# Time's Up! Bike Co-op

> DIY bike repair workshop in NYC's East Village. Volunteer mechanics provide guidance and tools to assist your bike repair.

## Location
626 East 14th St, New York, NY 10009

## Hours
Sunday & Wednesday, 5pm - 8pm

## Cost
Suggested $2 donation covers tool use and supplies.

## Services
- Hands-on bike repair guidance from volunteer mechanics
- Tools and workspace provided
- Used parts available onsite ($5-$10 for most secondhand parts)
- Used commuter bikes for sale (~$160)
- Limited stock of new parts

## How It Works
Bring your bike and describe the issue to a volunteer mechanic. You do the repair with their guidance. No appointment needed. Sign in when you arrive.

## Important Notes
- Beginner friendly, no experience needed
- No e-bikes
- No new projects 30 minutes before closing
- Personal bikes are not stored overnight
- Some repairs may take multiple visits

## Contact
Email: contact@timesup.bike

## Tools & Supplies Available
The co-op provides tools and supplies for DIY bike repair. Visual guide with floor plan: https://timesup.bike/tools

### By the sink
- Air compressor — seats tubeless tires, removes bar grips, dries hands (do not press against skin)
- Garden sprayer — cleans bike (by the window near the sink)
- Paper towel (quick release, original co-op design)
- Colander — clean parts in the sink without losing them down the drain
- Vacuum cleaner — by the window near the sink

### Cabinet by the sink
- Bottom brackets
- Bar end plugs — caps handlebar to prevent impalement in a crash
- Wheel axle parts — axle, cones, locknuts and nuts
- Quick release skewers — holds wheel to frame or fork
- Drills
- Assorted small parts (also in backroom organizer + sliding drawer)

### Pegboard
- External bottom bracket tool
- Cone wrenches — thin wrench for wheel hub locknuts
- Cable puller — for shift/brake cable adjustments
- Master link pliers — installs/removes master link on chain
- Chain checker — measures chain wear
- Chain tool — pushes out pin to shorten chain
- Chainring nut wrench
- Bolt cutters — cuts bolts, screws, and fender stays
- Lockring tool — installs/removes cog lockrings and some bottom brackets
- Cable cutter — cuts housing and cables
- Vise grips — clamp things, turn rounded nuts, crimp ferrules
- Pedal wrench
- Assorted hand tools (wrenches, pliers, hammers, scissors, allen wrenches)
- Hammers & mallets (also in front room cabinet)

### Backroom
- Wheel holder — holds wheel by axle for hub work
- Wheel truing stands — for truing or building wheels (bearing size ruler on side)
- Used components (~$5, bins on shelves)
- Cranks — bins, lower section
- Cogs — for fixed gear drivetrains
- Assorted small parts — organizer + sliding drawer, organized by size
- Nuts & bolts — various sizes in metric and inches, useful for racks and fenders
- Inner tubes — new (MSRP) and used (discounted)
- Spare inner tube — use for frame protection or accessory mounting
- Lubricants — wet and dry lube for chain, grease for bearings, light oil for pivoting parts
- Degreasers — cleaning solvents for grease and grime
- Chain scrubber — by the lubricant bin
- Disposable gloves (also in front room cabinet)
- Ball bearings (loose) — clear plastic bin
- Ferrules — caps cables & housing, clear bin
- Handlebars (drop) — above the floor pumps
- Handlebars (flat)
- Torque wrench (large) — for cranks and bottom brackets, above the socket drawers (zero out tension after use)
- Ratchet & sockets — 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drivers, red drawer
- Grinder — grinds and smooths cut material (upper shelf)
- Dremel — makes small holes (upper shelf)
- Angle grinder — cuts chains and locks (upper shelf)
- Clamps — above the nuts and bolts drawer
- Tape — frame protector, duct, masking, electrical tape

### Front room cabinet
- Derailleur hanger alignment guide
- Crown race setter & cup remover — also removes press fit bottom brackets
- Crown race remover — in crown race setter drawer
- Headset press — bottom drawer
- Taps — cuts and cleans internal threads (use with cutting fluid, e.g. 3-in-1 oil)
- Threaded steerer die — cuts and cleans thread on steerer tube (taps/die drawer)
- Punches — makes pilot holes
- Cheater bar (small) — adds leverage for M8 and larger allen keys
- Calipers & rulers — in rulers drawer
- Brake bleed kit (Shimano, mineral oil) — top shelf
- Grease gun (floats between front room cabinet and backroom)

### Drawer under truing stands
- Ball bearings (caged) — for headsets and some bottom brackets
- Lockrings & spacers
- Headset external cups
- Headset top locknut (threaded)
- Headset crown race — for lower part of headset
- Files — sands down material
- Brushes — cleaning parts
- Tire levers & patch kit
- Star nut setter
- Bottom brackets, cassette & crank tools

### By the truing stands
- Spokes — holds wheel rim to hub
- Spoke keys — tighten/loosen wheel spokes
- Wheel alignment gauge — measures dishing in a wheel
- Cheater bar (large) — adds leverage to chain whips and wrenches ("physics bar")

### Under the fridge
- Vise — general purpose holding and leverage
- Hacksaw — for cutting steerer tube and handlebar
- Saw guide — guides blade when cutting tubes
- Pipe cutter — cuts tubes (seatpost, handlebars, fork), not for carbon

### Back area (past the sink)
- Front & rear racks — adds carrying capacity
- Forks — holds the front wheel

### Between front and backroom
- Floor pump and stands
- First aid — wall space and top of doorway by the fridge

### Other
- Tires — loft and top shelf of backroom
- Bike frames — basement (to be built up or parted out)
- Torque wrench (small) — precise force for small bolts up to M6 (ask a volunteer, zero out tension after use)
- Tension meter — measures wheel spoke tension (ask a volunteer)
- Circular saw — cuts wood (ask a volunteer)
- Donation box — back room table and front room table
- Drinks — fridge

## FAQ
Frequently asked questions about visiting, parts & tools, and volunteering: https://timesup.bike/faq

### Workshop

**Q: How does the co-op work?**
A: We are a DIY bike repair workshop with the goal to educate cyclists on bike repair/maintenance which in turn brings down the cost of ownership and gets more butts on bikes. You bring your bike, we provide tools, parts and mechanical guidance. You do the work and we'll show you how.

Sign in at the reception table and let the volunteer know what you are looking to do.

**Q: Where are you located?**
A: The primary location is 626 East 14th St. New York, NY 10009 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/eMzHrncKrd1izM759). As of April 2026, we do not have any other bike coop location though references exist online of our former locations in Brooklyn and by the South Street Seaport.

We occasionally host Saturday classes at La Plaza Community Garden nearby from Spring to Fall, see our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/times_up_nyc) for the class schedule.

**Q: Bathroom?**
A: Yes. All the way in the back, floorplan (/tools). It is not wheelchair accessible.

**Q: I passed by and saw an art gallery, what gives?**
A: We share this space with 14 BC Gallery (https://www.14bcgallery.org/) from Thursday to Saturday which hosts art exhibitions.

### Service

**Q: What should I bring?**
A: Bring your bike and any parts you already have. Wear clothes you don't mind getting greasy. We have gloves and hand cleaner available.

**Q: How much does it cost?**
A: $2 suggested donation plus parts. This covers minor consumables like lubricant, grease and cleaning supplies. Used parts are generally ~$5 each, see our used parts price list (https://www.canva.com/design/DAGpoE5WunE/sd7Tocqw9nuRl_IhE9WkWA/view?utm_content=DAGpoE5WunE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hacf7432243). New parts like chains and inner tubes are sold at retail price.

The price is kept low due to heavy reliance on volunteer mechanics, second-hand parts and private donations. Cash is preferred and we accept electronic payments (i.e. Venmo) but no credit cards. Baked goods and snacks if you want to thank the volunteers.

**Q: Do I need to know how to fix bikes?**
A: No. The bulk of our patrons have never fixed a flat tire on their own. Volunteer mechanics are here to walk you through repairs step-by-step. It's DIY but we're here to make sure your project does not go off the rails.

**Q: Do I need an appointment?**
A: No appointment needed nor membership required. Just show up during open hours and sign in at the reception table. Check the home page (/) for our current schedule.

**Q: What services do you provide?**
A: We handle almost all repairs associated to a non-electric bike that you will find in a normal bike shop. Large projects like building a bike from the frame up is possible but email us at contact@timesup.bike to see what we have and what you will need to bring. Other services include...
- disassembling a bike for travel
- creating a ghost bike memorial
- washing and cleaning
- safety inspection for self-assembled or used bikes
- pump up basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, anything with an air bladder
- hang out, learn by osmosis, chit chat about bikes and vibe in the chaotic yet positive energy of the space

All work is done on the same day, we do not store personal items overnight. We recommend a normal bike shop for...
- servicing electronic shifting and suspension
- repairing and cutting carbon fiber
- servicing electric bikes
- welding/brazing cracked frames
- bike fitting
- painting frames
- facing bottom bracket, head tube and disc brake mounts
- artisanal, third-wave craft coffee
- white glove, drop-off service

**Q: How much time does this take?**
A: Most tune-ups take 30 minutes but often you come in with one problem and we will identify a couple more. We will triage your issues so you can ride home, come back at a later date with replacement parts and more time. We recommend to come at the start of the open hours as opposed to near the end. There is no drop-off service and you need to be physically present to do the work.

**Q: Will you help install my parts purchased elsewhere? e.g. Amazon, AliExpress**
A: Yes. We normally give you the model number to order parts yourself. We carry used parts on-site to get your bike rolling but if you care for quality, do purchase (new) parts elsewhere. We can help you install it or provide recommendations.

**Q: Do you service electric bikes or electric scooters?**
A: No. Your best bet nearby is BIKEFIXNYC (https://www.bikefixnyc.com/)

**Q: Do you service specialty non-electric bikes? e.g. cargo, folding, recumbent, trike, tandem, elliptical**
A: Email us at contact@timesup.bike. We do not specialize in them but there may be some commonality. Our repair stands are not weight rated for heavier bikes.

Generally folding bikes can be serviced as a normal bike, the proprietary bits are fairly solid.

**Q: Do you service other forms of micromobility? e.g. scooters, skateboards, strollers**
A: Email us at contact@timesup.bike. Not likely but by some stroke of luck there may be some commonality.

**Q: Can I chat with a mechanic?**
A: Yes. The email contact@timesup.bike is bridged to our group chat so it's pretty much the same. Email us with questions to make the most of your next visit.

### Parts

**Q: Can I donate bike or parts?**
A: Yes! We accept used parts and bikes in working condition. Drop them off during open hours. We do not take cycling apparel, shoes, helmets and other wearables.

Bikes will either be fixed up or parted out to keep the shop stocked. If you leave an email, we'll send you a picture of the bike's next owner when we sell it. Due to limited repair supplies, we do not take electric bikes or children's bikes. Email us at contact@timesup.bike if you have questions.

**Q: Will you buy my bike?**
A: No. We only accept donations.

**Q: Do you sell bikes?**
A: Yes. We list ready-to-ride bikes on Craigslist priced from $160-$200. Email us if you are looking for a specific purpose (e.g. track bike) or a specific size.

**Q: What tools does the co-op need?**
A: We can always use more shop tools and non-expiring consumables (e.g. clean rags, paper towels, lubricant, cleaning supplies, grease). Check the tools page (/tools) to see what we currently have or lack.

**Q: Where is the 24-hour bike parts vending machine?**
A: It's gone but you may see old references appearing in our parent organization website, Time's Up! (https://times-up.org/). That page details the coop's 35+ year history and role in the broader context of promoting an environmentally sustainable city alongside initiatives like Critical Mass, community gardens and bee-keeping.

The most current operational details for the bike coop appears at Time's Up! Bike Coop (https://timesup.bike/). This is focused for someone with a busted bike looking to fix it.

### Volunteering

**Q: How do I become a volunteer?**
A: Show up regularly, get to know the space and the people, and let the mechanic at the reception table know you're interested in volunteering. There's no formal application or schedule commitment, just come and be helpful. We have a meeting on the last Sunday of the month to welcome new volunteers, just leave your email and we'll reach out.

**Q: Do I need prior bike mechanic experience?**
A: No. You'll learn as you go. While our volunteers include former bike mechanics, many are enthusiasts with a wide range of experience outside the bike industry. We can use help with organization, sales, fundraising, partner development, construction, graphic design, data analytics, electronics and more. If you have time, we'll find a way to make use of your talents.

**Q: What do volunteers do?**
A: Help visitors with repairs, keep the shop organized, sort donated parts, and maintain tools. Some volunteers also help with events, outreach, marketing and maintaining our digital presence (e.g. social media, website).

In terms of time commitment, come when you can. We have a deep volunteer bench so it's fine to take time off for yourself when life throws you a wrench.

## Spoke Cards
A gallery of spoke cards, stickers, and zines collected around NYC cycling events: https://timesup.bike/spoke_cards

## Links
- Website: https://timesup.bike
- Tools Locator: https://timesup.bike/tools
- FAQ: https://timesup.bike/faq
- Spoke Cards: https://timesup.bike/spoke_cards
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/times_up_nyc/
- Parent org: https://times-up.org/