My journey through the world of bike shops has been quite varied, offering a spectrum of experiences from small, family-run businesses to large corporate retailers. Before landing back in my original career field, I spent several years wrenching and advising in the cycling industry. Among these experiences, my time at Rei Bike Shop stands out, offering a unique look into the workings of a major outdoor retail chain’s bike department.
My initial foray into bike shops began unexpectedly after a layoff. Taking a job at a San Antonio Trek dealer was a necessity, but it turned into an invaluable learning experience. Working as an apprentice mechanic at $8 an hour was humbling yet enriching. The environment, while sometimes chaotic – we jokingly called it “Thunderdome” due to unpredictable management decisions – was formative. I absorbed knowledge from seasoned mechanics and gained a solid foundation in bike repair.
Moving to Atlanta led me to volunteer at a co-op and briefly work at Performance Bikes. The latter was disappointing. The corporate pressure to rush jobs and prioritize speed over quality was disheartening, and the inconsistent part-time hours at $8 an hour were unsustainable. In contrast, a subsequent role at another Trek dealer in Atlanta was a breath of fresh air. This family-run shop was welcoming, and I felt valued and able to perform quality work, even if the pay at $9 an hour was still modest.
Atlanta Cycling marked a turning point. Closer to home and offering significantly better compensation, consistent hours, profit sharing, and excellent training, it was a place where I thrived and took pride in my work. Unfortunately, this positive stint was cut short by a move to Texas.
This relocation led me to REI Bike Shop. The draw of REI was multifaceted: reliable hours, opportunities to expand beyond just mechanics into sales, registers, and teaching classes, and initially, good benefits. While the benefits later diminished for part-timers, the training at REI was consistently excellent, and the emphasis on quality work was commendable. REI utilizes Barnett’s Bicycle Institute practices, and demonstrating commitment could lead to REI sponsoring employees to attend Barnett’s for professional mechanic certification – a significant perk. The employee discounts were also substantial; I recall purchasing a Thule hitch rack for a fraction of the retail price during a “mega pro-deal.” The pre-shopping garage sales were another fun perk of the job.
However, working at REI Bike Shop wasn’t without its frustrations. The reliance on outdated paper-based customer service records felt archaic. Furthermore, the rigid corporate labor projections were a major point of contention. Staffing levels were planned weeks in advance based on corporate forecasts, not real-time shop demands. This system became particularly problematic during peak seasons or unexpected surges in service needs. It was embarrassing to explain to customers that despite having four mechanics on staff, the shop was operating with only one due to pre-set labor hours, leading to weeks-long turnaround times for repairs that could realistically be completed in 48 hours with adequate staffing.
Despite these systemic issues, my overall experience at REI was largely positive and heavily influenced by local management. The camaraderie and shared commitment to customer service were strong. The training and opportunities for professional development were genuine advantages of working at REI Bike Shop.
Reflecting on my time in bike shops, choosing between REI and a good local shop is a complex decision. If I were still in Atlanta, I believe I would likely still be at Atlanta Cycling, or have stayed there for many years. Local bike shops often foster a family-like atmosphere where individual contributions are recognized and valued, and personal success is intertwined with the shop’s success. At a large corporation like REI, you inevitably become a number within a vast organizational structure. While REI Bike Shop offers stability, structured training, and benefits, the personal connection and sense of ownership found in a local shop can be incredibly rewarding. The ideal choice depends on individual priorities: corporate structure and benefits versus a close-knit community and a more direct impact on a smaller business.
