What is the Third Hand Bicycle Co-op?
What is Third Hand Bicycle Co-op's mission?
Where is the shop?
What are the hours?
Does the co-op sell bikes?
Do you have spare parts?
Can I trade some parts or my old bike in for a new bike?
Will the Co-op fix my bike?
How do I get involved?
Can I help without getting greasy?
Where do you get your bikes?
How do I become a member?
Does the co-op buy bikes?
How do I donate or do you want my bike donation?

 What is the Third Hand Bicycle Co-op?

  Third Hand is a non-profit community bicycle workshop in Columbus, Ohio. It is a place to learn about bikes, fix your bike, obtain a bike, meet fellow cyclists, and have fun. The co-op was originally formed to help those who can't afford new bikes or professional repair costs. It continues to offer tools and space for those who desire to maintain their own bicycles, as well as expertise from a group of volunteer mechanics.  

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What is Third Hand Bicycle Co-op's mission?

The primary goal of The Third Hand Bicycle Co-op is to promote cycling as safe and environmentally responsible transportation. The non-profit organization provides community members with the facilities and tools, as well as the skills and knowledge to help make cycling an essential part of their everyday lives.

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Where is the shop?

979 E. Fifth Ave close to the intersection of St Claire Ave

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What are the hours?

    The Co-op's working hours are coordinated by volunteers, so please be understanding. On major holidays the shop is usually closed. Check our calendar page.

  Wednesday night: Open Shop  6-9pm

  Saturday: Open Shop 1-4pm

  1st and 3rd Tuesday nights: Administrative Meetings (open to everyone) 7pm

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Does the co-op sell bikes? 

    The co-op usually has dozens of bicycles that have been donated. You can buy a bike as-is and fix it yourself, or depending on the inventory, buy a bike that has been tuned by volunteer mechanics. During the summer months demand for inexpensive used bicycles is very high, and fully tuned bicycle stock dips very low. The inventory at the co-op is determined by the recent donations. 

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Do you have spare parts?

    Yes. Sadly, sometimes a bike is deemed too sorry to repair. When this happens we have a newer volunteer dismantle the bike, and in the process introduce them to turning wrenches and learning about parts. This comprises our spare parts gallery. They are available for sale.

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Can I trade some parts or my old bike in for a new bike? 

    No.  

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Will the Co-op fix my bike? 

    The co-op is a place to learn to fix your own bike. If you are willing to participate in the proces, someone will help you. They will not take it from you and finish it while you go get a sandwich.

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How do I get involved?

    Step 1. If you are reading this then you are on the website, and reading the frequently asked questions. Good start!

    Step 2. Drop in the shop. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but ask around to find a volunteer that is behind the desk.

    Step 3. If you want to volunteer, there are countless ways. 

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Can I help without getting greasy?

    Yes. There are many other things, silk screening, volunteer hour tracking, organizing the bikes in queue, making posters, accounting. First ask the person that is running the front of the shop on an open night. Then maybe attend a administration meeting. Or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your volunteer suggestion.

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Where do you get your bikes? 

   Our bikes and parts are mostly donated by nice people who think that a bicycle co-op is a good thing. Occasionally we have bike drives around town where we collect unwanted bikes. Sometimes OSU donates bikes that have been left behind by students.

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How do I become a member?

You can either volunteer for four hours, or pay $25 to become a member of the co-op. First, obtain a membership/volunteer form at the desk in the front of the shop. Fill this out with your necessary information.  

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Does the co-op buy bikes?

No. 

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How do I donate or do you want my bike donation?

Yes, Third Hand always appreciates any bike related donation.  If we cannot fix the bike, we use the parts to fix other bikes and recycle it.  If you can drop of your donations during open hours, that is best. If you have a sizable donation, or multiple bicycles, sometimes we can find a volunteer to pick up. Please do NOT drop off stuff around the building.  

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