Several bike mechanics who work in other for-profit shops around town volunteer their time at Bici, so there is almost always a professional around who really knows about bike repair. The idea is that you bring your bike to Bici and learn to repair it yourself -- their mechanics walk you through it and will do the repair for you if it's tricky, but education is the focus and you'll want to come ready to learn, or at least to assist and pay attention.
The rate for hours and parts is super low ($5 to $15, I think), so Bici is very affordable. You can use their tools for free (with supervision), and you don't need to be a member of anything -- you can just show up.
Bici Coop is a great place for experienced cyclists, anybody new to cycling, or even someone interested in bikes who doesn't have a clue where to get started. They're a non-profit and a volunteer organization, so they're only officially open a couple of times each week, but they do an outstanding job of bike repair and education.
4500 5th Ave. S. Bldg. L
Bici is open each Monday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Important to note: The coop has moved, and this address is no longer accurate. The new location is in Avondale in the MAKE Bhm space:
Bici sells bikes, too -- I've purchased two bikes from them for $50 apiece and paid around $15 to have them fixed up (they both needed minor repairs). Their stock of bikes for sale varies, so if you're wanting to buy, I'd contact them ahead of time through their website or their Facebook page and let them know your size and what kind of bike you're looking for to see if they have it. Bici takes donations, too, so if you want to make a tax-deductable donation, this is the place.
Birmingham, AL 35222
I've found everyone who works at the shop to be laid back, knowledgeable and very kind even though I'm extremely ignorant about bikes and repair work. It's also a great place to bring kids so they can learn about their bikes.
Oh, and it's pronounced "beachy co-op."
Bici Bicycle Cooperative is a US Point Of Interest based in Birmingham, Alabama. Bici Bicycle Cooperative is located at 4000 3rd Ave S #103, Birmingham, AL 35222, USA.
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