We spoke to our local Baltimore bike shops to see how they’re doing as demand increases. More folks are out riding during the summer and as a low-contact way to get to places the midst of COVID-19. Bike shops are taking safety precautions to protect their employees and workers, like isolating bikes for a window of time before working on them. This means demand is up while service generally requires more time.
Here are bike shop hours and how long you can expect to wait for a full-service appointment. Most shops are booked 2-4 weeks for full-service tuneups and in-depth repairs, but can turn around quick(er) fixes (e.g. a flat tire, brakes needing to be replaced) within a 24-72 hour window.
Baltimore Bicycle Works @ Falls Rd.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11-7pm, and Saturday & Sunday 11-5.
Full service tune ups are booked 4 weeks out. For smaller repairs, drop by and see.
Baltimore Bicycle Works @ Belvedere Square
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10-6pm, Thursday 11-7pm, and Friday 11-5pm.
Full service tune ups are booked 4 weeks out. For smaller repairs, drop by and see.
Joe’s Bike Shop @ Mt. Washington
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-8pm, Saturday 10-6pm, Sunday closed.
Open for in-shop browsing. Booked 2 weeks out for full-service repairs.
Joe's Bike Shop @ Fell’s Point
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-8pm, Saturday 10-6pm, Sunday closed.
Curbside service only. Booked 2 weeks out on full-service repairs.
Race Pace Bicycles in Charles Village and Federal Hill
Hours: Monday - Friday 1-7pm, but closed Tuesday. Saturday 11-6pm, Sunday 11-5pm.
Full-service tune ups/repairs booked 3-4 weeks out. Small repairs done within 48-72 hours.
Race Pace is also offering safety checks for $25. If it's safe to ride, your bike will be returned within 72 hours with basic check-up and repairs. If it needs a fuller tune-up, your $25 gets put towards a full-service appointment booking.
Velocipede Bike Project in Old Goucher
Velocipede is offering assisted DIY repair and bikes for sale, but by appointment only. Email appt@velocipedebikeproject.org or call (410) 343-9181 to book.
Since they are a volunteer-run nonprofit, they only charge a $10 shop use fee, plus parts.