If you’ve ever watched a Park Tool tutorial on YouTube, you probably recognize Calvin Jones, Park Tool’s Director of Education. His face has become synonymous with the bicycle-tool giant… easily as much as the brand’s familiar blue-colored tools have. He’s probably one of the most famous bicycle mechanics in the biz –we even featured Mr. Jones on a podcast back in 2024.
After nearly three decades with Park Tool, Calvin has decided to step down from his role as Director of Education. If there was an “era of bicycle maintenance,” Calvin’s retirement would probably mark the end of it.
Jones joined Park Tool in 1997 and became the recognizable face behind Park Tool’s YouTube channel. The brand’s YouTube channel has grown to a whopping 900,000 subscribers and attracts 13 million views annually.
He has a natural and approachable teaching style that offers clear explanations. The result helped to establish Park Tool as a go-to resource for cyclists looking to understand and maintain their bikes.
A Word About Calvin From Park’s CEO
Eric Hawkins, Park Tool’s Owner, CEO, and Chief Mechanic, had this to say: “I think the thing I admire most about Calvin is that to this day he lives and breathes what he teaches. He’s passionate about the science of bikes and is a gifted teacher who can clearly explain even the most complex concepts. Through his writings, videos, and personal interactions, he’s helped millions understand how their bike works and how to best keep it working. It’s been an amazing run, and now, nearly 29 years later, we owe a lot to Calvin for his unique ability to demystify bike repair and maintenance.”
During his 28-year tenure, Jones contributed to numerous educational projects that have shaped how people learn bike repair. He developed the Repair Help section on parktool.com, featuring nearly 200 detailed guides. He created the Park Tool School curriculum for classroom instruction in 2000.
The photo below is from the Calvin Jones Appreciation Society Facebook page. Yeah, he has an “appreciation page on FB… he’s kinda the GOAT, so why not?
Jones also authored “The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair,” which is now in its fourth edition. Additionally, he organized the Tech Summit series from 2009 to 2013, providing in-depth training for professional mechanics. There is no doubt these resources have made bike maintenance more accessible to both amateur enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Jones had worked in bike shops since 1973, as well as serving as a team mechanic for the USA national team. He’s also been an instructor at the US Olympic Training Center. So he’s brought a boat-load of extensive experience to Park Tool. And his background as chief instructor at Barnett’s Bicycle Institute provided the foundation for his educational approach at Park Tool.
What’s on the Horizon for Calvin?
Looking ahead, Jones plans to pursue other educational projects while spending more time riding and learning new bike technologies. He’ll remain involved with the Stillwater chapter of the Minnesota Cycling Association and continue his board position with Project Bike Tech. He will continue to occasionally contribute to future Park Tool video content.
