Learn how to fix your bike—and then where to ride it

South Bend Bike Garage

Our little community cooperative was born out of the idea that everyone should be able to learn how to fix their own bike. Rather than provide services for our clients, we hope to “teach them how to fish” by showing them how to work on their bikes themselves.

Park Tool Videos

Park Tool is the big name in bicycle tools, but I love them because of their instructional videos on YouTube. Just recently, I didn’t know how to fix a certain type of chain. Of course, there was a Park Tools video to show me!

Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance

This book is like the bible of bike maintenance and repair. It’s illustrated and will show you, step by step, how to fix your bike on your own. A bonus: The St. Joseph County Public Library also carries the companion volume, Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance.

Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association

NIMBA is a nonprofit dedicated to helping riders find mountain bike trails, as well as maintain and develop them. The organization also has a Facebook Group where it organizes weekly rides for the community.

Bike Michiana Coalition

Bike Michiana is another nonprofit group that acts as the umbrella organization for most of the cycling community in the county. When we decided to open up the Garage, Bike Michiana was our biggest supporter. It’s a great place to volunteer.

Michiana Bike to Work Week

One of the best parts of cycling is the community. Every year—normally at the end of the spring—Bike Michiana Coalition organizes a Bike to Work Week. It’s a great reminder of the environmental benefits of cycling, as well as an opportunity to meet fellow riders in the area.

Outdoor Adventures in the South Bend Tribune

The Tribune has a great column on things to do outdoors in the South Bend area. Whether you’re looking to get inspired, find new adventures or just read about the beautiful nature around us, this column is a reliable source of good ideas.