Howdy!

We sure do! A strong selection of donated bikes and parts is really important to our core operations.

A few things to keep in mind if you’re considering donating things to B!KE:

Please only drop off items during Open Shop hours. Donations left unlocked on the bike rack when we’re not around will definitely go back out into the community, but probably not in the way you’d like (i.e., they’ll disappear real quick!).

Avoid dropping off parts and bikes that are excessively destroyed (ie., broken frames) or completely covered in rust (a little rust is fine!). Junk parts destined for landfill really stretch our capacity. That being said, bikes in disrepair can come down, otherwise we’d be hard pressed to call ourselves mechanics!

The most useful bikes to donate are (in order descending):

1) Road bikes – old and new.
2) Cruisers – old especially. These have lots of weird parts and tire sizes that can come in handy for other projects
3) 80s/early 90s Mountain Bikes.

Yes. We offer a small selection of used bicycles which have been totally overhauled and are ready to ride. Please come by the shop and have a look. Used bikes sold at B!KE are serviced to a high standard of care and purchasing a re-built bike gets you out riding fast! Purchasing a used bicycle directly supports the ongoing operation of B!KE.

Less traditionally, we also we also carry a wide selection of donated bikes in various states of repair that are available for members only to purchase. Sold in as-is condition, these bikes become projects for members to re-build with the help of our mechanics (most of our as-is bikes are unrideable off the rack). We do not sell as-is bikes to non-members.

No.

Nope, we only teach how to fix them. Our volunteers do not work on members’ bikes – they only advise and teach to the best of their ability. There are a few great bike shops in town that will fix your bike for you (Wild Rock Outfitters, Fontaine Source for Sports, Spokes ‘N’ Pedals).

No. We’re unable to support trading because of the potential of dealing in stolen goods.

While we’re really excited about the big time resurgence in cycling and bike culture in the past few years, we’re not political group. We pride ourselves on being accessible to everyone, and just want to help folks feel more comfortable, empowered and confident using and caring for their bikes.

Members get:

• Unlimited shop time for one year
• Access to the wide selection of inexpensive used parts
• Access to the selection of as-is bikes we keep
• Email updates about B!KE events and workshops
• Knowledge that you have helped to foster Peterborough’s cycling community
• Velo Love!

We stock a basic selection of new parts and accessories for sale (cables, brake pads, grips, pedals, fenders, baskets, etc.) for sale. 85% of bike repairs require those simple parts. For the remaining 15% of repairs, there are three options:

1) Replace it with something from our used parts selection. The bins have a pretty good selection of old/rare parts.

2) Replace it with something from our competitively priced new parts selection.

3) Go to one of Peterborough’s three independent local bike shops to get what you need:

Wild Rock Outfitters (169 Charlotte St)

Fontaine Source for Sports (384 Queen St)

Spokes N’ Pedals (464 Aylmer St)

You betcha! Since the largest group in our membership base are transportational cyclists, there is a demand for the shop to stay open in the chilly months. Granted, it gets a fair bit slower, so it’s actually a great time to get some one-on-one teaching time with the volunteers. If you’re riding in the winter, its also the most important part of the year to undertake regular maintenance on your bicycle.