FAQs

Do you sell new bikes?
No. All of our bicycles are used and most are in some state of disrepair. We sell most of these bikes "as is" for $30, $60, or $90. We price fully-tuned or exceptional quality bicycles higher, and we post them on Charlottesville craigslist from time to time.

I heard I can get a free bike...
No, we do not have a free-bike program. However we currently have a work incentive program. Please consult the manager on duty, then volunteer a documented 6 hours in the shop. If you do this, then we will gladly lower the price of your bicycle by one level. (ie, a $90 bike would become a $60 bike.) The lowest we will allow this to go is $15.

How much do you charge to ...?
We pay over $800 a month for the space and utilities. To compensate, we ask that you donate $5/hour for using the shop, it's tools, and it's collective knowledge. Community Bikes is a DIY shop. That means you fix it, but we have volunteers to help. It's a great way to learn about maintaining your own bicycle. We sell most of our used parts for dirt cheap. Please see our prices page.

Do you rent or loan bikes?
Sorry, we do neither. However, if you're looking for bikes for a program (such as The Boys & Girls Club), please contact us as we might be able make something happen.

What type of payment do you accept?
We can accept cash & check at the shop. We can accept credit card online. You must pay for bicycles prior to taking them.

I'd like to help out. How do I volunteer?
Show up during public hours and speak with the manager on duty. Please indicate how you can help out and how frequently you plan to do so. We always need volunteers.

When are you open?
We are rather regularly open 2-5 Fridays and Saturdays to the public, unless it's a holiday weekend, mid-summer, or mid-winter. During those times, it's best to check our manager schedule to make sure we have someone scheduled.

Do you have a _____ bike in size __?
It's possible. Inventory changes weekly. Please stop during public hours by to check out what we have. We attempt to screen out department-store junk bikes, so most of our bikes are of decent quality.

I'd like to donate a bike/bike part/tools. How do I do this?
If they are in repairable condition, please bring them to the shop during public hours. We have stopped accepting wal-mart quality department store bikes. Sorry, these bikes are unsafe due to their inferior quality. We recommend stripping these bicycles of all rubber/plastic and useful parts and then recycling the frames.

My group would like to volunteer on this date. How can we help?
Please email us.