In the event you’ve ever watched a Park Device tutorial on YouTube, you most likely acknowledge Calvin Jones, Park Device’s Director of Schooling. His face has change into synonymous with the bicycle-tool big… simply as a lot because the model’s acquainted blue-colored instruments have. He’s most likely one of the crucial well-known bicycle mechanics within the biz –we even featured Mr. Jones on a podcast again in 2024.
After practically three a long time with Park Device, Calvin has determined to step down from his position as Director of Schooling. If there was an “period of bicycle upkeep,” Calvin’s retirement would most likely mark the top of it.
Jones joined Park Device in 1997 and have become the recognizable face behind Park Device’s YouTube channel. The model’s YouTube channel has grown to a whopping 900,000 subscribers and attracts 13 million views yearly.
He has a pure and approachable educating fashion that provides clear explanations. The outcome helped to determine Park Device as a go-to useful resource for cyclists seeking to perceive and preserve their bikes.
A Phrase About Calvin From Park’s CEO
Eric Hawkins, Park Device’s Proprietor, CEO, and Chief Mechanic, had this to say: “I feel the factor I like most about Calvin is that to at the present time he lives and breathes what he teaches. He’s passionate concerning the science of bikes and is a gifted trainer who can clearly clarify even probably the most complicated ideas. By his writings, movies, and private interactions, he’s helped tens of millions perceive how their bike works and how one can greatest hold it working. It’s been an incredible run, and now, practically 29 years later, we owe so much to Calvin for his distinctive capacity to demystify bike restore and upkeep.”
Throughout his 28-year tenure, Jones contributed to quite a few academic tasks which have formed how folks study bike restore. He developed the Restore Assist part on parktool.com, that includes practically 200 detailed guides. He created the Park Device Faculty curriculum for classroom instruction in 2000.
The picture under is from the Calvin Jones Appreciation Society Fb web page. Yeah, he has an “appreciation web page on FB… he’s kinda the GOAT, so why not?
Jones additionally authored “The Large Blue Guide of Bicycle Restore,” which is now in its fourth version. Moreover, he organized the Tech Summit collection from 2009 to 2013, offering in-depth coaching for skilled mechanics. There isn’t a doubt these assets have made bike upkeep extra accessible to each beginner lovers and trade professionals.
Jones had labored in bike outlets since 1973, in addition to serving as a workforce mechanic for the USA nationwide workforce. He’s additionally been an teacher on the US Olympic Coaching Heart. So he’s introduced a boat-load of intensive expertise to Park Device. And his background as chief teacher at Barnett’s Bicycle Institute offered the inspiration for his academic method at Park Device.
What’s on the Horizon for Calvin?
Trying forward, Jones plans to pursue different academic tasks whereas spending extra time driving and studying new bike applied sciences. He’ll stay concerned with the Stillwater chapter of the Minnesota Biking Affiliation and proceed his board place with Challenge Bike Tech. He’ll proceed to often contribute to future Park Device video content material.