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.

1. Q: Do I need an appointment, or can I just come over?

A: Check our 'about me' section frequently for hours updates. 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 going to be open for any reason we will try to post a bulletin ASAP!


2. Q: I want to build a bike. How long will it take?

A: If you are starting from scratch, it will take about three 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!


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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).

6) Q: How much does it cost to build a bike?

A: Usually around $40, ( 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.

7) 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!

Any more questions?? Send us a message!