Bike Pirates runs a program that we call the Project Bike Program. The goal of the program is to make building a bicycle from scratch more accessible, both in terms of cost and access to knowledge/parts.

This page is an explanation of the way that the program runs.

How To Build A Project Bike

Cost: $75 + price of any new parts + PWYC donation (Nicer bikes might start at more than $75.)
That cost includes the used parts required
No experience required
Stored in our Project Room until it is deemed safe by a Bike Pirates volunteer
Pay at the end

With the help of a volunteer, select a bike at Bike Pirates that fits you and you like.

Use the provided bike build sheet! It is your best tool for building your bike, besides a helpful volunteer. Work through all of the parts of the bike in the order that they appear on the sheet to ensure a safe and efficient build. Keep helpful notes on the back noting the parts that you use, work you have done, work needing to be done etc. This will help when paying for your bike and starting again the next day you continue to work on your bike. Ask for lots of help from volunteers when building your bike!

A volunteer must do a final safety check before you take the bike home. Remember to put a bell on and enjoy your new ride!

Project Room Risks and Rules

Bike Pirates takes no responsibility of any bikes stored in the project room
You must work on your bike at least once every two weeks, make sure to log your work dates
All bikes must be on a hook
All bikes must be logged in the project room binder

Failure to comply with these rules may result in the risk of immediate removal of your bike from the project room.