What we need:
We're looking for high quality bicycles from good brands that would be purchased from a bike shop, not from department store or toy store*. We especially need kids bikes, women's bikes, and mountain bikes in all sizes. Our most pressing need is for kid/preteen bikes with 24" wheels.
Ideally the bike you donate only needs minor repairs (chain, new tubes, etc) or a basic tune up. If it needs more major work, we might use it or we'll find an outlet for it*, but please don't bring us your trash. Remember, these bikes will end up under a smiling person who wants a safe, usable bike.
Don't get us wrong: This doesn't mean that your bike has to be in perfect shape! We can certainly receive bikes that need a little TLC. If your bike needs some work to get rolling again, we'll send it over to one of our outstanding partner shops before someone uses it. We know it might be hard to tell how much work your bike might need, so we just ask that you bring it to us with a reasonable feeling that it could be of use to someone.
What we don't need:
There are two main factors that would keep us from using your bike: Rust/Mechanical trauma and low initial quality.
Rust/Mechanical trauma: If your bike has been out in the elements for over a year, or is otherwise excessively rusted, we will have no use for it. If your bike has a broken, bent, or badly damaged frame, it is also no use unless it had nice components on it. Who would want to receive a rusty bike or damaged frame? Minor surface rust is ok, but we can't use your bike if:
- If the chain cannot move or the pedals can't make a full rotation due to rust. If the chain is bright orange and seized up, there's no hope for the remaining parts.
- If water pours out when you flip it upside down. This means water has collected and pooled inside the bike's frame and corroded it from the inside.
- If the surface of the wheels is heavily rusted. (We can't true these wheels because the spokes don't move)
- If the bike has been run over or involved in a major accident affecting the frame
- Other catastrophic bike damage beyond repair: (e.g. taco'ed, s-shaped wheels)
*Due to excessive costs of refurbishing, we would like to avoid bicycles purchased at department or toy stores. These bikes tend to degrade very quickly and require excessive labor to repair properly.
*Bikes Not Bombs may have the capacity to accept non brand name bikes and bikes that are in need of more serious repairs. For more information please visit their website or call (617) 522-0222.
Rules of thumb: If it's been outside over one or more winters, if the thought of your bike makes you queasy, if you'd call it "trashed", or if you can't see how anyone would want to ever ride your bike again; nope, we don't want it either.
