Workshop FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about bike repair or sales? Please look through these frequently asked questions before contacting us. If your question is not covered here, get in touch through our contact form and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Full service Bike Repair Questions

  • We currently offer 15 and 30 minute Repair Service (we do the work) as well as Do It Yourself (DIY) Service (you do the work) and Do It Together (DIT) Service. For more information on these services see the descriptions on our Repair Service Booking page and information on our DIY/DIT FAQ page.

  • Please note only one bike is permitted per appointment.

    A 15 minute repair service ($10 members and $20 for non-members) is only intended for quick repairs such as:

    -flat tire replacement

    -seatpost and seat installation

    -inspection of the bike

    -chain cleaning

    If you have more extensive work or have multiple things you would like to address, then please book a 30 minute appointment.

    The 30 repair service ($19 for members and $38 for non-members) is intended for work such as:

    -general tune-up

    -tire installations

    -chain repair or replacement

    -stolen wheel replacement

    -rack or fender installation

    -bearing adjustment

    -wheel truing

    -uncomplicated drivetrain replacement

    If you are still unsure what appointment you need then book a 30 minute repair and we will do a partial refund if the repairs do not require the entire time.

  • We will prioritize the most important repairs and get as much done as we can. If your bike needs more time, we may be able to extend your appointment for an additional fee if space is available. If we do not have enough space or help to extend your appointment, you will need to return another day.

  • We cannot:

    -bleed hydraulic brakes

    -install tubeless tires

    -repair suspension parts

    -repair electronic e-bike components

    -work on gas powered bikes

  • We have most parts needed to repair most bikes. However we cannot guarantee we have all parts, especially if they are uncommon, higher end or newer parts. If you know you need a specific part please let us know in advance or indicate it when you book your appointment.

  • Yes we can! We recommend booking both a 30 and 15 minute appointment to ensure we have enough time to get it fully built and safety checked. It may require more time if the bike has many accessories.

  • We cannot store bikes overnight under any circumstances.

    If you have an appointment at the downtown shop you can drop your bike off at your scheduled time and pick it up before we close that day, so long as we can contact you if we have questions about repairs.

  • DIY (do-it-yourself) repair provides you with the tools, space and parts to do your own repairs and projects. It is great way to learn about bikes, develop your mechanical skills and save money, so long as you are motivated to do your own work. We only give very limited, hands-off guidance for DIY repairs.

    DIT (do-it-together) repairs are for anyone wanting to learn about bike mechanics and work on their own bike, but need assistance. We can give you a little bit of help, or a lot of help, depending on what you need, but you are expected to be directly involved.

  • DIY has a suggested hourly rate, but is on a sliding scale. You can choose to pay a bit more or a bit less depending on ability.

    Standard recommended rates:

    • $10/hour (members) & $20/hour (non-members)

    DIT has a suggested hourly rate, but is on a sliding scale. You can choose to pay a bit more or a bit less depending on ability and how much assistance you receive.

    Standard recommended rates:

    • $20/hour (members) & $30/hour (non-members)

    Parts cost extra.

    Time is charged to the nearest half hour increment and is paid when you leave.

  • Patrons with appointments for DIY/DIT work are prioritized. You can book an appointment here. Please book only one DIY space per day. Walk-ins are allowed if there’s enough space, at the discretion of our volunteers. You may need to wait or come back another day if we are busy and you don’t have an appointment.

  • DIY means you do the work yourself. You should either be familiar with the repairs you need and how to do them, or, be motivated to learn independently, and willing to put in the time required to do it. If you need more than very limited assistance, please consider DIT repair.

  • Volunteers provide limited hands-off guidance for DIY repairs, but will not do the work for you. They can show you where to find tools and parts, give cursory help assessing your bike, and point you towards useful resources for necessary repairs.

  • We have a wide range of general and bike specific tools. Each workbench has the most commonly used tools. You will need to ask to use more specialized tools (alignment, taps, etc.). Always ask for help if you’re unsure how to use tools correctly. We are not responsible for damage caused by their misuse.

  • DIY appointments are currently 1 hour, though you may be able to stay longer if space and time allow. You are responsible for finishing your work in the time available and cleaning up before you go. We cannot store personal bikes at our shops.

  • We have a wide selection of used parts and a limited selection of essential new parts. We can usually provide parts to make most bikes safe and functional, but they may not match, be in nice visual shape, etc.

  • Hydraulic brake bleeding and work on gas engines are not allowed. Some types of work (using some cutting tools, for example) is only allowed with supervision. Ask in advance if you’re unsure.

  • The Park Tool Repair website provides an excellent, comprehensive, and free resource to help with repairs, from the simplest adjustments to the most technical installations.

    For older bikes (e.g. 90s and earlier), Sheldon Brown’s website also offers an invaluable resource.

    Youtube is another excellent resource if you’re a visual learner, and for troubleshooting more specialized issues, though of course not all advice on Youtube is trustworthy.

    The Edmonton Public Library also has many books on bikes and bike repair. Bike Edmonton has many repair guidebooks which you are welcome to use at our shops.

Used & New Parts Questions

  • All of our used parts are donated, so the selection varies. We have a very wide range of parts from many different types of bikes, including parts needed to make most bikes functional. Our supply of newer and higher-end used parts is generally limited.

  • We have most common bike parts. If you’re looking for something quite specific or obscure, you can contact us and we will do our best to let you know what we have available. However, we strongly encourage you to book a Parts Consultation appointment, or drop by the downtown shop, and see what is available in person as we do not have the resources to answer all parts inquiries.

  • We have a selection of essential new parts and accessories. Many of these can be seen and purchased through our webstore. Not all available parts are listed on the webstore.

  • Bike Edmonton strives to make cycling accessible. We try to keep used parts prices affordable, while charging enough to be financially sustainable. The cost of used parts reflects their quality, condition and availability. Prices are ultimately at the discretion of staff and volunteers and are non-negotiable.

  • All used parts are sold on as-is basis and we cannot accept returns. Please look used parts over carefully before buying.

    Returns will be considered for new parts only if they are defective and promptly returned in new condition.

    We are not equipped to accept trades of any kind. This protects us from purchasing or receiving potentially stolen bikes and parts.

  • If you’re looking for size-specific parts such as seatposts, stems, wheels, etc., please bring your bike with you or be certain of the size of part needed.

  • Parts selection varies between our two shops. Most common parts are available at both locations but we encourage you to check both locations if you are looking for something less common.

Bike Sales Questions

  • Bikes are fully refurbished and checked by professional mechanics. We prioritize function, so bikes may have appropriate, but aesthetically mismatched parts. When you buy a bike from us, it will be genuinely one-of-a-kind!

  • Currently (May 2022) all refurbished bike sales are from our south shop and require an appointment (no exceptions). You can view all our available bikes (with descriptions and sizing information), and make an appointment for a test ride on our Refurbished Bikes page.

    When you make an appointment, let us know which bikes you're interested in (up to 3). Bookings open 24 to 48 hours in advance. Appointments are Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday afternoons. This ensures our website listing reflects our actual bike inventory at the time of booking.

  • Our system is properly functioning, but appointments often fill within minutes of opening, which is why you may be experiencing difficulties finding an available slot. We realize this can be frustrating. We are a non-profit society with minimal staffing with restricted volunteer capacity, and we are helping as many people as we can.

    Currently, we do not have enough bikes to be able to book appointments further than the next bike fitting day (no more than 24 hours in advance). If you see no available appointments, then all appointment slots filled. Check back frequently, if you can, as sometimes a spot becomes available if someone cancels. We may also delay opening appointment bookings until we finish updating the website to reflect the bikes that have been sold or built through the day.

    Bookings open 24 to 48 hours in advance and appointments are Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday afternoons. This ensures our website listing reflects our actual bike inventory at the time of booking. Check back often for cancellations or for when the next days’ appointments open up.

  • To be as fair as possible, bike purchase appointments are first come first served and can only be made online. Appointments ensure we have the time to find a bike that fits your properly and meets your needs. Our supply of refurbished bikes is lower than demand and requiring appointments is a way for us to fairly help as many people as possible to find a great bike.

  • No, all available bikes are shown on the website. We are constantly refurbishing more bikes and the website is updated frequently so please check back periodically if you don’t see anything that interests you.

  • We are not able to ship bikes or parts.

  • We have as-is project bikes for sale but they are not usually shown on the website. Some as-is bikes are essentially complete and functional, though most require repairs. Please see our as-is page for more details.

Donations to the Shops

You can also visit our Donations page for more information on donations.

  • Yes! We gratefully accept parts and adult (and youth bikes with 24” or larger wheels) that are in good or repairable condition. Very damaged bikes with salvageable parts may also be accepted.

    If you have a bike to donate, please send a photo or description (make, model and approximate age) to [email protected], or by text to 780-433-2453. Our space is limited and donations brought without prior arrangement may not be accepted if we cannot use them.

  • For bike donations, please send a photo or description (make, model, and condition) to [email protected], or by text to 780-433-2453. Our space is limited and donations brought without prior arrangement may not be accepted if we cannot use them.

    Approved donations can be dropped off at the downtown shop (10612-105 Avenue) during public hours. Arrangements can also be made to drop off at our south shop (8001-102 Street).

  • We generally don’t have the capacity to pick up donations. Exceptions may be made for larger or institutional donations. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

  • Donated bikes are repaired and sold at fair prices. Bikes that cannot be repaired safely or economically provide parts to build up other bikes, or are sold to customers at affordable prices. Bikes and parts than cannot be reused are recycled.

    Donations help us to cover our costs and provide accessible transportation to Edmontonians.

  • Many other items that are needed to run our shops. These include clean rags, cleaning supplies, various tools, snacks, and office equipment to name just a few. Please email [email protected] if you have something you think we could use.

  • We cannot provide tax receipts for donated items. Only registered charities are able to provide these and Bike Edmonton is a registered non-profit society.

volunteer With Us

  • Our amazing volunteers are core to running our shops!

    Volunteers build & repair bikes, provide advice on bikes & cycling, sell parts, and help maintain the shop.

    Volunteers can work with the public, helping shop patrons fix their bikes, or greeting people and introducing them to the shop and helping with sales, or volunteers can also work behind the scenes: repairing and organizing. Whatever your comfort and interest, we have a place for you!

    Everyone is encouraged to help with all aspects of running the shops, and to help with special projects from time to time.

  • When you volunteer with us, you join a diverse community of people who love helping others to experience the joy of riding a bicycle.

    You will learn so much about bikes, go on bike rides, and make lasting friendships.

    Regular volunteers receive discounts on new and used parts and used bikes. They also get free shop time, and key volunteers can access the shop off-hours. There are regular volunteer social events, mechanical training sessions, and priority opportunities to receive honoraria and other perks (like free tickets to concerts) when helping with events.

    Of course, volunteering is also an excellent way to strengthen the community and support Bike Edmonton’s mission while meeting new people and learning new skills.

  • Anyone who is interested can volunteer! You do not need any prior experience with bike repair, just a desire to learn. In fact, the majority of our volunteers began with little or no prior experience. Volunteering is an excellent way to learn bike repair, or to hone your skills. And if you’d like to volunteer but aren’t drawn to repair work, we always need help welcoming patrons, selling parts and organizing and maintaining the shop!

    There is no minimum age for volunteers, though anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • If you would like to volunteer please visit our Volunteer page here.

  • No specific commitment is required. Regular volunteers are essential to running our services, and we always encourage people to help out consistently if possible. Volunteering regularly is also the best way to build up your repair skills, get discounts on parts and bikes, and other perks.

    However, we are happy to have whatever help you can offer whether it’s once a week or a few times a year.

  • Our community bike workshops are not the only way to volunteer! Bike Edmonton also needs help running events, outreach programs and doing advocacy work. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in these opportunities.