Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch via our Contact page or drop by the Hub, we’re always happy to help.
About Reading Bike Hub
What is Reading Bike Hub?
Reading Bike Hub is a volunteer-led community organisation promoting active travel in Reading. We provide the following:
- Bike and skate repair services
- Refurbish and sell donated bikes and skates
- Teach maintenance skills
- Teach bike riding skills
- Offer a bike library for children
- Share our space to local community groups and organisations
- Venue hire for events
Where are you located?
We’re based at 14-16A King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HE.
What are your opening hours?
We are open Wednesday and Friday 15:00 – 20:00 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 16:00. We are also open every Tuesday 19:00 – 22:00 for rollerskating.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
For our general bike repair services and sales, no appointment is necessary. The workshops and training we run do require booking in advance which you can view on our Events page.
What other services are offered at the Hub?
In addition to our bike related services (corporate bike repair packages, bike repairs, bike sales, kid’s bike library, recycling of bike parts, bike workshops), there’s a bunch of other activities and services available regularly at our shop:
- Library of Things
- Reading Repair Cafe
- Playing the Guitar
- Rollerskating
Services and Repairs
Do you repair bikes?
Our trained volunteers and mechanics can diagnose issues and carry out repairs. We also support DIY repairs, guiding you as you work on your own bike. We charge the rental of our tools at £10 per hour.
How much do repairs cost?
We operate on a low-cost model for our bike repair services. Parts are charged at cost. Labour costs are determined by the complexity of the job, ranging from £10 for a single job, £20 for a complex job, £40 for a tune-up service and £80 for an advanced service.
Our experienced mechanic will inform you of the anticipated costs to help you make an informed decision prior to the start of any repair.
Can I bring my own bike parts?
Yes, you can bring your own parts. We’ll help install them if they are compatible with your bike.
Workshops and Learning
What kind of workshops do you run?
We run a range of workshops including:
- Puncture Repair
- Brakes – how to change your brake pads and tighten them
- Gears – index and adjust your gears
- Chain Replacement
- Cassette and Freewheels – how to tell when a cassette needs changing and hands on demo
We also partner with Avanti Cycling to teach people how to cycle:
- Learn to Ride
- Rusty Riders
- Commuter Sessions
Do I need to book a workshop?
Yes, workshops have limited space. You can view the workshops we have on through our website and book at www.bookwhen.com/bike-fix-course.
Do you teach complete beginners?
Absolutely! Our workshops are friendly and suitable for all levels — especially those new to bike maintenance.
Donations and Recycling
Do you accept bike donations?
Yes! We accept bikes in any condition — working or not. We refurbish bikes, reuse parts, or responsibly recycle materials.
When can I bring in a bike to donate?
You can bring donations during our opening hours. We thank you in advance!
What do you do with the donated bikes?
We refurbish them and:
- Sell them at affordable prices
- Use parts for repairs
- Recycle what can’t be reused
Do you accept tools or accessories?
Yes — tools, pumps, helmets, locks, lights and other accessories are very welcome.
Volunteering
Can I volunteer at Reading Bike Hub?
Yes! Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. There’s always work to be done and we appreciate all the help we can get. You can get involved in the bike mechanics team or assist in other tasks that help keep the Hub running.
Do I need previous bike mechanic experience to volunteer?
No experience is necessary. We welcome volunteers with all skill levels — from mechanics to admin, fundraisers, and community outreach support.
How do I become a volunteer?
Get in touch via our Contact page or come in during opening hours and speak to a team member.
What time commitment do volunteers need to make?
There’s no minimum — but we always appreciate volunteers who can support us regularly. We offer training and a friendly, supportive environment.
Buying Bikes
Do you sell refurbished bikes?
Yes — we sell fully serviced, refurbished bikes at affordable prices. Stock varies week-to-week.
Can I try a bike before buying?
Absolutely — you’re welcome to test-ride bikes in our designated cycle area inside the Hub.
Can I exchange a bike I own for a bike for sale at the Hub?
Unfortunately, we do not support any bike swaps or exchanges.
Are you able to purchase bikes from the public?
Sorry, we do not engage with buying bikes from general members of the public to be resold. There are various existing platforms that can support this transaction such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Ebay.
Accessibility and Safety
Toilets
We have gender-neutral toilets on the lower level of our shop. Unfortunately these are currently not wheel-chair accessible.
Are children allowed?
We prioritise making this a family-friendly space. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Contact and Other Queries
How can I contact the Hub?
Visit our Contact page, our shop in person or email us at: readingbikehub@gmail.com
What if my question isn't here?
Please get in touch, we’re always happy to help and we update this page regularly based on common questions.