FAQ!
Sopo FAQ! Please read before contacting our volunteers
- What is Sopo Bicycle Cooperative?
- What is Sopo's mission?
- Where is the shop?
- What are the shop hours?
- What is the suggested donation structure?
- Can I buy a bike from Sopo?
- What can I do at Sopo?
- Will someone at Sopo fix my bike for me?
- Can I convert my bike into a single speed or fixie at Sopo?
- Where can I get a cheap bicycle in Atlanta?
- Does Sopo operate like Decatur Yellow Bikes?
- How do I become a member of Sopo?
- What's with the sheep logo?
- Is Sopo a bicycle gang?
- I'm new to cycling. What kind of bike should I get?
- Who's in charge here anyway?
- Would a cash or bicycle donation be tax deductible?
- How to Donate Bikes to Sopo Outside of the Perimeter
- How do I start a community bicycle repair shop in my hometown?
- How do I build a fixie for cheap?
What is Sopo Bicycle Cooperative?
Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)3 charitable organization that facilitates the collective ownership and operation of a bicycle repair shop. Membership is contingent upon participation in shop activities. All participants turn wrenches. No prior experience is necessary.[back to top]
What is Sopo's mission?
Our mission is to create equitable access to cycling by providing affordable bicycle maintenance services and education.[back to top]
Where is the shop?
The shop is located at 465-C Flat Shoals Ave. in East Atlanta Village, behind the Australian Bakery.
[back to top]
What are the shop hours?
Our shop hours are 7pm to 10pm on Tuesday and Thursday; 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.[back to top]
What is the suggested donation structure?
We suggest $5 per hour for use of tools, grease, degreaser, and other shared items; $5 per part; $25 per frame (parts included). Donations are not limited to cash. Work-trade, baked goods, frosty beverages, and other creative donations are welcome. No one is turned away for lack of cash or resources.[back to top]
Can I buy a bike from Sopo?
We accept bicycle donations, so at any given moment, we have a variety of bikes in different states of disrepair. You may adopt one of these bikes for a suggested $25. We cannot guarantee that we will have one that is ready to roll out the door. Most will need some work. You are always welcome to check out our stock. If you see something you like, we will help you make it street worthy![back to top]
What can I do at Sopo?
You can access tools and knowledge to work on your bike in a laid-back environment. You cannot pay us to fix your bike.[back to top]
Will someone at Sopo fix my bike for me?
Because we are dedicated to education and empowerment, we will help you fix your bike. We will put the tools in your hands and guide you along.
[back to top]
Can I convert my bike into a single speed or fixie at Sopo?
Maybe. If you have a frame with the appropriate dropouts (the bits you slide your rear wheel axle into, located on the caboose of your frame), and your bike is not French (Peugot, Motobecane), then single speed conversion is relatively easy. You will need to purchase the appropriate rear wheel from a reputable source. Additionally, we do not stock track cogs and other track specific parts. Sopo volunteers will also insist upon safe conversions (no suicide hubs, etc).
See Sheldon Brown for more information on SS/Fixie conversions.[back to top]
Where can I get a cheap bicycle in Atlanta?
If you have the time and interest, you can build up an inexpensive bicycle. The best place to start is at Sopo, asking questions about what to look for at thrift stores, yard sales, and auctions; and on eBay and Craigs List. The most difficult part will be finding a frame that is your size, in the style you like, and in good condition. After you accomplish this, you will probably be able to find most parts at Sopo. You will most likely need to purchase wheels if your frame does not come with a good set or any at all. Rumor has it that OTP thrift stores are a good place to find bikes. Avoid department store bikes since they are not built to be maintained. Do not be afraid to meet a seller at a for profit bicycle shop to have the bike looked over before you make your purchase.
Other related things to consider:It is a good idea to spend a little extra money on a part that will make your ride safer. For example, if we recommend that you get new wheels, it is for a good reason. Also, you will save a lot of money by replacing car trips with bicycle trips. If you factor in the amount of money you will save over the course of three or six months, you might find that you can increase your bicycle budget by quite a bit. Finally, if you spend a little extra on better quality parts, you will opt to ride your bicycle more often. Your bicycle should feel good to ride, and you should look good on it.
[back to top]
Does Sopo operate like Decatur Yellow Bikes?
No. Decatur Yellow Bikes used an Adopt-a-Bike method of distribution: you visit their shop, pick out a bike, they fix it, you take it home. Sopo is a repair shop where you come with your bike and fix it yourself, or you build a bike from our stock of donated frames and parts. We will help you, but you will do the work.[back to top]
How do I become a member of Sopo?
Show up. Participate.[back to top]
What's with the sheep logo?
Sheep's gotta bike too.[back to top]
Is Sopo a bicycle gang?
No. We are a community of people who really like bicycles. A lot.[back to top]
I'm new to cycling. What kind of bike should I get?
This is a complex question that depends largely on what type of riding you want to do and how much money you have to spend. Stop by the Sopo shop and talk with some experienced cyclists who will be glad to give you advice.[back to top]
Who's in charge here anyway?
We collectively own and operate Sopo. That means YOU can be a part of how decisions get made and things get done! If you're looking for someone who identifies as staff or volunteer, look for the folks wearing green aprons![back to top]
Would a cash or bicycle donation be tax deductible?
Yes. You may write your donation off on your personal income tax return. We can email you a thank you note/receipt with our tax ID number confirming your donation.[back to top]
How to Donate Bikes to Sopo Outside of the Perimeter
You can drop off donations at any area REI: Atlanta, Perimeter, and Buford.Each REI store calls us when they've collected enough stuff for us to pick up. If you would like to help make these pick-ups, please let us know!
[back to top]
How do I start a community bicycle repair shop in my hometown?
To get a sense of how we took an idea and turned it into a nonprofit organization, read our history and watch our documentary. Then check out the resources we've been compiling on Bike Collective Network. Read through the Bike Collective Starter Kit. Start fixing bikes for free with people, making friends, and filing your nonprofit/501(c)3 paperwork. Find an accountant or lawyer in your community who will help you. Get a bank account at your local credit union. Write a mission statement that you can fall back on when things become unclear. Unless you run a mobile shop, start looking for a space.
A lot of things need to happen, and it will take a while. It is probable that you have all of the resources you need already right there in your community. Start reaching out, be open to other people's input, and learn everything you can.
[back to top]
How do I build a fixie for cheap?
Stewart, the people's mechanic, says:
- spend most of your budget on a decent set of track wheels (the hubs are different from other, more common kinds). deals can be had with IRO Cycles online or from our friends at No Brakes here in atlanta. i'd plan on spending around $200 on these unless you get very lucky.
- find a good steel frame with horizontal drop-outs either at a thrift store, garage sale or craigslist.org. look for something japanese from the 70s or 80s. don't worry if the the wheels/tires are trashed because you'll be replacing them anyway. do make sure the cranks, pedals and headset are basically in good working order and that the frame isn't bent, dented or rusted. people ask for too much money for old bikes. i'd say between $30 and $80 makes sense depending on how nice it is. maybe more.
after you get something, stop by sopo and someone will happy to check out what you got and help you decide where start with the conversion process. at this point, most of the work will be on getting your chainline straight and getting the bike sized for you.
for that matter, you might want to stop by before you starting buying stuff. there are always plenty of conversions around and folks are generally interested in showing off what they have.
this is the most useful site out there for fixed conversions (it explains what horizontal dropouts are in case you aren't sure): sheldon brown (RIP).
[back to top]
