Today we’d like to introduce you to John Wiley Schexnayder
Hi John Wiley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Austin and have been biking for 20 of my 24 years. About 10 years ago I started working as a bike mechanic. I worked at a couple shops before really settling down at Austin Tricyclist–a mom and pop shop. I have been a mechanic there for over four years gaining skills and experience in bike repair. In late summer of 2021, I started doing carbon bike frame repair–taking broken carbon frames and making them structurally sound again. I taught myself the craft of carbon repair, starting out with the basics and building up to more complicated projects. I stumbled into the painting side of the business wanting to paint my repairs to make it look like the frame damage never happened. Once I had the tools to do paint touch ups, I realized I could start painting whole frames and painted several bikes for myself to learn and test the waters. I realized the demand for carbon repair and custom frame paint in Austin and saw an opportunity to fill the niche. Diving in headfirst, I bought the necessary equipment to put out top quality work. I officially started my LLC in August 2024 and have stepped back at Austin Tricyclist to working only a couple days a week all so that I can properly focus my time on painting bikes and doing carbon repair. I have been incredibly fortunate to find my passions and be able to follow them wholeheartedly. This work has truly allowed me to intertwine my inner engineer and artist!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road has honestly been much smoother than most. I am able to avoid most overhead expense working out of my wonderful parents property. Because of their support, I have been able take several years to understand and hone my craft before truly diving in. Over the past several years I have shifted my focus from being bike mechanic to fully committing to what was originally a side gig. Getting to where I am now has required a combination of luck and patience.
The real struggle has been balancing a full time job with entrepreneurial pursuits. I’ve had many weeks of working full time as a mechanic then going home and experimenting with carbon or paint until I fall asleep. I usually work 7 days a week, but occasionally take off time to ride my bike.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a fully qualified mechanic, racer, and general bike expert–I am willing to go the extra mile. It’s impossible to be a complete one stop shop, but anything I can’t do I can tell you where and how to get it done if it’s related to cycling. My biggest pride is as a resource. I can do anything from small adjustments on a bike to a top-to-bottom completely custom bike. I do the best looking carbon repair in Texas and take pride in my paint jobs though frankly, I still have so much to learn when it comes to paint. One of my best assets is my partner of nearly 7 years, Sabrina, who is a much more capable traditional artist than I am. I commission her skills as often as possible when someone wants more classic artwork as opposed to the abstract art I do.
What matters most to you?
It matters most to me that I’m doing what I love, because it makes me happy!
I value working with people that share the same level or same type of passion as I do. Nothing gets me going as much as finding someone as picky and into the details as I am.
Ultimately, what matters to me most is making people happy, whether it’s by saving them money not having to buy a new frame, making their bike work better than ever, or look just the way that fits their style.
Pricing:
- Decals – $25-$250
- Carbon repair $150-$450
- Paint touchups $150-$250
- Existing frame paint restorations $700
- Custom paint jobs $700-$2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BaskBikes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baskbikes/
Image Credits
Jason Hoffman and myself
