The Chainlink

West Town Bikes

West Town Bikes is a community bicycle learning workshop. WTB offers bicycle mechanics workshops, youth programs and special events to members of the community. The overreaching goals of West Town Bikes are to promote bicycling in the city of Chicago, to educate youth with a focus on under-served populations, and to foster and serve Chicago's growing bicycling community.

West Town Bikes hosts a full schedule of workshops and events that offer bike mechanics courses for the beginer (such as Basic Bike Maintenance), the intermediate (like Build-A-Bike) and the advanced (Wheel Building) student. We also offer drop in Open Shop sessions where participants can use the tools and stand as well as recieve instruction from staff and volunteers.

Check our Calendar of Events for the full listing of evening and weekend courses.

westtownbikes.org

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on September 23, 2008 at 4:41pm
M.A.R.K - I did the first plug for this a couple days ago (3 Cheers to West Town Bikes)... I'll be there Sun am too!!! Can't wait.

M.A.R.K. said:
Not to knock west town(alex, sarah or anyone else), we love you WTB! But, is this plug stuff gunna be allowed on this forum now and forever? Can a special section be made for this?

If your still on the line there Alex, what time do bike assault volunteers need to be @ the event? The time will be all teh differance on weither or not I can volunteer as friends are coming in from out of town on Saturday and itsgunna be along night im sure..
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on September 23, 2008 at 5:26pm
M.A.R.K. said:
Not to knock west town(alex, sarah or anyone else), we love you WTB! But, is this plug stuff gunna be allowed on this forum now and forever? Can a special section be made for this?

If your still on the line there Alex, what time do bike assault volunteers need to be @ the event? The time will be all teh differance on weither or not I can volunteer as friends are coming in from out of town on Saturday and itsgunna be along night im sure..

So M.A.R.K. IMHO, a discussion thread that is in a catagory that is labled Announcements, site questions and feedback is open for all sorts of plug stuff including promoting the local bike project. It's a good way for newbies to find out about this sort of stuff. Not to knock you, we all love you too over here at WTB.

As far as volunteering goes please join us at the volunteer meeting. This is where we will find out all of the details (WTB included). The Urban Assault volunteer meeting will be Thursday September 25th at 6pm at the Chipotle located at 3181 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60657. Dinner is on New Belgium and the meeting will be over by or before 7:30pm. Jackie Kravetz, the New Belgium event planner, will go over the plan for the 28th!

If you can't make it, check back with Sarah at WTB afterwards and she'll have all the details. Thanks in advanced!
Permalink Reply by Rob Johnson on September 23, 2008 at 10:00pm
I wish there were more basic bike classes offered there!! Once a week (that just happens to be the one day I can't go) = one tough break for a guy more than willing to attend and pay for west town bike's services!
Permalink Reply by Leah on September 24, 2008 at 1:15am
Hi everyone - this site is a place for cyclists. Shop owners or employees, guys who make cycling caps or create a new degreaser, people who plan group rides - they're all cyclists too. We're looking into a category structure that will accomodate all the kinds of info that will be posted here, so please be patient. Thanks! :)
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on October 9, 2008 at 6:29pm
There are a few spots left in upcoming multi-week classes at West Town Bikes. Check out the eight week Build-A-Bike classs starting this Sunday, 10/12, 2-5pm, and the six week D.I.Y. Tune-Up class starting Thursday, 10/16, 7-10pm. Contact the instructors listed to arrange for participation.

Permalink Reply by Jody on October 13, 2008 at 5:37pm
I'd way rather read 'plugs' for all kinds of people doing all kinds of great bike stuff, over discussions about people not sharing the road, etc. Thats why they put those tables inside bars, so we all can share stories about the rediculous crap that happens out there.

The validity of 'plugs' aside (given that I'm always 'plugging' one thing or another), I just wanted to vouch for WTB's sheer awesomeness!

This is how it works:
You get your bike fixed there.
(yea, yea, any shop can do this!) but wait, there's more...
You learn how to fix your bike there
You fix your own bike there
The people are always friendly, the music is continually cool, they're always helpful
AND it's aways affordable!

So, I save money. The money that I do spend there goes to such good use. I leave knowing so much more about my own bike. Oh yea, and possibly meet some genuinely cool folks, too.

Cant go wrong!
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on October 14, 2008 at 2:56pm
Bumpin' and bumpin' and bumpin' and bumpin'


Open Shop Tonight!7-10pm @ WTB. Yes it is on the calendar, but in case you didn't notice. There are also spots left in the DIY Tune-Up class starting on Thursday and the Build-A-Bike class on Mondays starting in November. Check 'em out!
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on October 27, 2008 at 4:13pm
WTB Benefit Party!

Please join us for a West Town Bikes benefit party on Nov. 2, from 5-8 p.m. next door from West Town at our fabulous neighbor, Tom Robinson's studio, 2416 W. North Avenue. The evening features tasty brew, food, and music.

There is a recommended donation of $10 that will raise funds for the shop.
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on January 15, 2009 at 11:44am
West Town Bikes has big plans for 2009!

The highlights include moving to a new space, opening a retail operation, hiring a shop manager, expanding our youth programs, offering membership and publishing a newsletter! You can find out more details by visiting our website at www.westtownbikes.org

Happy New Year!
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on January 15, 2009 at 11:47am
West Town Bikes will be hiring for a Shop Manager position. Details and the job description can be found on the West Town Bikes website, www.westtownbikes.org, and here.

The Job Description is as follows...

Shop Manager

West Town Bikes, NFP is looking for an energetic individual who supports our mission, values and community. Our ideal candidate will bring a unique mix of bike shop expertise and nonprofit organizational know-how. Experience developing a business plan would be A+!

Our Bike Shop Manager must be willing to work hard to create a professional, empowering, and accessible shop environment for our customers, volunteers and staff. While this position requires a great deal of responsibility and experience, it also offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and making a difference in our community. Finally, someone with a healthy sense of humor and the ability to have fun with our funky organization will fit nicely on our team.

Essential Job Functions:
The Bike Shop Manager assumes primary responsibility for leading the West Town Bikes retail operation in fulfillment of its mission and vision. Primary duties include:

• Managing daily Bike Shop operations
• Development and build out of new retail and shop space
• Developing new business relationships including wholesale accounts
• Securing all appropriate business licenses and permits
• Acquisition of used bicycles for resale
• Ensuring the financial health of the Shop, successfully meeting revenue & expense targets
• Overseeing and delivering professional customer service to a diverse customer base
• Managing and developing shop staff: recruit, hire, train, manage and evaluate
• Working in partnership with the Executive Director to guide business strategy, growth & development
• Collaborating with Program Staff to support youth programs and volunteer activities
• Participating in strategic planning process for the organization, helping to develop a long term mission driven strategic plan, and annual operational plans

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to youth leadership, sustainable communities and bicycle transportation
• Previous experience in retail management and sales preferred; bike shop experience essential
• Experience successfully managing staff
• Experience mentoring youth ages 9-20 in engaging and empowering apprenticeship relationship
• Excellent organizational skills: systems oriented with high attention to detail
• Excellent mechanical skills required (preferred 3 yrs professional experience working on variety of bikes)
• Strong interpersonal skills & a friendly outgoing attitude with a desire to work with the public
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, ever-changing environment
• Respect for and a commitment to diversity, teamwork, and progressive social values
• Basic PC skills, working knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications

Pay Rate & Benefits:
Hourly wage of $12-$15 to start depending on skills and experience. Up to 40 hours a week with a varying schedule to begin with. Wage increase and benefits to be offered upon a scheduled timely review.

How to Apply:
Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to

Alex Wilson, Executive Director
West Town Bikes NFP
2418 W. North Ave.
Chicago Il 60647
alex@westtownbikes.org

Application deadline for this position is Friday February 6, 2009
Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on March 3, 2009 at 12:54pm
There are spaces available in the upcoming 6 part DIY Tune-Up class at West Town Bikes. This 6-week series will cover everything you need to know to keep your bike tuned up. You will learn to overhaul bottom brackets, headsets and hubs, true wheels, adjust brakes, replace brake pads and cables, and adjust shifters and derailleurs. This course is perfect for preparing your bike for the Spring riding season or cleaning it up from harsh Winter use. Participants will also have the opportunity to install fenders, lights and other accessories.

DIY Tune-Up class will take place on Thursday nights, 7-10pm, starting March 12th. Suggested donation for participation is $120 (a great deal for the tune-up your bike will get). Find out more about this class and other workshops by visiting our Calendar of Events.

This is your last chance to get in on a multi-week class at West Town Bikes current location!


more details to come...
Permalink Reply by cutifly on March 3, 2009 at 1:30pm
nice door

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