Bicycle Kitchen / La Bicicocina
706 Heliotrope Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 662-2776
- Hours:
Mon 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Mon 6:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Tue-Thu 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
28 Reviews for Bicycle Kitchen / La Bicicocina
This place has really been helpful in getting my bike road-ready! I've built a bike there from scratch and I've also taken in a bike to get tuned up. Both times I was helped by a volunteer named Ethan who was helpful and enthusiastic about my bike. If there were any parts the Bicycle Kitchen didn't have, Orange 20 (bike shop) is right across the street for things like new grip tape, lights, locks, tubes, tires, etc.
No complaints about this place....
...why?
I used to come here with my boyfriend, but now that I have my very own rad road bike which I bought at a garage sale, it needed some tuning up.
I came in Sunday afternoon after making an appointment and asked a friendly volunteer, Kristen, if she could assist me. I told her the condition of my bike. Within one hour, not only did we turn my ol'pumpkin into a golden carriage, I also received a hands-on Lesson101 on everything there is to know about road bikes.
I spent $16 here that day which included the hour of service($7) and a new chain($9) that had to be replaced. NOT BAD! Not bad at all.
There is definately a positive energy/atmosphere when you step into the Bicycle Kitchen. These volunteers are here to do what they love and I commend them for it.
You'll walk in with a smile and leave with a bigger one.
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This place deserves so many stars.
I have tried earnestly to stop using my car as much as possible and to ride my bike. I went here back in February to finally purchase a cheap bike that I could call my own (because I mainly use it to run errands and get extra exercise, I do not need anything fancy).
I signed up for a time to work on the bike. When I came in, I said to the volunteer "I know nothing about bikes, how bikes work, how to make a bike, etc. Assume I know nothing." And she did, and it was great. I never felt dumb or unable to do anything. I had one main person who helped me, but everyone in the small space was helping everyone.
First I got a basic overview of what my bike needed and then I was given tasks. Rather than hover over, the volunteers showed me what to do, than left me to finish. This was a great learning exercise because I had to fix my own mistakes (of course they were there to help if I could not figure it out).
The price was perfect, the bike is perfect. It took me two sessions (two saturdays) to complete it and I walked out more knowledgeable and with a sense of accomplishment. I can't praise this place enough.
The one downside could be that it's very small, but it makes for an intimate atmosphere, I think. Not only did I meet and work with the volunteers, I also met and helped and got help from other people working on their own "project bikes." Such a great experience. I want to buy another bike just to go through it all again.
iAs many previous reviewers have stated before this place is not a "shop" in the conventional sense. They are here to provide the space and hopefully for you to pick up a little know-how from the volunteers.
Something that should be noted. You CAN make an appointment for a rack but they don't necessarily adhere to it. Since people had arrived earlier in the day first come first serve and people from earlier appts the racks were all occupied by the time I brought mine in. If possible make your appointment as close as possible to opening. If not anticipate a wait. That being said, there are a few things to do in the area to eat at and if those aren't enough choices you can head over to Vermont for plenty of fast food. Most, however, opt for Pure Luck or Scoops.
They have everything you need there to work on your bike that a professional shop would have and yet don't have to give over to a shop to pay for their service. A seven dollar an hour donation is suggested and used parts come for free. If you need it the new stuff seems reasonably priced. Plus, of course, the added bonus of learning to do the work yourself! I hope to be able to come in here one day and be able to use the facilities without requiring help.
The staff was generally friendly, one even stayed over time to help me learn how to true my rims. I've seen reviews that make it seem as though they can be a little bit elitist but so far have not experienced that. It seemed like they had a lot of things demanding their attention, it always seems busy and I would imagine it can at times be stressful especially considering they aren't getting paid.
I may have to update this after some upcoming trips.
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The Kitchen is a rare jewel. If you want to build or tune a bike, then this is the spot. Getting an open stand is difficult at times, but well worth the effort when you do. You can call ahead of time to put your name on the waiting list, thats what I do. The assistants are always helpful and usually help you get the job done. Everyone seems to be non-bike-judgmental, thats good for the average commuter. Scoops is next door... thats a plus. Mondays are the best day to go. See you there.
Want to work on your bike.
well good luck if they are even open when they say they will be. I had plan to stop buy and check this place out. Well their hours say 12-6 on Saturdays, but that is in stoner fixie hippster time so who knows when they actually open up. I stopped by at 130 and it was closed when it should have opened at noon.
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So so. I give it 5 stars for the price but 1 star for the service. It is busy and not all the techs there are very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about my bike but if I had another issue I'd probably take it to the shop I bought it from to ask instead.
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I was really excited to come across the Bicycle Kitchen. I've heard great things about it, and what I saw I liked. Maybe I don't look like the typical cyclist or something, but the guy at the counter totally ignored me even after I told him that I wanted to know more. He looked right past me. When a guy walked in, he began his excited explanation of the location. I listened in, but was secretly really pissed. It's not cool to ignore people who are curious, even if they don't look the "typical" part.
I'll be back because I want to learn more about my bike, and this seems like the right place to do it. However, I hope to find someone more friendly.
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This place is fantastic! I believe it is run solely by volunteers, all of whom are quite pleasant. Sometimes there is a wait, but you can always visit Scoops next door (men, women, and children on bicycles, eating ice cream cones sounds like utopia to me!) Thanks to the Bike Kitchen, my thirty-something-year-old banana seat kids bike is up and running!
7/18/08 update: this place is so busy! Walking in and hoping to get a stand is rather unrealistic nowadays, so be sure to call in and make an appointment ahead of time!
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This past weekend, I've attended the basic wrenching course I've signed up for several weeks ago. The class was covered by Emily Ramsey and Marisa Bell. The basic wrenching class covered bike parts and their functionalities and mechanisms. Furthermore, we learned how to replace inner tube, change tires, adjust brake parts and gear changing parts (front and rear derailers).
I notice that there are those that assumed that Bicycle Kitchen is a shop and gave them really low rating. However, this place IS not a conventional bicycle store. They're not there to smile at all their clients and make sure everyone is happy. Space is totally essential there for everyone to work on their bike. Rather than being a store, it's a non-profit bicycle educational center that provides classes by volunteers. This place is indeed crammed, small and they only have 6 bike stands. They only allow 6 bikes in their to get worked on, give or take 2 more bikes.
Pricing wise, its only a matter of donation suggested by them. It doesn't mean that you have to pay. But if you appreciate the service that they give to you as well as the community, wouldn't you want to support them and keep this business going?
I'd give their service a 4.75 star for its excellence. I've already attempted to sign up for the advance wrenching class. Hopefully, I'd learn enough to build my own road bike. :)
Thanks Marissa and Emily!
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The Bicycle Kitchen is awesome! Everyone I've met here has been so friendly, and I've learned so much about bicycles and building things in general. The place is really busy, but it's definitely worth a look if you're into creating the perfect bike.
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These guys have done more to promote everyday cycling culture in Los Angeles than anyone else. What better way to get people on bikes than by removing their intimidations and showing them how simple and beautiful these machines can be, then helping them build their own creation. What will people love more, something they put together with their own hands, or something prepackaged for which they threw down a fat wad of cash?
If you know how to fix your bike, you'll ride it more. The more you ride, the more you'll love your bike. The more you love your bike, the more you'll ride it. Do you see the utopian love circle that emerges?
The Kitchen is all about utopian love circles. Ride on.
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if you are on a budget and need a bicycle this is the place for you. I send people here all the time to get started. You can build your own bike from the ground up or just get that bike that has been collecting dust back up and running.
Monday nights 6:30-9:30 they have bicycle bitchen. A weekly womans only night. Where they encourage women of all skill levels to experiment and explore while learning bike mechanics and maintenance in a comfortable atmosphere. Which i appaud them for.
A great business with the bicycling community in mind.
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I'm glad to be reminded of this place: it's what LA needs more of, hands-down. Get out of your car, off my ass, step away from the computer, ESPECIALLY that, and do something outside.
Wow, and in public, walking or biking in LA, without a reserved table or VIP status, now that's change. How frickin radical is that?
I'm definitely gonna try to do the next Midnight ride. Been meaning to do that for years......
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Very cool concept... build or fix your bike with new and old parts whiel being educated by the "Bike Cooks" on how to do so. Very california, very Silverlake/Echo Park. Still not sure if its very Tami.
While there I started working on a sweet ass Hybrid bike, most people around looked weirdly at is b/c it's not as hip as other bikes around. I'm not sure b/c I kind of want a shiny new bike, coolest thing is you can work on a bike and not pay for it until you're ready to take it home. They'll house your "project" for up to a month before other people can use it for it's parts.
Their hours are weird though, generally only open 6:30-9:30pm weekdays and all day Sat/Sun and Mondays are Ladies/Bitches night. They are sometimes open Monday during the day, but I was super happy that I didnt drive over there midday midweek, so call them before you head on over.
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One of my favorite places in all of Los Angeles to hang out, work on my bike and be with friends. Truly a place to build communities!
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i love that every once in a while they give away a lot of free stuff. i think someone once picked up an old sony cd walkman (discman) thingie. that's pretty neat. i've also seen people pick up clothing, books, magazines, etc. i think that's awesome. cuz really, if you can't use something, you may as well give it to someone who can. well, that's my philosophy. it's hard to find bike shops like this too, especially with staff who will explain the things that were wrong with your bike and how you can try to avoid/fix those problems in the future. gnarly!
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Fortunately, I stumbled on the Bicycle Kitchen recently - what a great piece of luck. Having bought a used bike on Friday, I stopped by and made an afternoon appointment. (Reservations make life much easier as there is often a wait for a stand.) I learned more about bikes in one afternoon than I had in my entire life. Volunteers cheerfully help you diagnose problems and guide you as you fix them. They have tons of used parts if you want to inexpensively upgrade your bike. They also have reasonably priced locks and accessories. To top it off, they are only a couple of doors away from Scoops, so after completing your rehab project, you can treat yourself.
If there was a "Car Kitchen", a "Finance Kitchen", and a "Girlfriend Kitchen", I think 90% of my issues would be solved. I came in the other day with a bike I'd picked up and no idea of how to work on it. I told the guy at the counter I'd never been in before and asked, "So what's the deal here?"
He showed me how to put my bike on the rack, took a look at it and told me the wheel wasn't straight. He showed me how to true the wheel (my new slang for the week, it means straightening the wheel. like you didn't know, sheesh) , then how to adjust the brakes. All of this would have sounded like rocket science before I came here, but once I had someone friendly who knew what they were doing to show me what was what, it took less than an hour. They had all the equipment we needed, taught me how to use it, and asked for a whopping $7 donation in return. I gave ten.
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Ready to do more work than it takes to move your power seats forward, your power windows up, and your power mirrors over? Hit this place up to fix up, or build up your bicycle. Start with a bare frame and build your bike out of new and used parts from their selection of donated parts. Or re-build a bike that's just bruised and battered. Already have a bike you just need to tune up? Pop in and they'll show you how to DIY.
Fun for everyone from the bike messenger crowd to you and me.
It's a non-profit org, so don't forget your donation, and have at it!!
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This is a great organization and a fantastic resource that deserves to be supported in a notoriously biker-hostile city like Los Angeles. I tried to give these people money to fix my bike but they recommended another great (but commercial) place to go, simply because it would be better for my bike. Ahh co-ops. The Bike Kitchen is a little chaotic and confusing at first (patrons and staff look exactly alike most of the time) but they have great used parts and beautiful bikes/frames for sale, usually for a low donation. Get a bike here and quit driving (at least sometimes...)! Also, check out the other places clustered around Heliotrope and Melrose - they make up my new favorite micro neighborhood.
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I haven't personally been at the actual shop myself but the Midnight Ride that they help put together is a simply amazing experience. Just imagine from the front of the ride to the rear... took at least 8-10 min for the whole ride to pass.. .
Description from website...
Midnightridazz.com -2nd Friday of every month. Meet areas vary. 9:30 meet - Ride @ 10pm.
The most recent ride was on the 7/14/06 and from what I heard from this guy I met named Joe that rides almost every time, said he counted at least 1300 riders... Roadies, MTB'ers, tandems, and Big Wheelers were all there. We rode through Hancock Park and people were coming out of their homes saying that we were riding in circles... lol. That's 1300 people on bikes lady. THANK YOU CORKERS!!!
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Ok... Two years later and I realize that I was a little misinformed because of my excitement of the Midnight Ridazz (I called it "Midnight Ride") Sooo... they don't organize the MR rides but a lot of people who go there have been to a MR ride. Back to the review. Bike Co-op that helps you learn to fix your own bicycle. I've been there... Not a lot of room but plenty of help. Gets really busy!! Good people...
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I started coming to the bicycle kitchen back in 03, when they were still part of the eco village.
I use to true my wheels, have a beer, and talk shop. I loved it. They were for the greater good, and I know Jimmy - The founder - Always had the back of a cyclist. I think these "urban villages" with pedestrians and bikes in mind will redefine Los Angeles.
If you do go there, and fix your ride, please drop em some coin. They appreciate it.
Learn to fix your own bicycle. Don't have a bike? Better yet, learn to build your own bike. Either way, this place is an incredible resource for helping you get out of your SUV and onto a non-gass guzzling cruiser.
Donate your old bicycle or parts, this place lives off of recycling elements from old run down bikes.
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This is bound to be an ongoing review as my project bike progresses. I said "what the hey?" and went for the five stars right off the bat. My gut tells me four plus some extra credit but the concept is just so rad.
My first visit ended with me finding a killer 10 speed that I have resolved to convert to fixed gear. The guy there initially didn't really know anything about pricing, sizing or repair. In fact I left without knowing whether or not my sweet new ride was indeed MY sweet new ride and not some other tall guy's sweet new ride. Oh, I say that because the frame might be a tad too big but I think it'll be just right.
Upon my second visit, I met with one of the "cooks" and he knew hi stuff. Answered all my questions and made sure he project would be saved for me. The only problem was that the guy who scheduled the appointment didn't know that the kitchen was supposed to be closed.
That's it for now! I haven't gotten to work yet but I will in the next two weeks or so.
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almost everything to be said has been said, so here's some practical advice:
the bike stations are in heavy demand, so if you don't want to spend too long waiting, i'd recommend calling ahead of time and booking the stand as early as possible. (e.g. take the 12noon stand on sat)
if you can be the first to use it, all the better, because users at the stands usually drag longer than expected and it compounds the further down the line you are.
new stock comes in saturday, so thats a good time to go.
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love this place!! went there today for the first time after learning about it right here on Yelp. had to do a simple gear cable change, met up with Aaron, totally helped me do it myself and for cheap (my fav.)!! also learned about the midnight ridazz group that i will also go to one of the next rides. great vibe, real helpful staff! will come back to build a bike with my GF soon.
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