resistance to simulate real riding conditions
Report and Note Gear Issues:
If an issue arises with the gears that is beyond your skillset, notify Craig Larsen or a senior staff member
Document the issue on a post-it note and attach it to the bike for clarity
Communicate Completion:
Notify the Head Mechanic (Craig Larsen) or the next relevant staff member
Clearly identify who or what the bike is for
Confirm the bike has been fully prepared to Level 4 standards
Confirm Level 4 Completion: Ensure Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 are complete before starting Level 5.
Install Dropper Post:
Properly install and set up a dropper post, ensuring smooth operation
For guidance, refer to the video tutorial: Dropper Post Installation
Install Internal Cables:
Route and secure internal cables correctly, ensuring they are cleanly installed and do not interfere with the bike's functionality
Refer to the video tutorial for guidance: Installing Internal Cables
Set Up Wireless Gears:
For road bikes, follow the instructions to pair and adjust wireless groupsets
Tutorial: Road Bike Wireless Gear Setup.
For mountain bikes, pair and adjust the wireless system, ensuring smooth shifting and proper gear indexing
Tutorial: Mountain Bike Wireless Gear Setup.
Shimano Di2 Gear Setup:
Set up and fine-tune Shimano Di2 electronic groupsets
Ensure firmware is up-to-date, gears are paired correctly, and the system shifts seamlessly
Test Advanced Features:
Confirm the functionality of the dropper post, internal cabling, and electronic or wireless shifting
Report and Note Issues:
If any issues arise with advanced systems, notify Craig Larsen or a senior staff member
Document the issue on a post-it note and attach it securely to the bike for clarity
Communicate Completion:
Notify the Head Mechanic (Craig Larsen) or the next relevant staff member
Clearly identify who or what the bike is for
Confirm the bike has been fully prepared to Level 5 standards for review
Consistent Mastery of Levels 1–5:
Ensure you have demonstrated competence and consistency in all tasks from Levels 1 through 5.
Be proficient in performing all steps independently and efficiently.
Fit Handlebar Tape:
Install bar tape neatly and securely, ensuring a professional finish with even tension and clean edges.
Build a Bike from Start to Finish:
Assemble a bike completely, starting from unpacking to final adjustments, including all systems and components.
Perform quality control checks at every stage to ensure a flawless build.
Complete Suspension Setup:
Set up and adjust front and rear suspension systems for optimal performance based on the bike's specifications and rider requirements.
Perform a Basic Bike Fitting:
Adjust the bike for the rider's optimal comfort and efficiency, including seat height, handlebar position, and reach.
Ensure the bike is tailored to the rider's specific needs and riding style.
Pre-Sale Bike Check:
Ability to conduct thorough check of bikes for pre-sale, ensuring they meet all safety and quality standards.
Confirm that the bikes are fully functional and ready for delivery to the customer.
Comprehensive Bike Knowledge:
Demonstrate the ability to cover every aspect of a bike build and adjustment, from mechanical systems to advanced features.
Communicate Completion and Resolve Issues:
Notify the customer directly when the bike is ready for pickup or delivery.
If any issues are identified that require external support, communicate promptly with the relevant suppliers or service agents to resolve them and document the actions taken.
Liaise with the Head Mechanic (Craig Larsen) or the next relevant staff member to ensure all resolutions are in line with company standards.
At Level 6, you represent a high standard of expertise and independence, capable of handling complex builds, addressing technical issues, ensuring bikes are customer-ready, and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders.