Some of our graduates share what they have been up to since they graduated from Bike School Asia, providing a glimpse of the opportunities that await graduates from our courses.

Sherwin
Mukund
Stephen

Sherwin, Cycle Project Store (Singapore)

http://www.cycleprojectstore.com/

Cycle Project Store by Sherwin and friends.
New digs for 2017.
Exuding style in everything they do, Cycle Project Store is regularly featured in fixed gear magazines and websites around the world.
Classiness and perfection everywhere.
Early BSA certificates adorn the wall next to the workbench.

Where do you work and what do you do there? If possible, share how you got started doing what you do.

I co-manage Cycle Project Store. It was started by my friends and I in 2012 when we were cycling fixed gear bikes, and realized that there were not many fixed gear related brands available locally. We loved what the cycling shops in Europe, USA and Australia were doing, and wanted to offer the same vibe and concepts so lacking in bicycle stores here.

Prior to opening our brick and mortar in 2014, I attended BikeSchool and it value-added to my knowledge of bicycles. The course was very fun and helpful towards preparation of our first physical store.

What do you enjoy about the bike industry?

I enjoy working with people with similar interests and passion in cycling and bicycles. It has been an experience thus far where cycling and bicycles connect you to people around the world. It is also encouraging when bicycle stores cooperate with one another despite the competitive market.

Where has your job taken you?

My job has allowed me to connect income, interest and freedom. It has also allowed me to travel to places such as Taiwan and Australia where we attend bicycle trade shows, visits to other bicycle shops and collectors. I have encountered people from all walks of life that I would not have encountered thanks to cycling, and that alone is awesome.

What piece of advice would you give students considering a career in the bike industry?

Be sincere, humble, meticulous and honest – which will go a long way.

What is the most valuable information you learned while you were at BikeSchool?

Wheelbuilding!

Why did you choose to attend BikeSchool?

The instructor of BikeSchool was heavily involved with coaching of cycling and had several industry certifications which he drew upon to conduct classes for mechanics. This assurance was a huge draw when comparing the costs of attending UBI versus attending a mechanic school in Singapore.

How has what you learnt at BikeSchool enhanced or impacted your work?

Being meticulous and professional about your work has greatly aided me in my line of work.

Mukund Umesh Thakkar, Mastermind Bicycle Studio (Mumbai, India)

http://www.mastermindbikes.in/

Mastermind Bicycle Studio is owned and run by Mukund Umesh Thakkar.
Mastermind Bicycle Studio boasts an impressive, well-equipped showroom and service centre.
Representing some of the industry’s best brands naturally attracts the attention of celebrities, politicians, officials and business leaders; all there to experience the best retail service in Mumbai.
Hanging out with Mr Fausto Pinarello.
Mukund building wheels at Bike School Asia (Sultan Gate).

Where do you work and what do you do there? If possible, share how you got started doing what you do.

I am the Owner of Mastermind Bicycle Studio in Mumbai, India. Cycling happened to me just as a hobby. Then I got so passionate about it and the field was so interesting that I decided to make a career out of it. And thats when I decided to enroll into Bike School Asia in Singapore. I was very sure that I have to learn about the right service to be given to the customers and also about the good manners in handling the bicycle maintenance workshop.

What do you enjoy about the bike industry?

I enjoy that the people keep healthy more than anything else. I enjoy cycling in all forms — commuting, racing, endurance, mountains, etc. This industry is one of those unique industries which keeps you fit physically with a lot of fun, and also if you work hard, you can make a really good career in this industry.

Where has your job taken you?

My job has taken me to meet people whom I never imagined to meet. As I said earlier, if you work hard, then sky is the limit. My job is so satisfactory that along with earning money, you also earn the satisfaction of contributing something good to people’s lives. Cycling is the best thing which can happen in anyone’s life. If you can contribute well, it is a fantastic feeling.

What piece of advice would you give students considering a career in the bike industry?

Simple advice. Don’t just calculate in the beginning about how much money you earn. This is NOT an industry where you can sell a product like a commodity. You need to sell a product as a Brand. And you need to be patient and work really hard to create that brand. Once your brand is created, you need to keep working hard to nurture it. I can assure you, money and fame will follow you for sure.

What is the most valuable information you learned while you were at BikeSchool?

At BikeSchool, I learnt the basics of cycling maintenance. The School is really well equipped to teach you the A to Z of cycling. I cannot imagine to open a shop or to start a career if I had not taken the course. At BikeSchool, you are taught to respect cycling and to do the job the right kind of way. It is immensely helpful in the long run of your career.

Why did you choose to attend BikeSchool?

To be honest, I was not at all confident to open a bicycle showroom when I thought about it. This is something which you cannot start just because you have some money to spare. Cycling needs devotion and the right dedication to learn and teach. I found BikeSchool to be one of the best schools imparting education in the world, not just in Asia. I can say I am fortunate that such a high calibre school is operating in Asia. I attended BikeSchool to gain confidence in order to give the right quality service to my customers.

How has what you learnt at BikeSchool enhanced or impacted your work?

The biggest impact was that I learnt Professionalism in handling things. At BikeSchool, the entire learning is given keeping the end customer’s needs and demands in mind. I really mean it when I say that joining BikeSchool was one of the best decisions I made in my bike industry career.

Stephen Ames, Valley Cycles (Singapore)

http://www.valleycycles.org/

Valley Cycles is owned and run by Stephen Ames, a mechanical engineer by trade and a cycling enthusiast.
Addressing a demand in the market, Valley Cycles was one of the first to offer collection and delivery; Stephen started with a trailer, and now needs a van!
Fleet servicing for a school.

Where do you work and what do you do there? If possible, share how you got started doing what you do.

I set up Valley Cycles in 2015. The company offers bicycle maintenance, building and renting, focussing mainly on road and time-trial bikes but occasionally on mountain bikes also.

I completed a week long course with Bike School Asia prior to starting my business not only to teach me new skills, but also to reinforce knowledge that I already had and to give me confidence to work on customer bikes. I found the course to be both enjoyable and informative.

What do you enjoy about the bike industry?

Over the past 2 years my company has grown significantly and beyond any early expectations that I had. It is a fantastic feeling being able to work in a business that is also your hobby, and knowing that you have a skill set that can help out fellow riders.

alumni

Where are they now?