Originally Posted by
50PlusCycling
I wonder why it is that there is a need for bike co-ops. A bike is not an expensive, hard-to-find, difficult-to-repair machine. Bike mechanics are not highly skilled relative to other specialists, and, as a result, are not highly paid, and most bicycle repairs are not too expensive for even starving students to afford, unless they are spending all their money on a new smart phone every year, or eating out at fast food restaurants regularly. As a former bike mechanic myself, I know that some 90% of bike repairs are simple and routine. Tires/tubes, lubrication, brake and derailleur adjustment, occasionally cable or chain replacement, and that's the most of it.
What is the effect of bike co-ops on the cycling economy? First, they drive down the wages of bike mechanics who are already earning barely more than minimum wage, and they put pressure on bike shops, which, in most times, earn barely enough to pay their overhead. You will never get rich as a bike shop owner even under the best of circumstances.
Here in Japan every household has a bike. Far more Japanese commute by bicycle than Americans. Japanese people are practical and economical, they don't spend money unnecessarily, yet I have never seen a bicycle co-op in Japan. In Japan, if you want a bike, you buy one. If you need to get your bike repaired, you take it to a bike mechanic. Bike mechanics in Japan are as poorly paid as American bike mechanics, and repairs cost about the same.
Bike co-ops teach people the skills that you consider simple and take for granted.
Bike co-ops offer an access point for older bikes to continue to be used since there is a large stash of components at decent pricing.
Bike co-ops give away tons of bikes, locks, and helmets to kids who otherwise wouldnt have those things. And they hold bike rodeos where kids learn basic riding skills.
Bike co-ops give away bikes and help maintain bikes for adults with needs but not funds- homeless, disabled, immigrant, etc for transportation. Someone that hangs at the side of an off-ramp doesnt have the money to have their wheel trued at a shop.
Around me, the effect of a bike co-op on the cycling economy is a significant benefit. Huge benefit. The co-op partners with a couple of shops and receives donated bikes and goods, so clearly the shops see a benefit and are not threatened. The couple of paid mechanics at the co-op arent depressing wages for mechanics at the shops- thats absurd. Most co-op employees are volunteer, which keeps costs down. Furthermore, the co-op is a strong advocate for Safe Streets and cycling as well as pedestrian infrastructure in the community. An additional nice service here- at the city's Farmer's Market each Saturday morning, the co-op has a Bike Valet service for the community so you can ride in, park your bike for free in a secure location, and enjoy the market.