Birmingham Bike Foundry

I went to this shop today with my 7years old bike …they pumped up one back tyre ..for my girl and charged 13quid …bit of a rip off ..would have done myself ,if I had a decent pump????

This place is indicative of the changing demographic of Strichley and it’s High Street. Along with Loaf and Strichley Wines, this is a modern business that is engaging with it’s customer base both on and offline in innovative ways. For instance, this place has a ‘Repair Club’ that allows you the tools and know-​how to maintain your two wheeled friend on a regular basis and stay safe on the mean streets of Brum. You don’t get that sort of thing from Halfords, which might help to explain why their outlets are disappearing and ones such as this are thriving.
If you have a bike and need it repaired (or want to repair it yourself), or else are looking to get on the two-​wheeled road, or just want some advice on cycling matters, this place is highly recommended.

Some of my best friends are bike owners and this place comes recommended by them. It’s an interesting place — based in Stirchley and run as a workers’ co-​operative, promoting cycling activities and the concept of recycling discarded bikes and parts. This means great value for money — if you’re not concerned about brand (ing) spanking new parts, but are happy to be kept moving with perfectly serviceable goods at very reasonable prices. That said, they do sell new goods as well — wheels, tyres, tubes etc. They are happy to offer advice on cycling matters and they also offer (for just £10 a year) membership of their tool club, giving you access to their workshop and tools for one evening a week.

Having been open less than a year, Birmingham Bike Foundry is unique amongst the many buinesses in Stirchley as it is run as a co — operative by left wing bike fanatics. Flyers for the anarchist book fair nestle alongside trendy looking BMX magazines on the counter. A range of first and second hand bikes are available, and a large portion of the selection I had a look at were definitely a bit more special than what’s on offer in your average bike shop, and some could even have been described as vintage. The Birmingham Bike Foundry also reclaims bikes that have previously been scrapped and do a fair amount of bike repairs too, having a reputation for being dirt cheap as far as repairs are concerned. There’s also all manner of workshops and tool share schemes on the go.
With a food co operative due to open a food store in the next few months, Stirchley could turn into a haven for independent, co operative run small buisnesses. For now though, Birmingham Bike Foundry are doing an excellent job of leading the way. If you’re a bike enthusiast, you’d be a fool not to pay them a visit.