I remember when I moved to town and was waiting for my bike to arrive in the mail. It took 5 days and I took the bus everywhere while I waited. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking the bus, especially if you want to get a taste of TriMet culture (which is REALLY interesting) and don’t mind all the waiting, but when my bike came a whole world of possibility and freedom opened up. I suddenly was able to navigate Portland on my terms!
So, If you’re new to town and would like a bike while you scope out the scene but aren’t ready to commit to buying a new or used / refurbished / vintage bike, renting a bike is an obvious option. It’s also a great way to become familiar with Portland’s bike lanes and neighborhood greenways that you’ll be riding on your way to play, work, eat, play, and eat some more when you get settled.
Finally! Sick of driving your LandRover across the river to rent a bike on the waterfront? Well, now you can just head on up to Going St. and 19th to my new venture, Everybody’s Bike Rentals! We offer vintage road bikes and commuters for 1 day to 1 month for very reasonable prices. Call 503.893.4519 for your appointment or visit www.pdxbikerentals.com for rates and more info.
What’s got two thumbs and never thought he’d be “featured” in the same magazine as Hincapie? Notice the stack of pancakes directly above. Truly a dream come true.
Check it out! Optoutbikes.wordpress.com Definitely not free, but, well, you know.
Well, folks. It seems like the first of hopefully multiple FBH seasons has come to a close. I had a lot of great interactions with y’all, my fellow Portland residents and learned a thing or two about bikes in the process. I also learned a good deal about the local culture (bike or other) and how bikes are perceived by all types of people. So, barring some drastic change to my life or Portland, I’ll see you all in the drier and lighter months next year. I’m still glad to give any advice I can via the interweb. Check out the FBH page on facebook if you’re in the mood for pictures of japanese component catalogs from the 80s (how obscure!). I think they’re neat. TTYS!
-Dan!
After my 3 week hiatus I’ll be back on the street slingin’ advice and hi fives this week. Check out this totally incorrectly built Bianchi I saw in Milwaukee. Can you spot all that’s bogus?
I’ll be posting my days and times, generally day of, on the facebook FBH&A PDX page. But it’s a good bet I”ll be out 2-4X per week from 4-7ish when it’s nice out.
Welcome to Free Bike Help PDX! My name is Dan and I set up shop on Williams at various points North of Broadway so that I may offer free mechanical help, advice, and a high five to folks riding home around evening rush hour.
WHY: Because I have the time/freedom and expertise to help my neighbors with no agenda other than to be kind and helpful. I often see bikes that need small adjustments to make them safe, dependable, and quiet. I’m here to help you ride around safely at no cost. I know how much it hurts to trade 2 or 3 hours of your labor at a slave-wage job that you hate to make your bike dependable enough to commute to said job. And besides, if everyone did something at which they’re good for free, no one would have to work some awful job in the first place. And if you just want to stop by and talk about bikes and such, I’m glad do that as well.
TIPS/DONATIONS: Nope. Free is great and money makes things sticky, though I will accept fruit, veggies, and soy-free vegan baked goods (i.e. PB Brownies)! Barter is good.
WHAT: Fixes generally include tightening brakes, adjusting seat and seatpost clamp, tire inflation, chain lube, headset and derailleur adjustment, diagnosing weird sounds, and giving a rundown of what your bike needs doing and where you can get it done.
I don’t sell parts or change tires, but you’re welcome to use my tire levers and pump.
Free Bike Help and Advice in Portland, OR. Mechanic
