Bike Works continues to absolutely rule. When I first moved to the area, I found Bike Works to be the closest bike shop near me, and everyone working there was as helpful and kind as could be. In the years since, I have found that the only thing I have noticed changing is that they are continuing to try and grow and provide their (incredibly affordable) services to the local community to get as many people (both kids and adults) on bikes, as possible. Every single time I bring my bike to the store, they do their best to at least diagnose the problem and give me a reasonable estimate of when I could expect to have my bike fixed up. They are incredibly transparent about everything they do, and every time they ring up the bill it comes up to be less than I expect. But it doesn't even end there! During the summer, they have a mobile truck that rides around the area to provide their repair services free of charge for the local community! I absolutely love what they do, and there is no bike shop I enjoy visiting more than Bike Works. read more

Always generous with their time, skills and advice. We have donated several bikes and also purchased about 4 or 5 for our kids and family over the years. read more

Appreciate Patrick's help as a new bike owner! Thanks for the honest and informative help :)

This shop is so great. They can fix up your ride or set you up with a great used bike for a fair price. They also have youth programs that allow kids to earn a bike! When buying a bike here they will likely present 3 price points. They need support to keep it all going, so if you can afford it, pay a price that's not the "Community " minimum price point. read more

Bike Works - Check out this sweet commuter I got from BikeWorks - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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A quaint little shop tucked away on Ferdinand Street that has all your cycling needs. I had to stop in during my Seattle visit to pick up some bike bottles since I discovered the two I had brought were actually busted. They were reasonably priced and happened to be in my favorite color too. I had called in before just to make sure there was stock and a live person answered and not some annoying voicemail. That was much appreciated! read more

Arrogant rude customer service. I object to them foisting their politics on me. I used the shop for many years but won't go back.

The shop itself is pretty welcoming. Nice selection of bikes & used components. Unfortunately, gotta give 2 stars because somehow my appointment to have some things on my bike upgraded was never logged into their system. On 6/22, spent about 30-45 min with Mike, going through the shop, looking for parts. We found everything I needed & he told me that they could do the upgrades on 7/15. Then before walking out, he said they actually need to push the appointment to 7/16. Cool with me. I called on 7/10 to reconfirm my appointment & the associate said they couldn't seem to find any record of that upcoming appointment, but he would continue to look & give me a call back. Never gotta call back. So I suggest, if you're scheduling an appointment with them, just double & triple check to make sure they actually scheduled the appointment. read more

Bike Works is a wonderful little community treasure. The prices are good, the people helpful, and I love their mission of making bike riding accessible to everyone. I've been taking my bike here for service for a few years, and bought a great bike for one of my kids at a very reasonable price. Yes, I can get a cheaper bike at Goodwill, but anything from Bike Works is better maintained. I'm sure I'll be back whenever I get my next flat. read more

Such a great bike shop they fixed my 34-year-old Bianchi bike for me when every other bike shop I had taken it to in this area said it was unfixable because it was too old and they couldn't get the parts! They also did it for a reasonable amount (less than 200). I love them! read more

Bike Works - My bike - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Reasonably priced used and new parts. Helpful staff. Today's my second visit for parts n a new helmet. Only wish there was outdoor seating to wait read more

Bike Works - First day back open - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fantastic place to purchase used/like new bikes! My daughters have loved every one as they've grown. Tune ups are also affordable and well done. Fully support this shop and their mission of providing bikes to underserved communities! read more

What great people! They had exactly the tire that we needed and install the tube while we waited. Well-stocked, friendly, and we love the idea that they accept donations of bicycles and pass them along to those who need them. read more

I found Bike Works through a Bing search for used bicycles. Found the one I wanted on their website. Visited the store in Columbia City; bought that bike within 10 minutes of arriving. It was perfect. The store personnel were super respectful. As a trans female, that counted for a lot. read more

I was in the market for a bicycle and finally found the one at Bike Works. Their online web store makes it easy to browse and see if they have a bike in your size and specifications. I was able to call ahead to the store and give my bike a test ride and then purchase. I also asked for fenders to be installed. I was helped mostly by Kellan, appreciated his assurance and knowledge. Also bought a lock and rear light from them at the same time when I picked up my bike. Overall very good experience with both purchase, service, pricing. You can find a bicycle for cheaper on Craigslist but 90% it was stolen from somebody else; at a shop like Bike Works you get a tuned up bike and support a local business and community. read more

Bike Works - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had a flat repair on Friday and was surprised to see that BikeWorks is now politically active on a global scale. I was so uncomfortable, as I have friends on both sides, and I will not go back. At first, I thought it was just me, but after talking to a friend about it --- they also were planning to go in and look at bikes for their kids and ended up just walking away once they saw the signs on their door and window. read more

Love this bike shop! everyone there is super knowledgeable about bikes, and they are so nice!

Almost all bike shops have great service and a great attitude but these guys are different. They are really a charity but are still a great bike shop. Prices are reasonable on service- they replaced my popped tube for $12 in 15 minutes. I have given at least 3 old crappy bikes to them and they still want them although they all needed a ton of work and they probably just ended up taking the parts off. Their used bikes are a great option for those that don't want to spend $1000 on a bike if they aren't sure they really will ride it. The used bikes are a little more expensive than craigslist but there is less chance of it being a stolen bike and you are sure it is working fine. Their parts boxes are incredible. Lots of used stuff that you don't find in other stores. We need places like this around to help everyone have the opportunity for bike transportation. read more

I love this non profit. Wow- This is the grass roots, REAL recycled cycles! - They teach kids to fix their bikes, so they can earn a bike. - They have many used bikes and parts for cheap! - They send bikes to Ghana - Have nice workers and volunteers I brought in a wheel to have some spokes fixed, a day later and under $20 bucks my wheel is healed. All thanks to Bike Works! Heck, I'm so inspired, I should take an adult class here and learn to fix my bike. Every town should have a community bike shop like this! read more

So, I just moved to Seattle and my bicycle was already stolen! Perhaps it was my fault (it was on my car bike rack over the weekend and I foolishly forgot that people steal things) and I learned my lesson... but after a month of walking everywhere, I was craving a bicycle! A friend recommended that I shop at Bike Works given their great prices and the fact that it is an amazing nonprofit organization, so I had to! I took the bus, for the second time, down to Columbia City and was hit with amazement by Bike Works! Nestled in a super cute house-type building, I found everyone to be extremely friendly and helpful (side note: sometimes bike shops come off as a little pretentious and/or that they are too busy to help anyone... these guys do not fit into this stereotype!) I tested two bikes, which were on a vintage frame but totally road-ready, but found my dream bike a few moments later. For those who enjoy fixing your own bikes: apparently (I say this because I did not stop by) they have a great warehouse of parts and un-workable bikes! Try here before you go to the other companies and feel good about giving back to the community. read more

Bike Works - Thanks, guys! - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place rocks! Period! A non-profit that works to benefit kids and community through bicycles and bicycling? How awesome is that? This place is in a great location in Columbia City. It's housed in a small space but it has a big heart, with a huge warehouse a couple of blocks away to match. The warehouse is full of used (donated) bicycles and you can browse them to pick out what you want. Bike Works is about creating bicycling awareness and advocacy. The staff are super helpful and they become even more helpful once you're a regular and consistent customer. Bike Works is a great place to buy a refurbished bicycle at a great price. It's also an excellent place to pick up used bike parts that you might not find anywhere else, not even at bigger places like Recycled Cycles in the University District. read more

Bike Works - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

At my local neighborhood the RB Urban Farm and Wetlands; I saw that BikeWorks are there on Thursdays to fix bikes for free. I'm a single mother of two young girls and one of their brakes stopped working. I'm very independent and tried to watch YouTube videos to see if I could fix it myself, but couldn't figure it out. For about a month my oldest couldn't join the other neighborhood kids and ride her bike I got off work at 4pm and rushed down there (closes at 6pm) to see if it could be fixed. Ricky!! A lifesaver! He took his time to work on my daughters' bike and got it working in seconds (more like a few mins. ) but he did it!! I am forever thankful to BikeWorks and Ricky ! What an awesome group. I wish there was a tip jar, I would've gladly pay what I could. Thanks guys for your time and service! read more

I knew almost nothing about what I wanted from a bike or what was practical for me, but then I went into Bikeworks. We got there right at opening on a Sunday and they were instantly busy. As soon as somebody was free, he came to our aid. He asked what we wanted and we were honest and said that we weren't sure. They explained the difference in street bikes vs hybrids vs mountain bikes and matched us up with our practical needs. "It's a tiny shop. How'd they get you set up with a bike right away?" Bikeworks is an amazing non-profit where people donate bikes of all sorts, the shop fixes them up or inspects them and then resells them. They actually had a ton of bikes in a neighboring warehouse that we got to go into, test and find the exact style and price point that was perfect for us. They even changed out handle bars and seats for us. The service was incredible, the cost was perfect, the benefit to the community is awesome. The profit from the bikes we bought goes right back into Bikeworks' community programs to teach kids about bikes and put the two wheeled wonders in their own hands. I can't wait to send my friends here! read more

Bike Works - Bikes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Purchased a bike from Bikeworks recently and have been very pleased. I was a total bike newbie and didn't really know what size I would need. Their policy with covid was no test rides, but the person I spoke to on the phone helped me get a good idea of sizing over the phone, patiently answered tons of my questions, and had the bike ready for pickup later that same day. They were super helpful and knowledgeable! I was nervous buying a bike sight unseen, but they had a 30-day window to return the bike if I didn't like it or needed something else. Turns out it was a perfect choice. I love riding my Lemond and have sent several friends there for bikes as well. read more

Truly a fan of this place and all they represent. I've stopped by several times to shop for parts, a bike, or just to ask question. Each time I've been met with helpful folks who answer questions honestly and graciously. Yesterday was no different. I stopped by on my seemingly never-ending quest for a bike. Nick showed me what they had then realized that they didn't have frames in my size so he sent me over to talk to Steve in the warehouse. Guys, Steve is solid. Knew his stuff, shot it straight, and went above and beyond in trying to help me find something that would (1) fit me and (2) work with my needs. I didn't leave with a bike but I'm looking forward to working with the crew to build one out in the future. Go check them out! read more

After 3 weeks of waiting, finally got my bike fixed! Kinda cold atmosphere within the shop but other than that my bike is good to go! read more

Love Bikeworx! They're super nice and always helpful over the phone or in person. I don't love their replacement tubes cause they pop easier than most. I've gone through 4 thus far just riding through the streets. Switched brands and I've been good so far! read more

What a fabulous business model! Though I didn't end up buying a bike here (yet), it won't stop me from popping in when I'm in Columbia City. I first heard about Bike Works when I read about a massive inventory sale they were having. A huge warehouse with hundreds of bikes, some going for as little as $15?! You betcha I was there as soon as I heard! This non-profit works to benefit the community and help provide kids with bikes. If you're a fan of building bikes this is a great place to come and look for parts as well. The storefront is much smaller but it doesn't mean the people are any less helpful. As soon as I popped in I was asked if I needed assistance and as I stood on awe of some of the bikes hanging from the ceilings, I also spotted a lot of great accessories and bike parts that were worth checking out. If you're a fan of cycling, this is a must-visit spot in Seattle. read more

I love writing reviews like this. Got exactly what I needed, minus the arrogance of other bike shops. I began my bicycle search at Recycled Cycles and left feeling demotivated and annoyed. I then went to Velo Bike Shop and left because no one even said so much as a 'hello'. I then came across Bike Works and found exactly what I needed. You can take the lightrail, a number of buses or even drive -- plenty of street parking both times I've been there. The shop is small and so the attitude is nill. Both the gentlemen I spoke with were kind and NOT condescending at all. If you've experienced this in the least with the Seattle cycling community you already know what I mean. I tested out a few bikes and found one for just over $200, exactly what I was looking for in an entry-level urban bike. You can't beat the mission of the organization either. Check them out online and make sure you visit at least an hour before closing time so you have a chance to test a few out. read more

If I could leave 6 stars, I would. On my regular bike commute this morning, one of the links on my chain started to show major fatigue, slipping out of gear and generally looking like it was about to break. I pulled over to the side of the I90 bike path, found a rock (yes, a rock) and tried to pound the link back into shape. Moments later, Kent Peterson, the shop manager for Bike Works rolls up next to me and asks me if I have everything thing I need. My honest answer: I showed him the rock. He leaped off his bike, assessed the situation, whipped out a replacement master link and a chain link fixer-thingy, and within five minutes, I was back on the road. Frankly, if it hadn't happened to me, I wouldn't believe it. Now, I realize that this has nothing to do with Bike Works the business, but I've been there, too, and it's a great shop. The people are friendly and there isn't any of the 'hipper than thou' vibe I get from a lot of bike shops. So ... long story short, Bike Works is great, and Kent Peterson is awesome. I'm sure his heart is as big as his bag of roadside bike repair goodies. read more

I got my bike from them recently and had a great experience overall. I knew getting a used bike from them would be a good idea because the people working there have a real passion for bikes. Also, I knew that I would be supporting a good cause, as they are a non-profit organization that runs after school programs and other activities to help kids own and maintain bicycles. I went to their warehouse a couple of blocks away where they have rows and rows of used bikes in various degrees of disrepair. You pick out what frame you want and let them know any modifications you would like. You basically have a bike custom made for you. If you are at all considering getting a used bike stop by here...they will hook you up. read more

Very happy with this bikeshop. I satisfied a overhaul buy list for my Sekai roadbike for $112 bucks. My bike expert told me it'll cost about $200 to satisfy it... so a lot lower than expected! That same night, I annihilated my rear wheel on my Raleigh mountain bike during a downhill ride, so the next day, they ordered me up a new one for $42 bucks and $4 for tube - they are helping me remount my cassette and swap my old tires and new tube in for free! Just a nice shop, that is laid back! Unlike Recycled Cycles - THEY ARE NOT ELITIST! From a guy who doesn't know all the bike terminology - FUCK YOU to you elitist assholes! Cause I got bikeworks backing me when I have problems with my bike-thrashing habit! read more

After many hours of hiking all over downtown, running errands in 90* weather, I decided to punish myself further by busing down to Columbia City in the hopes of finding a bike. The interminable, sweaty, smelly bus ride was totally worth it. I walked in looking confused and Kent walked me through the whole process (I'm a bike noob). He asked me what I was going to be using the bike for (mild commuting and grocery runs) and showed me a recycled one that had just been put together by the students for $100! Kent gave me the quick refresher course on bike riding (this makes you go, this makes you stop, here's the shifter) and I took 'er for a spin. He also hooked me up with a bike rack (complete with beat up political statement stickers), a helmet, and all the lockage I would need for my sketchy neighborhood. He even gave me a rundown on how to put my bike on the bus rack Everyone in the store was super friendly, ready to offer advice and encouragement, and I love that I could give my cash to a worthwhile cause. I suspect that once I'm no longer so noobish, I'll head back down to Columbia City for an upgrade. read more

I love my car. Let me repeat that - I. Love. My. Car. Erica Barnett and Eli Sanders and their anti-car views do not mesh well with me. I get it - they don't have children, have family that live far away, and have minimal responsibility overall. But me...well, I'm a single parent. I have family in the State, but not in the City. I have responsibility. That said, I finally decided I would give cycling a chance. My daughter is 8, and wants to do more of our getting around town on bicycle, and I'll be in a position to bike commute to work half of the time. So, after asking around, and being told check out either 20/20 or BikeWorks, I ended up at BikeWorks (i did start at 20/20, but I'm apparently a giant, and they didn't have anything I would fit on). Afraid I would have to put up with annoying, anti-car, bicycle hipsters, I was grateful when they turned out to be cool folks running the show. Sure, they are probably anti-car, bicycle hipsters...but they weren't preachy, were really helpful, and didn't mock - in gesture, eye rolls, or tone - my lack of bicycle knowledge. It had been a good 15 years. I'm out of practice, and don't know jack. After taking me back to the warehouse, and NOT murdering me (you know - to get rid of another car commuter), they helped me find a bike that was perfect for me. Back at the shop, I was able to get everything I needed, and nothing I didn't (okay - I got something I didn't, but that was my choice, not their up-sell). They put everything that needed to be attached on the bike, and I was out of there with a new (to me) bike, all the necessary goods to go along with it, and all for a lot less than I was planning on paying. I look forward to taking my daughter to Bike Works for her next bike, and when she's old enough, their classes on bike repair. A great organization overall, they turned out to be just what I needed to start the transition (and not *that* transition!). read more

I was able to find myself a nice smaller framed bike on craigslist for $60. Its a cute pink Raleigh perfect for a shorty like me. I decide to take it to Bike Works for a tune up, a new set of tires, and for a fitting because I think the shop is awesome. I walk in with my bike and hear "That's a tiny bike!" from am employee. He asks what he could do for me and I give him the rundown: I got this gem on craigslist but I need to get a good fit plus I need at tune up and new wheels. He tells me to sit on the bike as he firmly holds it and asks me to pedal until my right leg is fully extended. I do so. He tells me the fit looks good so the seat wouldn't need to be adjusted. He then takes my bike and hoists it up on a metal bar. He plays around with the wheels and the gears. The gears were fine but as he pointed out how uneven the back wheel turned, new tires were a must. He did mention it may be difficult to find tires that small but after flipping through some part catalogs he found some. My madre accompanied me and insisted I get lights for my bike although I stressed there would be no night riding for me. Regardless of my protest she got a light and asked if they could put it on my bike. For a tune up, two new tires, a light installed, and labor the total price for the services came to $120. It was promised that my bike would be ready for pick-up on Tuesday. It was Sunday and they were closed on Monday. On Tuesday I got a call letting me know my bike would be waiting for me. After an unexpected emergency I had to work late to cover a co-worker's shift and I let Bike Works know concerned I may be charged for leaving it overnight. Thankfully they only charge if you keep your bike there for a week or longer. I picked up my bike and the new tire smell still excites me. My spiffy new light is attached and ready to get me through the dark, that is if I choose to attempt night rides. read more

I have to admit: I've probably built up unrealistic expectations of Bike Works as a mecca of bicycle love. I love the idea of what they do and loved the idea of supporting them, but I'd never been there in person before. That's probably why I chose to spend 2 hours on public transit to come here to donate my old stuff, and to take care of a request for an 8-year old's bike that was on my employer's holiday Giving Tree. When I called Bike Works before coming, the man who answered the phone told me I should budget about $75 for gift certificate that would cover a helmet and bicycle. When I arrived, I explained what I was there for, the customer service rep indicated that probably wouldn't be enough money. When I asked him how much would pay for a average priced bike and helmet in that age, he didn't really know, and had me look at the bikes myself. (admittedly, I have no idea what size of their bikes an 8 year old kid would actually ride, so this wasn't very helpful) He didn't seem to intuitively understand that I wasn't buying a bicycle myself, and really didn't care about becoming an expert on kids' bike prices myself: I just needed to know what size gift certificate to buy for a typical 8 year old's bike and helmet. After a few go-arounds which didn't really clarify much, I finally asked him again what the price should be, and he acknowledged that $75 probably was enough after all. In that context, it kinda annoyed when he handed me over to another service worker to close the transaction tell him that "that guy needs...". It's like, dude, I'm your frigging customer. If you don't have the knowledge you should have of your own product space, could you at least make the effort to use language that suggests you care about your customers when they're in ear-shot? It really left me doubting whether the true gift I had in my mind (of a little kid and her parents being introduced to a warm community organization for kids, and getting the great first start on her first bike that her parents wouldn't know to offer if she'd just received a bike directly) was something Bike Works would actually provide. Objectively, I really didn't have a bad experience (and I've seen much worse service at bike shops). But I didn't see any reason to justify coming here over Craigslist in hindsight, or to recommend Bike Works to my friends. read more

Just moved to Columbia City from San Francisco. I wanted to find a "city bike" for weekend rides and was checking Craigslist. Th prices were really cheap. Then I thought about all those slasher movies and bad deals gone wrong or "too good to be true" deals my Dad warned me about. My partner and I were exploring our new hood last Saturday and saw a directional sign to BW. We arrived and went inside to a mob scene. I asked one of the gentlemen, when is a good time to come back? Monday he immediately replied. We came back at lunch time and met Steven. Wow! Nice, knowledgeable and not pushy. He explained why their prices varied. I determined that the craigslist bike I wanted would cost more than the one I bought after tires and tune up. I bought a great Bianchi bike that they citified for someone like me who wants a reliable weekend bike. My partner didn't find what he wanted but he told us to come see him on Wednesday at the warehouse. Great cause+great service+nice people=happy Kurt Ps. Photos to follow read more

Great people working to improve the community and world one wheel at a time. Bike works is worth supporting -in any way you can- just because they inculcate responsible bicycle ownership through their repair program. A local kid needs a free bicycle. OK it's yours, but first you have to learn to maintain it by taking our free classes and working on your bicycle. If that isn't a creative way to change kids lives and subvert the mainstream culture then I'd sure like to hear of a better way. They repair bicycles, sell rebuilt bikes and used parts to support the program.(Sorry, even Bikeworks knows the ebay price for mint old parts these days.) As their prices are so low for repair work, there's often a very long wait. If they doubled their prices they'd still be below market rate. My only gripe is repair prices are too low for the volume they do; the skilled mechanics just are not paid well for their craft. It seems not for profits like to keep the workers poor as well read more

I hadn't bought a bike in many years, and even when I had one I wasn't really that *into* biking. As in, I didn't hang out with other bikers, I didn't watch the tour de france, and I didn't live and breathe cycling. I still don't. I just like the idea of working biking into my workout routine. One day running, one day biking sounds like a good idea. So I've been looking for a bike for a few weeks. I visited a couple other shops and while I'm sure the people were nice, they were too busy to even acknowledge that I had walked in the store. Yay for them, business is good. But as I walked around those other shops, I noticed the prices (on USED bikes) were still around $600. So I fell onto Craig's List looking for a bike, but I was either too slow, or realized I had no idea what I was looking for. I don't know if I need a 21 inch bike, a 19 cm bike, whatever. And every time I saw one I thought I would like, it was gone by the time I emailed or called. Then I heard about Bike Works and I figured I'd give it a shot. Besides, it is across the street from my favorite wine bar in Columbia City (Verve). I must say, Columbia City has scored another plus for me! The guys in the shop were very friendly and showed me how to put on a new tire, answered all my stupid questions without making me feel stupid, and I was able to walk out of there with a Trek for the same price I was going to pay off CL. They asked me what kind of riding I was going to do, gave me some suggestions, showed me some options in a no-pressure way, and I got exactly what I wanted. I did ask them about their tune-ups, and they did say in the on-season it is really busy. If you're a casual rider like myself, they recommended an annual tune-up, and make an appointment in advance. In the winter months. I'm OK with that. And I'm a fan of Bike Works! read more

The catch-22 with Bike Works is, it should be located in every neighborhood across the country. If this were to actually occur I fear it would lose a bit of its out-of-the-way charm. Having said that, I'm saving up my money to convince them to open one up closer to home. This place is absolutely amazing. They bike for kids, brake for Ghana and have the best and most knowledgeable staff (both volunteer and paid) I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and working beside. The adult class is wonderful and it has inspired me to get to know my bike in ways I never thought possible. Best thing I've done for my bike so far was to take it to Bike Works. Check out their annual silent auction. It's not to be missed! read more

We are new to the area and value supporting local businesses. We were very excited to see the ways in which they serve the community. Perhaps that is what they should stick with rather than repairing and tuning up customer's bikes. The ONLY reason I brought my bike in was to see if they could move the shifters from the bike frame to the handle bars. If the answer was no, I would have bought a different bike, and was hoping to do so from them. I was told that could be done, that it would take about three weeks, and was quoted about $170. I was very excited to pick up my bike. I paid and went to go for a test ride. The shifters were simply moved from the frame to the stem. That was not what I requested. When I brought the bike back in, they seemed absolutely careless to the fact that they didn't do what I had asked for. They said it basically couldn't be done without replacing everything on the bike and suggested that I just "get used to it." If they couldn't do what I asked, they should have called and told me. Now, after three weeks and $150, I have to go buy a different bike. The worst part was the careless bike tech. We will now be donating our two bikes to another organization and will not return to Bike Works. This was one of my most disappointing retail/service experiences. read more