In 2025, we launched our ‘Mechanic of the Month’ in partnership with bikebook to champion bicycle mechanics around the UK.
We now have additional support from Topeak, who agreed to support the initiative by offering Topeak tools and best trade pricing across the Topeak Tools/Workshop range (via Extra UK) for 12 months.
Nominations are open to the public via bikebook, allowing anyone to nominate their favourite mechanic.
Here we chat to our most recent winner, Matthew Evans from Chain Therapy.
Walk us through your journey into the world of bicycle mechanics? What initially sparked your interest in the job, and how did you get started?
I was into bikes from a young age; I used to spend my time in my local Halfords chatting to the bike staff as they worked on bikes. They always gave me advice on my bikes and helped me build my first bike build.
So as soon as I was old enough, I applied for a job there, and that’s where it all started. From there, I met Julian Thrasher, and he helped me get onto a Cytech apprenticeship, and my cycle industry life started.
Tell us about your current role and where you work?
I currently own Chain Therapy and Hand Built Wheels. I’m the Head mechanic, accountant, floor sweeper, and wheel builder.
What does a typical day look like for you in terms of the bikes and jobs you most often encounter in your workshop?
A typical day for me is checking to see if I have any new enquiries, checking if any new orders are due in and then seeing what repairs I have to do that day. Towards the end of the day, I then start my collection and deliveries; this is a service I offer for my local customers free of charge.
My favourite days are when I’m supporting the Milton Keynes BMX team at their race events, tweaking and repairing their bikes so they can keep racing. It’s so much fun and keeps me super busy.
In your opinion, what is the most important, or perhaps misunderstood, aspect of a bicycle mechanic’s role?
Keeping up to date with new tech; the industry is moving so fast, and it’s tricky to keep up with it. This is something that most mechanics have to do out of hours.
Do you feel mechanics receive adequate recognition for their expertise and the value they add?
This all comes down to the customer; I’m lucky that most of my customers value my expertise and time.
Do you have a favourite tool you can’t live without, or a particular type of job that you find most satisfying?
The tool I have that I use the most is my Park Tools Allen key set. It’s a small set that folds up and has the most common sizes. Everyone should have one in the toolbox, car glove box, kitchen draw and bike back and yes, I do have one in all of these places.
Are you using Bikebook? If yes, what’s your experience been like?
I have been chatting with the team at Bikebook about getting the right package for me, something that helps lower my stress and increase my customer base. They have been super helpful so far.
Beyond practical skills, what qualities make someone a great bicycle mechanic?
Patience and understanding; not everyone who rides a bike knows about bikes, so being able to take your time to help teach them about bikes and explain the problem they are having. And have you worked with internal routing? You need patience for that!
How important have formal qualifications or continuous learning been in your development?
As much as I learn best by doing the task, I think that it’s important to get training to do the job correctly. I have done training with Cytech, DT Swiss and Campagnolo, to name a few, and I loved every minute. If you want to get into the trade, it’s something you should look into.
What changes in bike technology or rider culture have you seen over time?
Wheel size is a big change I’ve seen in my 24+ years in the trade. But the explosion of eBikes has been the biggest and most complex to get used to. So many rules and regs on what is allowed, plus a whole lot of tech to learn and understand.
What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting out or considering a career as a bicycle mechanic? What have you learned that you wish you’d known when you first began?
I think a good starting place is Cytech; go chat with them and get on a course, even if it’s only a basic one to start with. Work on your own bike and friends’ and family’s bikes once you know what you are doing more. Your local bike shop would be a good place to chat to, see if they need a Saturday person or are interested in taking on an apprentice.
I would also like to add a thank you to all my customers who voted for me and support me; it means a lot.
Follow Matthew on Instagram to keep up to date with his work.
