Open Bench Time

A time for you to work on your bike using our tools, and receive guidance from professional mechanics and friendly volunteers.

We have basic new and used parts available for purchase at the bike school. For everything else, the retail location is only a couple of minutes away. 

If it is busy we will ask that you limit your use of a bench to 90 minutes. 

When:

  • Tuesday 3 - 9 PM

  • Wednesday 5 - 7 PM (FLINTA* hours)

  • Thursday 1-7 PM

  • Friday 3-6 PM

Where: 85 Anderson St, Portland ME

Cost: Pay what you can. No-one will be turned away for lack of funds. $10-20 suggested contribution. 

FLINTA* hours are designed to create a space focused on Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender people.

FAQs

  • No! At Open Bench Time you do the work. If you do not want to work on your own bike, consider booking your bike in for a service.

  • You can just show up. If it is very busy you may need to wait until a bench becomes available.

  • Yes!! As long as you are willing to get your hands dirty. Our mechanics will help you through your mechanic problems

  • No. Unless you are a very experienced bike mechanic, don’t expect to complete everything in a single session. We cannot guarantee that your bike will be rideable at the end of the day. 

  • Unfortunately we cannot start new projects within 30 minutes of close.

  • No. We don’t have space to store your bike.

  • Unfortunately we cannot accommodate the following repairs at Open Bench Time: 

    • Hydraulic brake servicing

    • Tubeless tire set-up

    • Suspension service

    • E-bikes

    • Large cargo bikes

Would you like to sponsor a bench and make bicycle repair and education accessible to all?

Contact jodonnell@ketchaoutdoors.org