Bike Repair Goes to College in Minnesota

Casey Coughlin teaches bicycle repair at Minneapolis College in Minnesota, one of only two colleges to offer a certificate program in the subject. We dig in to learn more.

By Jeff Barber
October 25, 2021 Last Updated: August 12, 2024

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Casey Coughlin teaches bicycle repair at Minneapolis College in Minnesota, one of only two colleges to offer a certificate program in the subject. While applying to graduate school she worked as a bike repair tech and later as a manager at Erik’s Bikes in Rochester.

We ask Casey:

What are some of the ways professional bike mechanics learn the trade? What’s the most common path to getting a job in a bike shop?
Why do you think the demand for bike mechanics is projected to increase over the next few years? Is this related to the Covid bike boom?
When learning to become a bike mechanic, what is the first repair you start with? Why?
Is problem solving something you can teach bike mechanics?
What does your prospective student look like?
Is there any sort of continuing education for bike mechanics?
Do today’s bike mechanics need additional skill sets to deal with more complicated systems like e-bikes?
Beyond being able to work on bikes, what sorts of skills do shop employees and future managers need to develop?
Are there certain repairs that are more fun, or satisfying than others? Are there jobs no one wants to do in the shop?
What makes working in a bike shop, or in the bike industry, a good career?

Learn more about the Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician Certificate at the Minneapolis College website.

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