Frequently Anticipated Questions
What services do you provide?
We provide basic tune-ups and repairs. This includes tire inflation, cleaning and lubing a chain, brake checks and adjustments, minor shifting fixes, seat height consultation and adjustment, and spoke changes if you have a spare spoke. We can help to diagnose bigger mechanical issues and recommend a visit to your local bike shop if it is outside of our equipment and expertise.
What about flat tires?
If your tire seems flat, it may just need to be pumped-- which we can absolutely do. If you have pumped it and it's not holding air, then the inner tube likely needs to be changed. We have a small stock of donated tubes. If we have a tube on hand that fits your bike, we will happily change it; however, due to the wide variety of tube sizes, we cannot guarantee this. To ensure we can fix a flat, we recommend purchasing a tube that fits your bike ahead of time (can be ordered online from bike shops) and bringing it with your bike. The size is almost always written somewhere on the sidewall (black outer part) of the tire. Inner tubes typically state a wheel diameter and width range for which they will work, e.g. 26 x 1.95-2.125. Another example might be 700 x 18-23c. We recommend purchasing tubes with presta valves (rather than schrader valve). Check out this tube size guide for more info.
When and where will you be?
We are starting with three Saturdays: June 27, July 4, July 11th. We want to trial it first but hope to continue this effort as long as weather permits. We are located at 50 Stearns Rd. in Brookline, MA. We are close to the Coolidge Corner Green line stop and have free street parking. There is a park at the end of the street (Longwood Playground) where you are also welcome to wait. You do not need to wait with your bike.
What do you mean by "proof of donation"?
We ask you to donate to one of the listed organizations on the day of your repair. A screenshot of a confirmation page or an email confirmation works great. You may also chose to Venmo us or write a check of your donation for us to donate on your behalf. Checks should be made out to Samantha Pearl.
How much should I donate?
Whatever you can! We want to get people out there biking and also want to raise money, so we hope that by leaving it open to a "whatever you can" service fee, the events will be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are looking for a framework of value of service, a basic tune up in the Boston area runs around $70-90.
What is BIPOC and why are services free?
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We owe so much to these communities of people now and always. As four white folks, we believe in the idea of reparations, and this is a small way we can use our skill set to to demonstrate our commitment to standing alongside our BIPOC neighbors.
Will I have to wait long?
Since this is a new effort, we have no idea what the turn out will look like. Most minor repairs are relatively fast and we are all efficient mechanics. There are four of us (and we have a number of other people on hand who are eager to help out if there is enough interest!), so we do not anticipate long if any wait times. There is a park at the end of the street (Longwood Playground) where you are also welcome to wait while we repair. You do not need to wait with your bike.
How did you choose Black Lives Matter, Black Girls Do Bike, and The Loveland Foundation to support?
These are three of many incredible organizations doing important anti-racism work right now, and they are three that have stood out to us in various ways. We highly recommend reading a little about each on their websites, which are linked on our home page!
How are costs of equipment covered?
Overland Summers, the organization through which we all led bike trips, has generously offered to donate some supplies to get us started beyond what we currently own. We hope to eventually expand our efforts and will continue to seek material donations from bicycle companies and outdoor organizations.
Are you all bicycle mechanics?
We do not have formal bicycle mechanic certifications; however, all four of us have 5+ years of experience leading self-supported long-distance bicycle tours, have completed several multi-day trainings from certified mechanics, and worked for months building and tuning fleets of hundreds of bicycles in preparation for summer tours. We are confident in our ability to get your bike safely moving, and we will let you know if we see any major mechanical issues that would require a visit to your local bike shop.
What coronavirus precautions are you taking?
Everything will be conducted outside. We will wear masks and gloves throughout the whole repair process. We ask that you also wear a mask if you are able and respect social distancing by maintaining at least 6 ft of distance throughout the entire service. There will be social distancing markers throughout the space. Contact information (if you chose to give it) and proof of donation will be accepted via text only. We recommend that you wipe down the bike when you return home.
What if it rains?
Leading long-distance bike tours for several years has well-equipped us for bike repair in the rain! We plan to work rain or shine. In the event of lightning, we will pause repairs until the storm clears. We have no covering, but you are welcome to wait in your vehicle while we work if you drive.
Accessibility notes
We do not have seating, but you are welcome to sit on the grass or at the nearby park. You don't need to wait with your bike. If you are looking to have a recumbent bike tuned, please send us an email ahead of time with what repairs you anticipate needing so we can ensure we are prepared. Our driveway is sloped downhill and repairs will be conducted at the back of the house. No stairs are needed. We have mechanics that are proficient in Spanish and French, and we will be happy to find creative ways to communicate if there are other language barriers. If you are immunocompromised or live with/care for someone who is and feel uncomfortable coming to a drop-in event, feel free to send us an email and we will try to accommodate a repair setup that feels safe for you.