To kick off Bike! Charlotte week, we thought it only appropriate to upgrade my husband's $40 Craigslist bike. First stop on the Elizabeth-Noda bike exertion was the ReCyclery. As soon as you walk in, there is a long row of bike with a sign that says Earn-A-Bike. Man! So you're saying I can't buy any of these bikes? Turns out the Recyclery only sell about 25% of the bikes they receive as donations or build themselves. The other 25% get broken up for parts or scrapped. Majority of the bikes go to this amazing program to help at risk children earn a bike by taking their education classes on bike safety, maintenance and repair. After completing the program the kids receive a bike, helmet and valuable life lessons.
Overall, great selection on bikes. Most of the bikes are not in mint condition but that's to be expected with a name like ReCyclery. We saw a few Trek bikes with a steal of a price and a mom drove out of there in what appeared to be a bike / stroller looking contraption (really cool). Unfortunately, we didn't make a purchase there today but one of the employees provided us with a wealth of information on picking the best bike for our body types.
I hope you guys check this place out. Whether to make a purchase, donate your unused bikes or put in a few hours volunteering; you can't go wrong with this amazing organization!