Free Bike Shop Events & Programs

The Crucible’s Bike Shop is dedicated to making bike repair and maintenance more accessible to our local community. Our neighbors and community members are invited to stop by the Bike Shop for free bike repairs and maintenance, as well as instruction on how to properly maintain their bicycles.

Please see below for ways you can get involved with our free bike programming. 

Free Bike Maintenance Programs

Please check back often as these dates may be subject to change around holidays and inclement weather.

Open Bike Shop Hours

Every Thursday from 4-8pm
Enter at the corner of 8th and Union Streets

Free instruction on maintaining your bike for West Oakland and neighboring community members.

Open Shop Hours are perfect for tackling flats and tune-ups where the individual wishes to learn about and be involved in the process. No previous mechanics experience is necessary!

We will also have a limited number of weekly slots for bike repair drop-offs, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Drop-off repairs may take 1-2 weeks to complete.

WTF (Women, Trans, Femme) Night

The first Tuesday of each month from 4-8pm
Enter through our main student entrance

WTF (Women, Trans, Femme) Night is a diverse, inclusive, and accessible volunteer-run event for folks who hold marginalized gender identities. The Crucible and our Bike Shop are committed to bringing the many faces of our community together to create and inspire.

Folks are welcome to drop in for free instruction on maintaining their bike. This event is available to all community members, free of charge. Anybody can drop in, get their bike fixed, and learn how to do repairs independently all while building community. 

Flat Fix Clinics at City Slicker Farms

The first Saturday of each month from 12-3pm
West Oakland Farm Park
2847 Peralta St, Oakland, CA

The Crucible Bike Shop is expanding programming outside our studio. Join The Crucible Bike Shop and City Slickers Farms for free education on repairing flat tires.

Please note: Free Flat Fix Clinics are held at City Slicker Farms, not The Crucible.

Bike Fix-A-Thons

The next Bike Fix-A-Thon is Saturday, September 7 from 12-3pm
Enter at the corner of 8th and Union Streets

During quarterly Bike Fix-A-Thons, West Oakland and neighboring community members are invited to bring their bikes to our studio for a tune-up.

We can accept up to 30 bikes, first-come, first-served. Participants will leave their bikes at The Crucible during the time of service and will be available for pick up upon confirmation the week following.

What we do not fix:

Electric bikes    •    Hydraulic brakes    •    Derailleur hangers    •    Welding/repairing damaged frames    •    Broken internal gear hubs

  • Electric Bikes
  • Hydraulic Brakes
  • Derailleur Hangers
  • Welding/Repairing Damaged Frames
  • Broken Internal Gear Hubs

Earn-A-Bike Program

The Earn-A-Bike Program provides West Oakland youth ages 10-18 with hands-on experience in welding and bike mechanics. In this four-week program, youth work with Crucible faculty and volunteer bike mechanics to fix donated bikes, repairing two and keeping one. The other bike is sold to raise money to support our Bike Program.

Participants can apply for this free program on a rolling basis with sessions running throughout the year.

West Oakland Bike Summit

This annual event is an opportunity for bike lovers of all ages to come together, connect with the community, and learn more about local bike resources. Enjoy free bike repairs, panel discussions, local vendors, safety demonstrations, food, drinks, and so much more.

Stay tuned for information on the 2025 West Oakland Bike Summit.

Getting Here

The Crucible is conveniently located near BART and AC Transit. We encourage public transportation as our parking lot is small.

BART

From the West Oakland BART Station, exit onto 7th Street, turn right and walk 2 blocks east to Union (at the 2nd light). The Crucible is on the northwest corner of 7th & Union, at 1260 7th Street. To plan your BART trip, visit www.bart.gov.

AC Transit & 511.org

> Bus schedule

> More transit info

Parking

The Crucible has a small parking lot on the corner of 7th & Union. Spaces are available on a first come first serve basis, but will not be available during events. Street parking is available on 7th Street to the west of Union.

Please do not block the Union Street entrance marked in red, the 7th Street entrance, or the roll up doors. Please do not park in lots owned by local businesses—they will tow your car.

Help our community stay mobile!

Have a bike in good condition that you’re no longer using?
Email photos to inkind@thecrucible.org to donate!

Your Guide to The Bike Shop

Online resources for bike maintenance and bike repair

The Crucible’s online guides allow folks to access the vast knowledge of our 150+ faculty from anywhere in the world. Check out our Bike Maintenance Guide and our Bike Repair Guide to learn how to keep your ride road-ready.

Questions? Contact Us

info@thecrucible.org
(510) 444-0919