Bike Farm is a non-profit, volunteer-run bicycle maintenance collective.
We’re all volunteers. We all love bikes. We open the shop and our tools to the public five days a week so everyone can learn the joys of working on their own bike.
Since just about everything in the shop is donated, we may not have exactly what you’re looking for. We can usually find a way to make it work though. Bike Farm operates on a membership basis, but we offer an hourly rate and work-trade options too if you can’t afford a membership. See the membership FAQ below for more information.
Who’s in charge here anyway?
Bike Farm is operated collectively. That means anyone can be a part of how decisions are made and things get done — even YOU! If you’re in the shop and looking for a volunteer, just ask.
How does it work?
Bike Farm is a non-profit, which means we can accept donations and give receipts to donors for tax-write-offs. We turn the donations into usable parts for functioning bicycles. Our space is funded by solely public donations.
What should I expect when I come to the shop?
You will be greeted by a greasy-armed volunteer and access to our tool board. We will ask you to sign in with your name, your bike’s serial number, and what you’re working on. One of our helpful mechanics will guide you through the process of examining and working on your bike. Before you leave you have the option of buying a membership, paying at an hourly rate, or volunteering your time. We don’t give parts away for free, but we generally won’t turn people away for stand time if they don’t have the funds.
Are you a bike shop?
No. First and foremost, we DO NOT do repairs for people. Instead, we guide you through your own repairs. We are not a retail shop, but we do sell used (and sometimes new) parts for people who come in to fix their bikes. Sometimes we have a bike or two ready to ride out the door, but generally the bikes we have on hand need some work. Our prices are based on the time put into a bike and the bike’s overall quality.
I came by during business hours and Bike Farm was closed. Why?
Because the organization is run by volunteers, we sometimes run into scheduling difficulties. We all do the best we can, and Bike Farm greatly appreciates all of our amazing volunteers. However, if there are not at least two people available to volunteer for a shift, we close the shop. We greatly appreciate your understanding! And remember, everyone is more than welcome to volunteer to make sure the shop is open as much as possible. If there’s a time you’re free to volunteer that the shop isn’t usually open, let us know.
How much is membership?
We offer 4 different membership options:
- Drop-in rate: $5.00 per hour (no membership required)
- One Month Membership: $20.00
- Six Month Membership: $35.00
- One Year Membership: $60.00
Membership entitles you to full use of shop space and a professional set of tools with the assistance of a mechanic DURING OPEN HOURS. It also entitles you to some free classes.
Work-trade, baked goods, frosty beverages, and other creative donations are welcome. (All trades are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and at the discretion of the shift’s volunteers)
What if I don’t have the money?
We will find a way to work it out. Doing some volunteer work for us will definitely get you some stand time to work on your bike.
How can I volunteer?
The best way to become a regular volunteer is to attend our Monthly Volunteer Orientation Night. These happen on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in the shop. You will learn how Bike Farm works, our mission, meet other volunteers and get a better sense of what you might want to do. You don’t need to be a mechanic to volunteer! See our volunteer page for more information.