Do It Yourself Bike Repair – Bring us a broken bicycle and we will teach you how to fix it. Yep it’s that simple. Donations are very welcome.

Bicycles for Alternative Transportation lending program – Pick out a bike from our fleet, put down a cash or check deposit and membership fee then sign a waiver. There you have it, a loaner bike.

When you bring it back we will mail you a check for the amount you deposited when you picked up the bike or you can opt to donate the deposit, that’s cool too.

The stress of getting a flat with no spare tube is one you can avoid.  I would carry a complete rim, tube and tire if weight and space were no issue, but here on earth they are.  So we all find ourselves compromising and trying new things ranging from the editor of Bicycle Times that claims to carry about five pounds of tools on his daily commute to the dare devil cyclist that does a century with no tool kit whatsoever.

We spend so much effort on getting a light bike and light aerodynamic gear that it seems like a crime to put some ugly, heavy, rattling tool kit on our bike.  Let’s not carry a lot of tools, let’s carry the right tools.  Besides, what am I going to do with all those tools?   The breakdown I always come across is the flat tire; other minor adjustments can wait until I get home.

Knowing how to use patches and leave the rest behind allows you freedom from unnecessary gear with the liberation of knowing that you will be ok if you get a flat.  On my daily commute I have found a way to carry the essentials to fix a flat while staying as streamlined as possible.  I take just the contents of the patch kit plus an alcohol swab and wrap them directly to a frame-pump with a folded swath of plastic wrap.  I then attach that to my frame or throw it in my bag.

Here are some simple pointers to help increase patching success:

• Cleaning the tube with an alcohol swab before applying the cement
• Diluting the cement just slightly with alcohol helps get an even spread
• Let the cement dry completely before placing the patch
• Don’t bother with sanding

- Chadwick Strum

Every week we host Bike Night at our bike library near the El Portal school.  If you have a bike repair you need help with this is a great time to stop by and get help from our incredible crew of volunteers.  This is also the time to come and check out or check back in a bicycle from the library.  We are also in need of more volunteers.  If you feel like you can donate two hours of your time once a month, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.