Bike Fixtation's vending machine offers wide selection and superior accessibility. Photo: Bike Fixtation via Facebook.
Ever gotten a flat tire on your bike, but have no idea where to get free air or a patch kit? Well, hopefully you’re near Minneapolis.
Bike Fixtation has installed its first self-service bike kiosk at Uptown Transit Station. The kiosk is basically a vending machine that sells inner tubes, lights and patch kits, as well as snacks, drinks and sunscreen. There is also a repair stand, free air, and a wide variety of tools that you might need.
“We started the business as avid cyclists and saw a need for more support for cycling,” said Chad DeBaker, one-half of the team behind the start-up. “We started Bike Fixtation in an effort to break down the barriers to cycling and make it more accessible to everyone.”
The kiosk is open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day.
Chad and his business partner, Alex Anderson, are opening a second location this summer, also in Minneapolis, outside the Wedge Community Co-op. Chad told me they are also looking to expand to other parts of the country, but delined to disclose specific locations just yet.