In praise of the community bike shop

Great bikes don’t die, they just get recycled. That’s the idea behind the community bike shop, where used models are repaired or scrapped, and every viable part is given years of new life.

Community bike shops are scattered around the world, and they come in every form and flavor. Boston has Bikes Not Bombs, Pittsburgh has Free Ride, Seattle has Bike Works — the list is long, but they’re usually nonprofit organizations that pair used bicycles with everyday people who could use an affordable ride.

Better yet, these shops often double as workshops for folks who want to repair or even build their own bikes. This could be as simple as replacing pedals and brake pads or as complex as creating a custom machine from the ground up.

If you’ve never been to one, you may not be sure what to expect. Here are some things to know about your local community bike shop.

(Most) Donations Welcome

Yes, the community bike shop wants your bike, and mechanics are ready to replace a few spokes and cables. But don’t be surprised if the staff turns down your rusted old jalopy. Some rims are warped beyond repair, and a frame that’s been run over by a truck may not be worth the time it takes to salvage. The best donations are bikes that, at worst, could use a little TLC.

Locations Can Be Tricky

Community bike shops are often found in underserved communities — by design. The people who benefit most are folks who don’t own a car and need an affordable way to get around. The best place to store and rehabilitate mounds of used bikes is often an old warehouse, where space is ample and rent is cheap. For some middle-class donors, shops can look a little rough-around-the-edges, and they may even be hard to find.

Scavenging Welcome

You can find some real gems at a community bike shop, many of which are expertly fixed up and ready to roll. But if you’re specifically hoping to find a used 1970s Rauler in racing condition, you should probably try eBay instead. Most customers want a dependable commuter, something they can use to get from points A to B. The best approach is to think of the community bike shop as an antique store or flea market: Pick through the stock, see what’s available, and get creative.

“Bargain” Doesn’t Mean Free

Some organizations do give away bikes, but the intention is to reach low-income households. If you make a living wage and are just looking for a bargain, you may very well get lucky. But if you’re hoping for a $10 Schwinn, you may be surprised: Models usually sell for discounted prices, but it’s still common for customers to spend, say, $50 to $200 on a refurbished ride.

Staff Are Often Volunteers

Working at this kind of bike shop is a great way to volunteer, especially if you love bikes and community-building. Good mechanics are almost always needed, as are cashiers and stock workers. As a customer, remember that many of these people — if not all — are working for free, and they don’t earn so much as a commission. For better or worse, the atmosphere may be a little different from a for-profit store.

A Little Learning is a Powerful Thing

Most community bike shops encourage their customers to learn basic maintenance and frequently host workshops. This may be its most valuable offering; the more you know about mending punctures and replacing chains, the more independent you’ll be on the road. Advanced workshops may get very sophisticated, and it’s excellent vocational training for future tradespeople. In the back, you may find containers overflowing with spare parts, and with proper guidance, you can integrate these pieces into the bike you already own.

Money Goes a Long Way

Most community bike shops work on a shoestring budget, and they rely heavily on grants and giving. Bike sales alone don’t pay the bills, so if you’re looking for a good cause to support, feel free to write a check for any amount. Believe me: They’ll appreciate it.