If you’ve been by the bike shop sometime in the past two decades, chances are you’ve seen Carl! He does a lot of different things around the shop but he’s […]
Carl’s 20th Anniversary Party
Blog
Archive for Category: Bike Shop
Do You Know About Our Low Income Commuter Services?
As we get closer to the perfect fall weather so many Portlanders enjoy riding in, we thought this would be a good time to tell you more about our bike […]
2022 Impact Report
We are thrilled to announce the completion of our 2022 Impact Report! We took a deep dive into the past year to tally our accomplishments, acknowledge some of our struggles, […]
Bike Shop Apprentice Success!
You might remember Nina from almost a year ago when we posted an interview with her on our blog. Well, we’re back, and pleased to say she completed her 540 […]
Meet Our Shop Apprentice, Nina!
Did you know that the shop hosts an apprentice every year? Since 2017, we’ve been able to provide this opportunity to youth from our various partner communities. The intent of […]
Organizational COVID-19 Planning
Written by Gwen, Shop General Manager – As you may have noticed, our shop has been closed for a few days here and there over the course of the past […]
Beautiful Wooden Bike (Art!) Looking for Good Home!
Every now and then we get a really special bike donated… and we have one right now! This Renovo bike was custom-made here in Portland and was barely ridden — it hung […]
New Product Alert: Shop now selling Ottolock
OTTOLOCK is a new cinch lock ideal for people who find a U-Lock too clunky to warrant bringing along for a short trip inside a cafe or corner store. While […]
New Fujis for Sale in the Shop!
by Tyler Pell While much of our customer base may not know it, each fall, the Cycling Center effectively runs out of bikes to sell. Not that our inventory is […]
Cycling Center Celebrates 15 years of Carl Wilson!
There has been a lot of change at the Cycling Center in the past 15 years. The one constant? Long-time mechanic Carl Wilson. On Sunday, May 27, Carl — who […]
Buy a Bike, Get 10% Off New Accessories!
Just in time for springtime riding, we are offering 10% off of all new retail accessories with the purchase of a bicycle at our shop! When you buy a new–or […]
Why Gateway Green Matters
If you have been to our bike shop on 17th and NE Alberta St., you may have seen Cole behind the counter. Like many of the Cycling Center’s bike mechanics, […]
Save $100 on Your Bike Overhaul
By Steph Routh, Communications & Marketing Manager This January and February, we’ll take $100 off the cost of a standard bike overhaul. It’s a great deal at a good time. […]
Bike Maintenance Classes are Back, Starting Thursday!
By Jake Schorr Did you ride hard all summer? Is it time to give your bike some love? Give you and your bike a treat by learning to do repairs […]
NEW Bikes in Store!
By Qingyang Xie, Communications Intern We’re very excited to announce that for the very first time, the Community Cycling Center is carrying new bikes in our bike shop! We proudly […]
Shop Tip: Top tools to own for DIY at-home bike maintenance
By Jackie Mautner, Bicycle Mechanic So you’ve got a tool bag you bring with you for roadside repair, but what about when you’re home on a rainy day and itching […]
Product Review: Brooks Cambium Saddle
By Tim Weeks , Bike Mechanic The following is a great first-hand review of the new Brooks Cambium saddle from our senior mechanic Tim Weeks. But before you run out and try one […]
Save $100 on Overhaul Special
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager Your bike powered through the typical elements familiar to Portlanders: snow, rain, mud, and the dreaded wintry mix. Your ride could probably use some love. […]
Save 25% with gift packs at Community Cycling Center!
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager This winter, get bike-friendly gifts for the bicycle lovers in your life at the Community Cycling Center. We’re offering three types of gift packs – […]
Shop Tip- How to Select A Front Derailleur
By Gwen, Service Supervisor This series of shop tips over the past several months was all about creating a basis for more in-depth knowledge. Whether you’re working on a bike you already […]
Shop tip: types of shifters
By Gwen Koon, Service Manager This series of shop tips over the past several months was all about creating a basis for more in-depth knowledge. Whether you’re working on a bike you […]
Pack-a-Pannier Sale – 25% off everything inside the bag!
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager During the months of September and October, buy a bag or pannier, fill it with any new parts and accessories, and we will […]
Shop tip: overview of derailleurs
In our previous ship tip, Gwen wrote about cables, housing and accessories. In this tip, she will provide an overview of front and rear derailleurs. Introduction This shop tip is all about […]
Retail Happy Hour every Wednesday!
Retail Happy Hour on Alberta Street kicks off this Wednesday, June 24th, from 3-6 p.m. at nearly 40 Alberta Street retail businesses. Retail Happy Hour invites shoppers to visit Alberta […]
Shop tip: types of brakes and levers
By Gwen Koon, Service Supervisor Introduction This next series of shop tips over the next several months will be all about creating a basis for more in-depth knowledge. Whether you’re working on […]
Product Review: Park CM 5.2 Cyclone Chain Scrubber
By David Kurishima, Retail Manager A year ago I would have rolled my eyes at the thought of writing a review about a chain cleaner. For years I always thought […]
Shop tip: replacing your chain
By Gwen Koon, Service Supervisor There are many reasons that you might need to replace the chain on your bicycle. Chains wear out over time, get damaged in accidents, or may […]
Overhaul Special returns – $100 off this winter
Over the next month, your bike will see the typical elements familiar to Portlanders: rain, mud, and the dreaded wintry mix. Your ride could probably use some love. We […]
Lessons in leverage – fathers & daughters building community with bikes
By Heidi Beierle, Volunteer Storyteller Paul is a Community Cycling Center donor and regular volunteer. I spoke with him and his daughter, Nora, during a recent Tuesday night volunteer drop-in […]
5 hand-crafted balance bikes up for bids – Balance Bike Build-off Auction
By Brianna Harris, Campaign Specialist Every year hundreds of faces light up with joy at the Holiday Bike Drive. Kids smile, laugh, and some of them earn their very first bike. […]
Shop Tip: Selecting and adjusting saddles
By Gwen Koon, Service Supervisor PART 1: SELECTION Choosing a saddle that is the correct shape for your body is an important part of making sure that you’ll be comfortable […]
Product Review: Cygolite Metro 550
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager There are many things you can learn about the nature and habits of Portland cyclists simply by looking at what they are buying throughout the […]
Winter Riding Shop-Tip Medley
By Forrest Scott, Service Supervisor Hello Everyone! The first day of fall is just about a week away! Last Thursday’s blustery weather reminded me that it’s time to adjust my […]
Serotta ‘CPI’ track bike frame – Autographed by Ben Serotta
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager Sometimes we truly receive some unique gems donated to our bike shop. Right now, we have a super sweet, custom-built Serotta ‘CPI’ track […]
Product review: Jandd Frame Pac
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager Do your summer plans include a day ride on your road bike or shredding some trails on your mountain bike? How about a fully-loaded tour […]
Shop tip: The exciting world of disc brake maintenance
By Forrest Scott, Mechanic This month’s shop tip covers pad replacement and adjustment for mechanical disc brakes. Since the Avid BB7 model is increasingly common as stock equipment for commuting […]
Shop tip: fun rides in Portland
By Patrick Loftus, Service Manager For what will be my final shop tip, we’re going to step outside the bike shop and talk about sweet places to ride in Portland. […]
Support local and receive a Community Cycling Center water bottle or bell
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager For the month of May, our bike shop is highlighting locally-owned companies! Check out our new selection of backpacks and messenger bags from […]
Product review: Skadokeys!
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager Here at our shop, some of our most cherished bike parts are the cheap accessories that get salvaged from inexpensive kids’ bikes. Why? Because kids […]
Shop Tip: emergency roadside repairs
By Patrick Loftus, Service Manager A while back we covered what tools are good to carry with you on your commute. This month we’ll talk about some tips and tricks […]
Retail Product Reviews: WTB Saddles
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager At the Community Cycling Center, we are all about removing barriers to bicycling—whether it be providing access to affordable bikes and cycling education, or working […]
Refurbishment special returns – $100 OFF!
Over the next month, your bike will see the elements Portland commuters have become accustomed to: rain, mud, and the dreaded wintry mix. It could probably use some love. We […]
Shop tip: tire inflation, valve types, and picking the right tube
By Patrick Loftus, Service Manager This seems like a simple subject, but it’s one of the more common questions we get in our bike shop and it’s surprisingly complicated. Today’s […]
Don’t miss our big HOLIDAY SALE at the bike shop – Save 25%
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager This winter, get bike-friendly gifts for the bike lovers in your life at our bike shop and save big. From November 15th until […]
Shop tip: oil, grease, and solvents, what to use where
By Patrick Loftus, Service Manager The most common question we get in the shop is, “What do I use to oil my chain?” This month’s shop tip covers different oils, […]
Reviews of the PDW Spaceship™ 3 and Cosmic Dreadnought
Review #1 of the Spaceship™ 3 By Gwen Koon, Service Mechanic I picked up PDW’s Spaceship™ 3 a couple of months ago, an emotional separation from my old CatEye Opti-Cube […]
Our newest social venture
By Jonnie Ling, Director of Operations “What’s your favorite program at the Community Cycling Center?” I’m often asked in interviews and conversations alike. Our community collaborations with New Columbia and […]
Product Review: Iris Water Bottle Cages
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager This month, rather than promoting the outstanding merits of a singular product manufactured by a particular company, I would rather recommend to you a type […]
Pack a pannier and save 25%
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist During the month of September, buy a bag or pannier, fill your new bag with any new parts and accessories, and we will give […]
Shop tip: carrying stuff on your bike
Patrick Loftus; Service Manager Figuring out how to comfortably and safely carry stuff on your bike can greatly improve your riding experience. In this shop tip we’ll look at the […]
Our Mechanics’ favorite places to ride in Portland
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist EVAN. Holiday Bike Drive Production Coordinator/Service Coordinator/Mechanic. Evan, a jokester, says he’s lived here too long to ride his bike. Truthfully, he prefers to […]
Product Review: Topeak Morph Pumps
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager It’s prime touring season, the perfect time to head out on two wheels for a long trip. Whether you are making a day-trip to the […]
Shop tip: helmets – style and fit
Patrick Loftus; Service Manager This month’s shop tip will cover different styles of helmets, how to properly fit your helmet, and accessories that go well with helmets. General notes on […]
Local bag bonanza – buy a bag and receive a stainless coffee mug
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist We have stuffed our bike shop to the gills with locally made bags in preparation for your summer bike adventures! During the month […]
Reviews of the PDW Radbot™ 1000
By Gwen Koon, Service Mechanic The Radbot™ 1000 has absolutely knocked my socks off for one simple reason: in the two months I’ve had it, the Radbot has yet to spontaneously turn […]
Bicycles are a tool for empowerment in the classroom
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist Jon Erickson is doing something incredible with bicycles. As a middle school teacher at Metro Montessori, he is using bikes to teach math and […]
Bike local, shop local, support local
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist For the month of May, our bike shop is highlighting locally owned cycling sundry companies and locally made bicycle products! Check out our new […]
Shop tip: locking your bike
By Patrick Loftus, Service Manager Properly locking your bike is the best way to keep it for a long time. Quality bike locks can be expensive, but they last for […]
Why you should play with adult Legos and build your own bike
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist You don’t need to know how to build a bike to build a bike. If you want to learn, Gram Shipley, our Used Inventory […]
Build a bike and save 20%!
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist We have a lot of great bikes for sale. We have refurbished bikes that are all fixed up and ready to go. We have […]
Product review: BLAQ Reflective Sticker Kit
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager As with almost any product review, this one is not for every rider and certainly not every bike, but hear me out—reflective stickers, locally made […]
Flossing the cogs, limit screws, and drive trains, oh my!
An inside look at the Basic Bike Maintenance class By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager Before joining the Community Cycling Center, my bike maintenance skills were limited. I knew […]
Save $100 with our winter refurbishment special!
Over the past few months, your bike has seen rain, mud, and the dreaded wintry mix. It could probably use some love. We want to make it easy for you. […]
Check out these great Holiday Gift Pack ideas
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist Our Holiday Gift Pack special is a fantastic way to score great deals and great gifts this season. Through the end of December, shop […]
Product Review: Redline Pedals
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager Well it’s fair to say that the care-free days of summer have long passed out of sight from the scope of your helmet mirror. No […]
Holiday gift packs are back again, beginning November 15th
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager This holiday season, find great gifts at our shop for the bike lovers in your life and save big! We’re offering three types […]
October special – save 10% at the shop when it’s raining!
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist Fall is officially here, and with it comes the rain, the darkness, and the cold. It would be very easy to feel gloomy, but […]
Product review: Town and Country tires
By David Kurushima, Retail Manager Portland is home to 59 miles of unpaved roads. For some cyclists, these irregularities in our city streets might make for some challenging, if not […]
You’re invited to the Where To Bike Portland book launch party!
Join us! We’re celebrating the launch of the new cycling book, Where to Bike Portland! The book, written by our Deputy Director, Anne Lee, is geared toward recreational cyclists and […]
Pack a Pannier special extended through September
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist The Pack a Pannier special was so successful (and so fun) in August that we’re extending it to September. If you’re thinking about gearing […]
Shop tip: tools to carry with you
By Patrick Loftus, Service Manager Carrying a few of the right tools will help you get out of a jam, and might keep you from walking home or taking the […]
Pack a Pannier and save 20% at the shop!
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist The Pack a Pannier special was so successful (and so fun) in August that we’re extending it to September. If you’re thinking about gearing […]
313 bikes given new lives
By Melinda Musser, Communications & Marketing Manager Our Bike Donation Campaign ended on July 30th, and thanks to our donors, we collected a grand total of 313 bicycles in one […]
Product Review: North St. Panniers
By David Kurushima, Retail Supervisor We’re having a Pack-a-Pannier special in the shop! That means every Wednesday and Thursday in August, pack a pannier with accessories and take 20% off […]
What a difference an overhaul makes (with photos)
We just wrapped up our Overhaul Special at our bike shop. We thought we’d celebrate by sharing some pictures of a bike before and after its complete overhaul – what […]
Stolen bike – Klein Palomino
Someone broke into our shop and stole this refurbished $1,095 Klein Palomino bicycle (serial# WL1771819). Needless to say, we are upset about the loss of the bike and the damage […]
Product Review: Bike Cozy Tool Roll
By Christopher Hamann, Retail Supervisor As the buyer at the Community Cycling Center, I am always looking for local and fresh new items for our bike shop. I knew when […]
Campus Commuters: PCC’s exciting new bike rental program
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist In November, we were contacted by members of the Portland Community College’s Cascade campus community who were interested in developing a bike rental program. […]
Jonnie, our Bike Shop General Manager, explains benefits of Overhaul Special ($100 off)
By Britt Appleton, Social Media Specialist
As we’ve mentioned, we’re currently offering $100 off the complete overhaul of your bicycle at our bi…
Hot off the press: 2012 schedule of Bike Maintenance classes
In the Dec 8th issue of the Portland Mercury, Sarah Mirk put our Bike Maintenance Classes on her Holiday Wish List. She took Basic Bicycle Maintena…
Prepare for the cold – Great new products at our shop
Our shop is brimming with fantastic accessories to help you prepare for this rainy season. Whether you’re in search of a new pair of waterproof glo…
Empowerment and Women’s Basic Bicycle Maintenance
Riding a bicycle regularly can be a very empowering experience. The realization that you can transport yourself most places you need to go, using y…
Great bikes and accessories at the shop
Our shop is brimming with fantastic bicycles and accessories. Whether you’re in search of your first commuter bike or special retro wheels, we have…
Bikes and new products at the shop
Our shop is brimming with fantastic bicycles and accessories. Whether you’re in search of your first commuter bike or special retro wheels, we have…
Great Deals at Salvage Sundays
Our Salvage Sundays are the most inexpensive way to get a bike at the Community Cycling Center. Are you an artist looking to build a fence out of o…
Get your playa bike here!
Headed to Burning Man? There’s no better way to get around the playa than by bike. And there’s no better place to get a bike for your trip than at …
Check out our new bike shop page
Looking for information about our bike shop? We’ve been hard at work on making our website easier to use for our bike shop customers. Our Bike Shop…
Great bikes at the shop – Week of July 25
This is a regular feature on our blog. Check back soon for more bike updates!
Our shop is brimming with fantastic bicycles and accessories. Whe…
Great bikes at the shop – Week of July 18
Our shop is brimming with fantastic bicycles and accessories. Whether you’re in search of your first commuter bike or special retro wheels, we have…
Alberta Main Street helps us get a facelift
The Alberta Main Street project is a new non-profit organization working to balance development and progress on Alberta St., while at the same time…
Great bikes at the shop – Week of July 4
Every day, our fabulous supporters donate bikes to us. Some are built up for our community programs, some are tuned up and refurbished to be sold a…
Great bikes at the shop
Our racks are overflowing with goodies down at our neighborhood bike shop on Alberta. Whether you’re looking for your first commuter bike, a family…
Great new stuff at the bike shop
This is our favorite time of year. The weather is finally warming up, the sun is showing its face (almost) every day, and the streets are packed wi…
Enjoy family riding this summer – $50 off Xtracycle kits in June!
Imagine carrying two kids, a full load of groceries and yourself on a bike- seem impossible? It’s not! With an Xtracycle kit you can transform your…
Make a gift and change a life during our summer fundraising campaign!
We believe that bicycles can changes lives. We see this every day in our programs at our neighborhood bike shop.
We could not offer our inno…
Monday MAYhem- 20% off on Mondays in May with secret word!
Have you ever rolled up to our shop on a Monday, ready to lay down the dough on that flashy new helmet you’ve been eyeing… only to be disappointe…
Bike Shop Expansion Campaign: We did it!
We are incredibly grateful to our supporters for investing so mightily in our shop expansion and renovation. With the help of 23 individuals, famil…
Protect Your Noggin This Spring- 15% Off All Helmets!
After the seemingly endless winter rains, you might find yourself blowing dust off all your bike accessories as you prepare for the spring and summ…
You’re invited to the Shop Warming Party on April 29th
After months of planning and hard work, our bike shop expansion and remodel is nearly finished! We’re so happy about our new look, all we want to d…
Bike Shop Expansion Campaign: We’re almost there!
As you have probably noticed, we are so excited to finally expand and refurbish our neighborhood bike shop. Over the past weeks, we’ve told you abo…
Check out the bike shop’s new look
Watch our new video following the progress of the shop remodel.
$100 off overhauls in March
Is your magnificent ride feeling a little off? If you’ve already got a great bike you love- but it needs a little TLC- now is the time to visit ou…
Shop remodel update
Our shop remodeling process is continuing on smoothly, thanks to the help of our amazing community of supporters and volunteers. First the Oregon T…
Dirty drive train cleaning special all month long
Winter in Portland can be tough for bicyclists- all that cold drizzle can make even the most committed riders shiver in their rain boots. Lucky f…
Big changes coming to the bike shop
We’ve been bursting at the seams of the bike shop for a long time. We can’t really say it’s a bad thing- we just have so much we want to do, and on…
It’s a great time of year to buy a bike
You may not think of January as cycling season- all that cold drizzle can make even the most committed bicyclist shiver in their rain boots. Lucky …
Don’t wait until it’s too late – pick up a gift pack today
Get bike-friendly gifts for the bike lover in your life at the Community Cycling Center. Through the month of December we’re offering three Holiday…
Half off fender installation in October
There are few things worse than showing up for work with a brown stripe up your back. This month, we’re making it easier to cover your wheels by of…
Recycle your bicycle at an REI near you
Are you ready to say goodbye to that old Bridgestone that never quite fit you?
Have your kids outgrown the coaster brakes and moved on to bigger…
Limited edition water bottles now available at the bike shop
Show your support for the Community Cycling Center while keeping yourself hydrated with a limited edition, stainless steel water bottle.
These r…
July is for touring! Save on racks, panniers, and tool rolls
The sun is finally shining and what better way to celebrate than loading up your bike and taking a long ride?
During July, we are slashing price…
Take the bike shop survey, win prizes!
To better serve our bike shop customers, we have launched our first-ever online bike shop survey.
Please take three minutes to share your experi…
June is Xtracycle month at the bike shop!
Triple your kid-hauling capacity with a conversion to your existing commuter, hybrid or mountain bike with an Xtracycle!
To help get you started…
Showers of savings at the shop in May
Come on in to the bike shop for showers of savings throughout May. We are offering up to 50% off select items, including:
Shower’s Pass booties…
20% off all bags at the bike shop during April
Throughout the month of April our neighborhood bike shop is offering 20% off our extensive selection of bicycle bags.
We have bags for every bud…
$100 off overhauls at the bike shop through March 31st
Our neighborhood bike shop is offering a super service special to get your riding season started off right.
When you schedule before March 31st,…
Help us reuse and repurpose bicycle components during Salvage Sundays!
Beginning February 7th, we will host salvage sales every Sunday, during which community members in need of bicycle parts or frames have the opp…
Fast Fender Fridays and more at the bike shop in November
Through the end of November we’ll help you face dreary winter commutes with a couple of sweet bike shop promotions.
We’re calling the first one …
Summer specials in the bike shop
Locks
Portland is considered the most bike friendly city in the U.S. but it also ranks in the top ten cities for bike theft. Now is a great …
Take to the car-free streets with us this Sunday (and stop by to shop our sale)
Sunday Parkways is an amazing, active, community-building event that is taking place in our neighborhood this weekend!
A seven-mile loop will be…
Shop hours changing Oct. 1st (to 10am-6pm Tu-Sun)
We can’t believe it’s almost October. That means we’ll be closing an hour earlier starting October 1st. We are still closed on Mondays, but will …
When the rubber no longer hits the road
Community Cycling Center’s Recycling Program Expands to Include Tires
When we receive a bicycle that is too old, weary or unsafe to refurbish or…
Better Late than Never
Remember how our bike shop was damaged when a truck collided with our wall on December 9 (the day before Holiday Bike Drive)? Well, stop the pre…
CCC Suffers Effects of Recent Collision
Last Saturday afternoon, a truck ran into the wall of the Community Cycling Center, causing major damage to both the outside mural and to our offic…
Winter Hours Start Today
This is just a reminder that starting today, the Community Cycling Center shop is keeping winter hours. Not to worry, though, we will still be open…
Fewer Bike Donations a Quandary
The Oregonian investigated why bike donations are down from years past, a worrying trend for the Community Cycling Center’s earn-a-bike programs. The Oregonian found the Community Cycling Center isn’t the only one feeling the effects.
Now on eBay…
Now specialized items donated to the Community Cycling Center that won’t easily find a home in our bike shop are available for purchase through e…