Resources

Toronto DIY Spaces

There are a number of community bicycle spaces in Toronto. To learn more about them, visit www.torontocommunitybikecollectives.com or check out the individual organizations below:

bikeSauce 341 Broadview Ave.; info@bikesauce.org

Bike Pirates 1564 Bloor St W; info@bikepirates.com

Charlie’s FreeWheels 242.5 Queen St. E; info@charliesfreewheels.ca

Gateway Bicycle Hub 10 Gateway Blvd., Suite 100B; info@gatewaybikehub.com

Scarborough Cycles 3079 Danforth Ave. mmacaraig@accessalliance.ca

Cycle York 95 The Pond Rd.; info@regenesis.eco

RESCUE BIKE at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre 955 Queen St. E. pyoung@srchc.com

Tobermory Bike Hub 15 Tobermory Drive dretren@culturelink.ca

Bicycle Fixit Stations

Bikechain maintains a number of public repair stands on campus that can be used for small bicycle repairs and maintenance. If you see a repair stand on campus that is missing tools, please send us an email.

A map of our repair stands as well as other public stands in Toronto is below:

Map provided courtesy of Daniel Puiatti.

Guide to Buying a Quality Used Bike

Where to Buy

Bike Pirates – 1564 Bloor St. W.

Bike Sauce – 341 Broadview Ave.

Ya Bikes – 242.5 Queen St. E.

There are other shops that sell used bikes in Toronto. Make sure you go somewhere that has a good reputation, both in means of acquisition and in safety standards .

Craigslist, Kijiji and Facebook marketplace are unreliable options. You have little recourse if your new bike has problems. If you do buy a bike from one of these websites, make sure that it receives a check-over from a competent mechanic.

We strongly recommend buying a quality lock for your new bike. Always lock it up, and register it with the Toronto Police. Paying $50 or $100 for a quality U-Lock may seem like a lot of money, but settling on a $20 lock might mean buying a bike sooner than you think.

Consider the price

While someone might be able to get a gem of a bike for very little money, this isn’t often the case, especially if you’re not sure what makes a bike a gem. Be realistic about what your budget will get you and shop around to consider your options. A bike is a vehicle, and you are trusting your life to it. Be an informed consumer and spend wisely.

What to look for

If you can avoid it, do not buy newer Supercycles, Triumphs, CCMs or other department store bikes. Older bikes from these brands are okay, but the new ones are of poor quality. If you have a limited budget, consider a used bike instead of a cheaper new bike.

Frame

No bends, big dents, or cracks. Cracks in the paint or discoloration can indicate frame damage. Ask for the stem and seatpost to be moved, to make sure they aren’t rusted stuck within the frame.

Wheels

Spin the wheels – they should be fairly straight. Squeeze the spokes to check for broken or loose ones. Inspect the tires for big cracks or holes.

Cables and Housing

Inspect the housing to look for cracks or splits. Try squeezing the brakes and shifting the gears to see if the cable moves through the housing smoothly.

Take it for a test ride

The frame should fit properly. You leg should extend fully while pedalling. If you struggle to reach the pedals or your knees stay bent during the entire pedal rotation, the frame is likely the wrong size.