Los Angeles - July 22, 2005

A Bicycle Built for Tu

Bicycle Kitchen

There comes a time in every bicycle’s life. A crossroads of sorts. That inevitable day, after the initial I’m-gonna-ride-this-sucker-everywhere honeymoon phase, when its owner parks it in the garage to languish, never to be seen again.

Don’t let yours suffer such a dismal fate. Instead, dust off your old friend and take it to the Bicycle Kitchen, a community work space where you can either bring your bike back to life or donate it and start from scratch.

The Kitchen teaches people how to build the bikes of their dreams or just learn to fix them. One hour of stand time costs $7 and includes an instructor and the use of any tools you’ll need. Parts and materials are sold separately, but, since everything is donated, expect to pay a whole lot less than you would at a regular old bike shop. Your completed two-wheeler will end up running you $100 to $150 dollars. Not bad, considering that most rides are at least double that and, when you’re finished putting yours together, repair shops will be a thing of the past.

The scene’s less Tool Time than cool hangout. Programs include Earn-a-Bike (a youth mentoring program), Bitchen (ladies only), and organized monthly group rides — all making for a modern community center that anyone can get mixed up in.

It’s as easy as riding a bike.

Bicycle Kitchen, 706 Heliotrope Drive, at Melrose Avenue, Hollywood (323-662-2776 or bicyclekitchen.com).