Hey Bike Love,

We wanted to share some photos of the May 29th’ installation of our self-service bike repair kiosk in Uptown Transit Station.

After a couple no shows from movers, we decided to take matters into our own hands. Our vending machine weighs more than 800lbs! We kind of figured out how to lift it as we went. We called in some muscle for hire favors too.



When we got to the station we were greeted by a Metro Transit employee who said that a rental truck parked outside of a bus station might be seen as suspicious activity. We didn't think about that! A quick phone call cleared everything up.



Pulling the machine down Hennepin Avenue.



You have to have a photo of metal being cut and sparks flying.



Putting concrete anchors in for the repair stand.



Lots of curiosity. We had some great visitors.



Finishing up the inflator and sign installation. Look for our sign from the Midtown Greenway!

And now a little bit about what Bike Fixtation is. Bike Fixtation offers self-service kiosks on an extended-hours basis for bicyclists in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. You can buy a tube, patch kit, drink, or snack, pump up your tires for free, and make simple adjustments using supplied tools. We started Bike Fixtation because we feel there aren’t enough resources for cyclists. The idea sprung from a group ride at a bachelor party where someone had a flat tire, no one had a spare tube in the correct size, and local bike shops were closed. We also want to note that our customers won’t have to pay a “premium” to buy our products just because of the convenience. Prices are comparable to other sources.



The machine takes all major credit cards, bills, and coins.



The product is guaranteed to vend.



We have a repair stand with tethered tools for repairs and installation of parts.



The stand holds your bike from your seat.



A view of the available tools.



We also have free air available for presta and schraeder valves with a pressure gauge. Just push the button to inflate. It automatically shuts off.



Hopefully everyone finds this a useful resource. Let us know what you think and let us know if you have any product suggestions too! Thanks!

-Chad and Alex

I saw the FREE AIR sign from the Greenway and wondered what was up.

This is an AWESOME idea! I love it! I hope this gets a lot of use.

Nice. I noticed this from scrolling down fast.

Brilliant! Can you install one in the North Loop neighborhood, on 2nd St N near 5th Ave N? Would make working on my bike a lot easier.

Looks good, seems like a good idea. I hope it works out and is profitable. Can it dispense a folding bike? That would be really convenient.

Can you link to a map where this is located. Thanks.

Is this a franchise you bought into or did you design and fabricate the machine yourself?

Who owns the machine? Is this a private company or a city initiative? If its private how did you get the rights to put this on public land?

Very cool idea!

And yeah...


I'm also curious on the backstory/how you got this done part of the deal.

I think that's really cool.

I gotta admit though, I'm kind of dreading the potential of vandalism and theft. I really hope my dread is unfounded because it would rock to see more of these around.

That is SO COOL! Thanks!

http://bikefixtation.com/uptown_transit_station

Looks like they're trying to get one in at the Wedge coop as well.

I'm thinking they should put one under the big overhang in front of Wiley Hall at the West Bank end of the Bike/Ped level of the Washington Ave Bridge. That's a completely objective opinion with no self interest whatsoever.

I have a boner for this idea.

Am I the only one thinking that someone is gonna steal the tools?

I saw this wile i was riding by on Hennepin but didn't stop to see how awesome it really is.




I was thinking the same thing.
maybe there is a camera in that area?