Known to most simply as ‘Fish’, Marston Fisher is one of the most popular and charismatic mechanics London has to offer. Bucking the ‘early bird’ trend, Marston is an early fish. Up shortly after 5am, most days he can usually be found (after his early morning kale and rice milk smoothie) in the Condor Cycles workshop assembling new bikes and fixing up old ones.
A Brief History of Fish
Starting out riding tomahawks and choppers when he was a youngster, Fish soon found himself working as a mechanic and got seriously involved with BMX racing as a young teengager. It was all about BMX for some time after that and through racing and working as a mechanic he quickly became a feature of the cycling community. Fish went on to do a mechanical engineering degree and then spend 9 years over in the US. He has been working as a bicycle assembler and mechanic in London since 2003, much of that time spent at Condor Cycles.
What makes a good mechanic?
Attention to detail, Fish tells us, is the most important aspect of a good mechanic. But it’s not just as simple as that, he says, you can’t just be a robot and be the best mechanic out there. The best mechanic needs style, and GOOD style at that! A great mechanic is a friendly face, has good chat and fantastic customer service. That’s what really gets people to bring their bike to you.
Fish’s tips on keeping your bike in tip top condition
– Always keep you bike clean and well lubricated.
– Check your tyres and brake pads regularly.
– Keep an eye out for rust on your frame.
– Don’t be lazy.
… and forget dry lube, this is England!
What is your favourite event to work with La Fuga?
Much as I like complicated jobs to do on the bike, I like complicated events too. The Haute Route has to be up there with my favourite events to work. I worked two of them with La Fuga in 2014 and another two in 2015 so must have enjoyed it. There is always plenty to do on challenging events like Paris-Roubaix too.
Fish, when will the first Jamaican ride the Tour de France?
“Well, soon! We have plans to pay our running coach to spend some time on cycling. I’ll be the mechanic and you [Alex Blanc] can be our DS! We need a Frenchman as our directeur sportif!”
‘Without my bike, I am nowhere’ – Marston ‘Fish’ Fisher
