Fixathons

PLEASE NOTE: During the pandemic we are not able to provide this service as described here, but offer an alternative that is covid-safe, and may be able to repair more bikes at a similar price, and be more convenient for partner organizations to organize.  Please email us for more information.

When bikes are brought to rodeos which don’t pass the Safety Check station, we usually try to do minor repairs while the participant uses a loaner bike for the course. If unsafe bikes are expected to be a common issue we can address these — and some more major repairs — before the rodeo in an intensive bike repair session we call a “fixathon.” We can provide also this as a stand-alone service; for instance, in neighborhoods without a bike shop.

We’ll train community volunteers recruited by the partner group to do simple jobs like registration, pumping tires, pre-checking bikes, and installing lights, and we bring a team of experienced mechanics with all the parts, tools and supplies they need to fix as many bikes as possible as fast as possible (hence the “fixathon” name!). We bring a 14′ trailer with a full selection of replacement parts including tubes, tires, wheels, seats, pedals, etc. and 2-4 work stations to fix up to 50 bikes, so for Fixathons indoor work space is also required and for people to wait in, and park their bikes.

Fixathon Details

Standard Fixathon: up to 40 basic bicycle repairs in three hours / $1000

OCBC will provide:

  • Three experienced bicycle mechanics, including one to also perform initial evaluations of each participant’s bike
  • Additional “apprentice” mechanics as available, to assist with repairs and participants’ education
  • Serviceable used parts and basic new parts for minor repairs including flat/worn tires, brake adjustments, replacement pedals/seats/grips/etc., and other minor repairs
  • Delivery and set-up of all necessary materials at partner’s location within Cuyahoga County (additional transportation costs apply for farther locations), and removal of all refuse and wipe up of any spills or oil drips
  • Three hours of Fixathon time, accommodating approximately 6 to 12 visitors/hour, plus one hour each for set-up and clean-up
  • Registration/assessment forms and supplies to fill them out
  • Insurance coverage (on which partner organizations can be named as additional insured)

Partner organizations are responsible for providing:

  • At least one month advanced confirmation of location and time for a scheduled Fixathon
  • An indoor or weather-protected facility of at least 100 sq ft, accessible without steps, heated during cold weather, with good lighting, electricity, water, and nearby restrooms; and with a floor that is NOT carpeted, and expected to be cleaned by the partner organization after the event
  • OCBC logo and identification on all publicity of the event and any requests for press coverage
  • Registration table and chairs, and any desired supplies: snacks and/or creative educational activities are strongly suggested for waiting participants, especially children
  • At least two volunteers present during the entire event for registration and participant relations
  • Participant roster or other forms if needed (besides our registration/assessment forms, which we keep)
  • Some form of pre-registration for 30 min. window “appointments” is suggested, to respect participants’ time

NOTE: Fixathons are focused on providing basic service to as many people as possible. For this reason, OCBC reserves the right to refuse to repair bikes that cannot be made safe to ride, or require very time-consuming services. We typically repair only one bike per Fixathon participant, while they watch, to learn what they can potentially do for themselves.