Stuck without tools and need to fix your bike? Lucky for you the city's efforts to be bike friendly now include a free bike repair station in front of the city library.
Now fixed to the cement in front of the library is the "Fixit" station, made by a Minneapolis-based company called Dero. It allows cyclists to hang their bike from the seat post while using various common bike tools that are -- hopefully -- permanently fixed to the station with steel cables. There is also a heavy-duty bike pump for both types of common inner-tube valves.
"One of our community's top priorities is to improve bicycle and pedestrian mobility, and the Mountain View Library is pleased to have received a grant to support this effort," said Roseanne Macek, library director, in an email. "We hope our new Bike Fixit Station will provide a useful service for our community and help establish the Library as a bike-friendly destination. We will also be offering a variety of bike-related programs throughout the summer to educate the public about bike safety."
For smart phone users, a web address on the station links to Youtube videos with instructions on simple jobs, such as how to remove a wheel and repair a flat tire, adjust your brakes, or get your gears to shift properly.
According to the company's website, the station costs $940.
Comments
Bailey Park
on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:38 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:38 pm
Sweet! What a great idea :) Thank you.
Old Mountain View
on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:52 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 2:52 pm
I think this is great, but it's not clear - is this 100Z% free (other than tax dollar paid) and all self-service as far as bike repair goes?
Jackson Park
on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:10 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 3:10 pm
That's what it looks like. Notably, the station does not stock parts, it's just a spot to do self-service repairs with the attached tools. Hopefully those will stay in decent condition over time.
another community
on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:24 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Great! Love the bike safety programs coming this summer too. Maybe Mtn. View Lib. will start a trend for the rest of Santa Clara County's libraries.
Bailey Park
on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:43 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:43 pm
The library could then bring in some of the local bike shop mechanics to do quick fix/common maintenance classes so people know what those tools are for and how to use them.
Monta Loma
on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:51 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 4:51 pm
What a waste of money.
How about a place where we can fix our cars?
Old Mountain View
on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:12 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 5:12 pm
@RecreationCycler
Using the station is 100% free and was paid for by grant funds. If you use it, take a pic and send it to us on twitter.MountainView.gov or Facebook.MountainView.gov
-Shonda
Shonda Ranson
Communications Coordinator
City of Mountain View
Bailey Park
on Apr 15, 2014 at 6:40 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 6:40 pm
What a splendid idea.
Old Mountain View
on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:03 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 7:03 pm
@Wrenched Ankle - the library does have free bicycle maintenance and bicycle safety classes. I believe the next class is May 3.
Old Mountain View
on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:52 pm
on Apr 15, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Super idea!
Now let's get some infrastructure going so the cyclists (and pedestrians) can be safe around town. Either that, or let's talk about feral cats until we're engulfed in cobwebs and the cats elect themselves to City Council ;-)
Bailey Park
on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:42 am
on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:42 am
Sometimes the most simple ideas are the most elegant. Muy Bueno!
Old Mountain View
on Apr 16, 2014 at 3:07 pm
on Apr 16, 2014 at 3:07 pm
I used the station yesterday to fill my tires with air. The pump had a nice in-line gauge, the nozzle worked on my presta values perfectly, but the handle was a bit stiff... hopefully that will work loose as more people use it.
I tried placing my bike frame on the rubber pads but it would not stay still; now I know it was intended to hang by the bike seat.
Great idea!
Shoreline West
on Apr 16, 2014 at 4:11 pm
on Apr 16, 2014 at 4:11 pm
WOOOO!!!
Registered user
Rex Manor
on Apr 17, 2014 at 11:03 am
Registered user
on Apr 17, 2014 at 11:03 am
The library also has sewing machines available for use during certain hours. So you can fix your bike and fix your pants in one trip!
Registered user
another community
on Apr 17, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Registered user
on Apr 17, 2014 at 12:06 pm
This is why Mountain View is the greatest, way to go MV.
Old Mountain View
on Apr 18, 2014 at 1:17 pm
on Apr 18, 2014 at 1:17 pm
Awesome ! Can't wait to use it this weekend.
North Whisman
on Apr 19, 2014 at 3:14 pm
on Apr 19, 2014 at 3:14 pm
A glorified tire pump. Yes it is nice if I need air and I am at the library it will be handy. How about the rest of the city and parks? Thus eery rider should have their own set of tools and pump.
Bailey Park
on Apr 19, 2014 at 3:44 pm
on Apr 19, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Perfect for the downtown area cyclist that might be caught out without his tools or pump.
DC, speaking of tools...no too easy.
On your left.
Registered user
Rex Manor
on Apr 22, 2014 at 10:59 am
Registered user
on Apr 22, 2014 at 10:59 am
I went by the library to check the station out yesterday. I was impressed by the range of tools and that they were quality tools made by Park Tools. I have most of my own tools now, but the pedal wrench is probably one most people don't have that they might need occasionally.
Here's a photo of my bike with the pump. Web Link
Shoreline West
on Nov 29, 2014 at 2:30 pm
on Nov 29, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Very nice station, what great idea. Not only this but Bike GURU Ryan shows up every third Saturday of the month to help with anything bike related