Simply come to the shop when we are open to purchase a membership (In COVID times, please book an appointment; membership is required to use our tools and space to fix your bike). For more information, visit our membership page.
How can I pay?
Debit/credit cards and cash. If paying by card, consider using your debit card as credit cards have higher processing fees, so by choosing debit, your transaction goes further toward growing the cycling community in Calgary!
Membership is open to anyone! U of C students, faculty, alumni, support staff, and all members of the Calgary community.
Where is the shop?
Our shop is located on the University of Calgary campus, inside the Arts Parkade. Visit our location page for detailed directions.
Where can I park my car?
First, consider whether or not a car is necessary. Over 50,000 Calgarians are within a 10 minute bike ride to the Bike Root shop, and for points beyond, the Bike Root shop is near the University C-Train station and several bus lines: 8,9,20,31,38,53,65,82,90,104,408,MAX Orange. With the not-so-subtle plugs aside, all parking within the university is paid, and parking is available for $5/hour at the hourly parking lots or $11 per entry at the Art Parkade.
Can I work on my full suspension mountain bike?
Totally, but do note that we do not have tools to bleed hydraulic disc brakes, service suspension components, or install tubeless tires.
In COVID times, appointments have become necessary to spread out the surges and help limit how many people we have in the shop at any given time. Click the big green “Schedule Appointment” button on this page, and in less than a minute, you’ll have your appointment!
This depends on the amount of traffic we have in the shop and your previous experience working on bicycles. We try to have multiple volunteers in at all times so each visitor to the shop can get attention. Our experienced mechanics can walk you through performing even the most complicated repairs, but it is up to you to get your hands dirty and do the work!
How experienced are your volunteers/mechanics?
Experience varies between volunteers, but in general, Shop Hands are great people to chat with, but aren’t fully confident in their bicycle mechanical skills yet while Mechanics can help guide most of your hands-on repairs. For more information about Shop Hands and Mechanics, please visit the Volunteer Page.
Do you sell parts?
Yes! We have an inventory of brand new common parts, including all common-sized tubes, brake pads, chains, freewheels/cassettes, brake cables/housing and shift cables/housing. We also have an inventory of used parts.
Can I sell my bike to Bike Root?
It absolutely is. If you know what you are doing, please feel free to come in and use our tools.
What kinds of tools do you have?
We have every tool needed to work on most bikes. We have repair stands and a basic tool kit for each but also have tools such as a headset press, rotor tuning fork, and press-fit bottom bracket remover. We also have shop supplies including chain lube, and a blowtorch, provided free with your membership. We do not have tools for working on hydraulic brakes, suspension components, tubeless tires, welding, ect. The largest piece of machinery we have is our air compressor. If we are missing a tool that you feel is important for us to have, speak to the mechanic and we will consider making a purchase.
My bike needs more than 3 hours of work, can I leave it at your shop?
With the growing popularity of Bike Root, it is becoming nigh impossible to manage personal bikes that are stored at the shop. Please plan ahead, and do not leave your bike with us