Waterside Workshops

Great place to fix up your bike and get help while you’re at it! A lot of us in the Bay don’t a) have the space to house tools necessary for bike repair and b) don’t have the where with all.
The good news is that Waterside has both! Lots of great people around to help you out, and to boot, they have used bike parts for sale.
Get down there already. We’ve been coming here for years.
The good: great prices, great help.
The bad: can be tough to walk in and have space and assistance, so call ahead.
Bonus: check out that view!

When I was a very broke student, I was able to repair and build bikes here. I learned so much from the knowledgeable, patient, and friendly staff. It’s best to show up at/​before the time the shop opens if you need to work on your bike — the stands fill up fast and some people (like my selfish ass) can hog a stand for 2+ hours while putting together and fine tuning a build.
The sales center also has the BEST prices on tubes, locks, fenders, etc for bicyclists. This is the only bike shop to go to as far as I’m concerned (unless you HAVE to have something in the off-​hours).
All these great things are in addition to the fact that they do work-​trade for local youth as well as free job training. This is how the world should function.

Cant be beat, helpful staff, even to persons that are not mechaniclly inclined or not so good at fixing things„ and slightly impatient. Decent prices on parts and alot of used ones available as well.
if i could give an extra star i would.

Everyone was really helpful, it’s super cheap.
I came here for the first time looking for an old Shimano top pulley for my dérailleur, and they showed me where the right junk drawer was to get one off an old dérailleur. They offered to help me put it on but I was OK doing it on my own. They didn’t charge me for the part since it was from their junk drawer, but I made the recommended donation because this place is awesome.

Went down looking for a cheap commuter bike, walked away fifteen minutes later with a bike, Kryptonite lock and lights all for $ 155. Super helpful guys, limiting selection but worth a look. Plus, you can go there to work on your bike which I’ll definitely keep in mind for the future.

Well, I hate to faintly praise, but, for all I recognize the good intentions of the place, my recent attempts to buy a used bike there ended in disappointment and frustration. They are open on Friday through Sunday afternoons, and I was told that, in order to get a decent bike, you should be there at opening on Friday, so I was– twice. The problem is, they only have a few bikes that are really decent, and half of them are small-​frame children’s bikes. Unless you are at the front of the line, and I mean the first six people, the good bikes are gone, by the time you get to them. This happened to me twice, two Fridays in a row, after which I said to Hell with it. I want to stress that I wasn’t holding out for a terrific deal on an exotic road bike, just a full-​size, adult’s bike, in half-​way good condition. Never got close to one. I suppose, if I were really determined, I could show up at 11:30 and stand in line for a half hour, in order to be near the front of the line, but there are just too many other places to buy bikes; the hassle is not worth it, at least, to me. Sorry, guys. You’re friendly and apologetic, but I give up. I suppose you’re a victim of your own success. I just can’t handle the mob scene.

Stepped into Street Level Bikes/​Waterside Workshop in search of a commuter/​college campus bike, on a Sunday afternoon. The selection was somewhat limiting. We were informed by the knowledgeable, friendly and easy going sales person that the best selection will always be right when they open to the public on Fridays. Totally love what they are doing there, all the expert advice, and that the space out back is a very relaxing place to hang out for awhile. I will definitely be back.

I LOVE this place! The bike part is great and so is the boat rental. You can rent a boat and row on Aquatic Park. They have various types of boats– row boats, kayaks and canoes. It’s a nice way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Without sounding hyperbolic, this place represents all that is good in the world. I picked out a Schwinn beach cruiser from the pile of bikes in the back. They fixed it up for me and then only charged me $ 70. Everyone there is incredibly positive and helpful, especially Cory who really walked me through owning a bike and all of the accessories that come with it. Do yourself a favor and visit this area of Berkeley. Get a coffee at the Waterfront Café, enjoy the views of the water and the crazy statues on the bridge, rent a boat to paddle along the Berkeley Aquatic Park, and buy yourself a bike to help support this worthwhile organization.

I bought a used Peugeot for $ 130, a helmet for $ 30 and $ 15 lights. The sales person (jorts, mustache, vaguely southern seeming) was laid back, helpful, and not at all intimidating. The selection is on the small side but turns over regularly. Perfect for someone who wants a less expensive used bike without frills or attitude.

I cannot sing the praises of this place highly enough. I’m not a hardcore bike geek or anything; just wanted something for getting around town and the occasional off-​road jaunt.
I’d recently moved to the country and wanted to buy a second-​hand hybrid bike for around $ 200. I’d been to many places in Berkeley or Oakland without success. Unilocal and word of mouth alerted me to Waterside, and I’m so glad they did!
I went in and was immediately impressed with the pleasant and mellow vibe. Friendly happy staff, members of the public using the free (donations welcome) bike workshop to fix their (or their kids’/grandkids) bikes, classic 90s hip-​hop bumpin from the speakers… and the tranquil location by the riverside. It was most excellent.
Jordan and another dude helped me greatly, and we even came up with a cool solution to chain the saddle to the frame (to deter any saddle thefts) which involved part of an old bike chain. Jordan showed me how to use the tool and I soon got the hang of it, and decided to buy a U-​lock at the same time and hung around the workshop using their space and tools to fix the lock bracket onto the bike.
Did I mention they gave me a free used bike helmet (actually it was a skater helmet)? Wow. I left a very happy customer and will definitely be back.
Thanks guys — Waterside Bikes is the best place in the east bay that I know of to buy used bikes (that aren’t stolen) and to get expert advice and free help/​loan of tools/​workshop space to fix up your bike.

What a great little place. I can’t speak for the repair work they do, but their self-​help shop is great. It’s nice to be able to work on your own bike without have to have the room for a repair stand and all the tools.

As one reviewer stated, «Best first experience at a bike shop ever!» I’m always hesitant to visit any shops in the East Bay for the sake of being judged. On to the review.
Today as I was riding on the Bay Trail, my chain link started to come undone; I searched Unilocal for the closest bike shop and luckily, Waterside Workshop came up as the closest location.
I walked in with hesitation, Corey welcomed my questions and jumped at assisting me with the chain. I needed a new chain and Corey showed me how to properly replace it.
The energy is good here. It’s not the cleanest, but it has character. Just everyone working on their bikes. Tools are supplied. The shop employees are incredibly helpful. I walked out with a new chain and a priceless experience for less than $ 7!!! They sell used bikes, they keep odd hours, have workshops; this is my kind of place.
Once again, thanks Corey, you helped me complete my bike ride and get home!!!

This is a very worthy place to visit for any bicycle owner or bicycle shopper.
I was browsing their used bikes for sale. Some are quite good. They have some unique models tagged with bargain prices. Their stock is always rotating though, so you have to return often to look — if you’re searching for a particular type of bike.
Their new accessories/​parts/​equipment for sale may not be as complete as retail shops, but they offer some rare items.
Best of all, I bought a new component (master chain link) for 40% less than discount bike shops.
Very friendly staff, too. They’re volunteers serving the community. I feel really good about this place.
Highly recommended.

Bike repair shop:
— great prices for bike supplies (much better than REI!)
— friendly help and advice if you’re trying to fix your own bike

More hectic than my old Cambridge favorite Broadway Bike School (
), but a somewhat similar sort of vibe.
Some people working on project bikes, some fixing up their daily riders, bins of used parts all over the place, standard (yellow) tools available with stand time. Fancier tools with guidance and more money.
But, I’ve never seen Broadway as packed as Waterside was when I was by — this place is buzzing.

I finally made my way here last week and found a bike, with a Mixte frame (!!!). It had some rust, but it wasn’t heavy and it was beautiful. After test riding it, I found out from one of the guys who worked there that they could swap the handlebars for an upright one. After waiting 1 week, I picked up my ‘new’ bike and biked home, an uphill 3-​mile ride. The bike felt solid, worked well, and all in all, I paid less than $ 250 for it (they installed a rear rack also).
For a first-​time customer, my experience at Waterside /​SLC was pretty seamless. Plus anyone can come in and fix your bike there (or learn how). They’re also by the aquatic park. And they help out youth. It’s a win-​win.

What it isn’t: A bike store with people ready to make money by fixing up your bike or selling you a sweet ride from a selection of shiny new bikes.
What this place is: A place to go to learn how to fix your own bike. A place to go to build your own bike. A place to go to get used bike parts. A place to go to get help fixing your bike if you realize that the person fixing it is doing it to be kind (you will find a ton of kind and encouraging bike enthusiasts) and not because it’s a business based on providing that service.
I’m hugely grateful that Waterside Workshop /​Street Level Cycles is here. Thank you to the founders, the volunteers, the contributors, the patrons… awesome concept!

They build it, you buy it.
No, that’s not true. They teach people –including low-​income individuals and a large population of underprivileged kids– how to build it and fix it, and then you buy it. Then they turn around and employ those kids to keep building bikes.
The selection of completed bikes wasn’t huge when I went, but the Watersiders offered to fix up a frame I pointed out, which miraculously turned out to be my size AND blue. So we agreed on a price, and they promised to call me in a week. I was skeptical after a horrendous experience with another local bike store, but had to trust that they wouldn’t rip me off. And I *wanted* to like Waterside.
Verdict: exceeds expectations.
They called! YAY! And they held the bike for me! DOUBLEYAY!
For less than $ 300, I got a used Trek road bike with fine Shinano parts (and a super squishy seat). They quoted me a very reasonable price for a high-​quality bike, and they were good for it. (Recently, an enthusiast friend confirmed that my bike was tuned to perfection and could have gone for much more.)
So, main points: getting a bike from Waterside Workshops is a win-​win-​win situation. The Waterside crew keeps kids off the streets, and the bike you buy keeps Waterside open to teach more kids. As a bonus, you get an awesome bike for very little money.
The staff seems to be composed of people who really love what they do, and are there because they want to make a difference in the community and in kids’ lives. Is there a good reason to buy a bike anywhere else? Maybe if your mom ran a bike store, it would be acceptable to buy from her… but that’s the ONLY legit reason. Otherwise, keep these kids off the streets, mmkay? Glad we agree; Waterside it is. Everybody’s happy. EVERYBODY DANCE.

My bicycle looks like a «hoopty.» I was down at the Cal Sailing Club and told my friend, Peter, that I wanted a bike. He smiled and about a ½ hour later, Peter, rolled up a nice blue Trek for me. He got it for $ 15 at a yard sale. It looked like it never was ridden. I thought it perfect for me.
Peter and my son decided to paint it just like a tie-​dyed shirt. WTF?
«It’s a Berkeley Bike, Dad!» my kid shouted with glee! Right, «The Grateful Dead Edition.»
Well, the paint job has grown on me and she rides really well. But I needed a tune up, new break pads, new grips, and tires. I stopped by a few local bike shops and it was going to be a $ 100 investment.
Not that I’m cheap, but I’ve put it off for several months. I kept seeing the Waterside rated #1 on the « Unilocal Welcome» page and my Unilocaler pal, Molly W., posted a nice review. It’s two blocks from my crib, so I rode over there to check it out.
The place is a «Hoopty Heaven» for bikes! A half dozen fix-​it stations you can do it yourself, get some pro wrenching advice, a fair price on parts, buy a recycled bike, and see kids that are learning and willing to work on your ride.
After failing home repairs many times, I opted for the Waterside crew to «pimp my ride.» And $ 50 later (can you say bargain?), she «sho» is running fine now!
The Waterside Workshop is a nonprofit group whose mission for youth is «to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere where teamwork, dedication, and sustainability are illustrated through various handcrafts, skills, and outdoor experiences.» Last year, Waterside served over 250 youth with over 70% of these kids coming from low-​income families, and 35% of those youth were living below the poverty line.
This workshop is funded by the philanthropic generosity from the local community. Even if you don’t need your bike fixed, ride on down to Berkeley’s Aquatic Park, take in the beauty there, and stop by the Waterside Café for an espresso drink and a snack. I guarantee you’ll bookmark it and come back often.
My bike rides likes there is no tomorrow and stops on a dime. With new grips and tires, I took her out today for several Aquatic Park loops and then, cruised down Fourth Street. I proudly parked it right in front Café Rouge and while eating my steak frites at the bar, a number of admirers were checking out my wheels.
Must be the tie-​dyed paint job, for it is, a Berkeley Bike. Thanks to my friend, my son, and Waterside Workshop!