Hi potential bike fixers, gearheads, visitors and friends! Please browse these frequently asked questions. Feel free to send a message if your question is not answered.
Q: Can I volunteer?
A: Yes, and please do! We would not exist without volunteers, and we are always excited about new people. We need these volunteers:
- Mechanic/teacher: Every Open Shop session we have, we teach people to fix their bikes. If you want to do this, we would love to have you; this is our main mission. Even if you don’t know how to fix a bike yourself, if you want to do this, we can teach you! To start volunteering, we want everyone to take our class. However, if the class session is not currently running and you just can’t wait to get going, come talk to us. You can start off at your comfort level, weather that’s shadowing another volunteer or jumping in on your own.
Q: Do I need an appointment, or can I just come over?
A: When we are open, you don’t need an appointment. When we are open the front door will be propped open. If we are not ever open at a time that works for you, you may contact us to inquire about a special appointment.
Q: I want to build a bike. How long will it take?
A: If you are starting from scratch, it will take about 5 sessions if you are mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and nothing goes horribly wrong! So be patient and by the time you are done you will know everything you need to know to maintain your bike for the rest of your life!
Q: My aunt gave me her old ten speed that was sitting in the garage for 30 years. Should I try to fix it up or do you have something better?
A: We do not have something better! Stand over the bike with your feet shoulder length apart. Does the top tube bump against your crotch? If so the bike is too big. Is there more than a 2 inch gap between the top tube and your crotch? If so, the bike is too small. Try to find a frame that fits you at a thrift store, or come browse our selection.
Q: Do I need to have bike skillz to come work on a bike there?
A: No! Of course it helps, but we are an education center and we are devoted to helping you learn from square one. You can come if you are a seasoned bike mechanic or if you have never changed a tube. Keep in mind that when we are very busy you might have to wait for a mechanic to finish helping one person before they get to you. You will be helped in the order that you arrived. If you do not need to work on your bike you can just come and shadow a mechanic and absorb skills.
Q: Do you have parts for building a fixed gear?
A: Sort of. We do not carry fixed wheels, and that is the most expensive part. If you want a fixed gear for street use (and not track use) may we suggest building a single speed conversion instead? It is much easier and costs $15 instead of $200. Look at some pictures online, you will see that they have the same sleek appearance (they are actually almost the same, the only difference is that you can coast with a single speed) and you can make one out of a regular freewheel hub by popping off the multi-speed freewheel and replacing it with a BMX single speed freewheel (that’s the part that costs $15).
Q: How much does it cost to build a bike?
A: $50 for most bikes in the shop, $25 for dept store models, ( but anywhere from $20 – $150 ) not including any new parts you may need to purchase, and not including any special (really nice) parts or frames. Always ask about each part at the shop if you are not sure.
Q: I need some new handlebars. Can I trade in my old ones?
A: We do not accept any trades! Think of it like a thrift store – you can donate your old stuff, but you still have to buy new stuff. We do however, offer a work-trade program. If you want to do work-trade, simply check in with the greeter and you will be assigned a task appropriate to your skill level. You will log your hours on a work-trade sheet and receive $8 an hour in trade. What a deal!
Q: I have some stuff I would like to donate. When/where can I drop it off?
A: Please bring it by the shop during our open hours. If we are not open, DO NOT leave parts/bikes outside the shop. It is a hassle for our landlord and it will probably get stolen within the hour. If you have a large donation and you can’t make it during shop hours, contact us for a special appointment. All donations are tax-deductible.
Q: How does the class work?
A: The class is a free 6-8 week course on bicycle maintenance and repair, focusing on one bike component (i.e. derailleurs or hubs or headsets) per week. Though you can learn these skills during regular shop hours, the class specifically emphasizes how to learn to teach bike repairs, so it is a great first step to becoming a volunteer. We usually hold 3 class sessions per year, generally starting in January, April, and late October. If you sign up on the form found here, we will contact you when it starts again.
Q: Is it true that you used to wash your hair in clam broth? Is it true that coaster brakes are the new fixed gears? Is it true that your shop has a wrench made by a donkey in Australia???
A: Uh, no comment!
Any more questions?? Send us a message!