• What is Sopo Bicycle Cooperative?
• What is Sopo's mission?
• Where is the shop?
• What are the shop hours?
• What is the suggested donation structure?
• Can I buy a bike from Sopo?
• What can I do at Sopo?
• Will someone at Sopo fix my bike for me?
• Does Sopo operate like Decatur Yellow Bikes?
• Can I convert my bike into a single speed or fixie at Sopo?
• Where can I get a cheap bicycle in Atlanta?
• How do I become a member of Sopo?
• What's with the sheep logo?
• Is Sopo a bicycle gang?
• I'm new to cycling. What kind of bike should I get?
• Who's in charge here anyway?
• Would a cash or bicycle donation be tax deductible?
• How to Donate Bikes to Sopo Outside of the Perimeter
• How do I start a community bicycle repair shop in my hometown?

What is Sopo Bicycle Cooperative?

Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)3 charitable organization that facilitates the collective ownership and operation of a community bicycle repair shop.  In other words, together, we run a community bike repair shop, and you are invited to help out, pitch in, and use it.

What is Sopo's mission?

Our mission is to create equitable access to cycling by providing affordable bicycle maintenance services and education.

Where is the shop?

  The shop is located at 465-C Flat Shoals Ave. in East Atlanta Village, behind the Australian Bakery.

What are the shop hours?

Our shop hours are 7pm to 10pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 2pm to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

What is the suggested donation structure?

We suggest $5 per hour for use of tools, grease, degreaser, and other shared items; $5 per part; $25 per frame (parts included). Donations are not limited to cash. Work-trade, baked goods, frosty beverages, and other creative donations are welcome. No one is turned away for lack of cash or resources.

Can I buy a bike from Sopo?

We accept bicycle donations, so at any given moment, we have a variety of bikes in different states of disrepair.  You may adopt one of these bikes for a suggested $25.  We cannot guarantee that we will have one that is ready to roll out the door.  Most will need some work.  You are always welcome to check out our stock.  If you see something you like, we will help you make it street worthy!

What can I do at Sopo?

You can access tools and knowledge to work on your bike in a laid-back environment. You cannot pay us to fix your bike.

Will someone at Sopo fix my bike for me?

Because we are dedicated to education and empowerment, we will help you fix your bike.  We will put the tools in your hands and guide you along.

Does Sopo operate like Decatur Yellow Bikes?

No. Decatur Yellow Bikes used an Adopt-a-Bike method of distribution: you visit their shop, pick out a bike, they fix it, you take it home. Sopo is a repair shop where you come with your bike and fix it yourself, or you build a bike from our stock of donated frames and parts. We will help you, but you will do the work.

Can I convert my bike into a single speed or fixie at Sopo?

Maybe. If you have a frame with the appropriate dropouts (the bits you slide your rear wheel axle into, located on the caboose of your frame), and your bike is not French (Peugot, Motobecane), then single speed conversion is relatively easy. You will need to purchase the appropriate rear wheel from a reputable source. Additionally, we do not stock track cogs and other track specific parts. Sopo volunteers will also insist upon safe conversions (no suicide hubs, etc).

See Sheldon Brown for more information on SS/Fixie conversions.

Where can I get a cheap bicycle in Atlanta?

If you have the time and interest, you can build up an inexpensive bicycle. The best place to start is at Sopo, asking questions about what to look for at thrift stores, yard sales, and auctions; and on eBay and Craigs List. The most difficult part will be finding a frame that is your size, in the style you like, and in good condition. After you accomplish this, you will probably be able to find most parts at Sopo. You will most likely need to purchase wheels if your frame does not come with a good set or any at all. Rumor has it that OTP thrift stores are a good place to find bikes. Avoid department store bikes since they are not built to be maintained. Do not be afraid to meet a seller at a for profit bicycle shop to have the bike looked over before you make your purchase.

Other related things to consider:
It is a good idea to spend a little extra money on a part that will make your ride safer. For example, if we recommend that you get new wheels, it is for a good reason. Also, you will save a lot of money by replacing car trips with bicycle trips. If you factor in the amount of money you will save over the course of three or six months, you might find that you can increase your bicycle budget by quite a bit. Finally, if you spend a little extra on better quality parts, you will opt to ride your bicycle more often. Your bicycle should feel good to ride, and you should look good on it.

How do I become a member of Sopo?

Sopo doesn't have a formal membership policy yet.  Right now, you can show up and participate, and we'll consider you a member!  Members are encouraged to come to general meetings, help us make decisions about the organization, and pitch in with taking care of the shop.

What's with the sheep logo?

Sheep's gotta bike too.

Is Sopo a bicycle gang?

No. We are a community of people who really like bicycles. A lot.

I'm new to cycling. What kind of bike should I get?

This is a complex question that depends largely on what type of riding you want to do and how much money you have to spend. Stop by the Sopo shop and talk with some experienced cyclists who will be glad to give you advice.

Who's in charge here anyway?

No one is solely "in charge" because we all share the responsibility of managing the shop.  We have two staff people: Rachael, who minds our administrative needs, and Jonathan, who is helps out our 15 and under crowd.  Everyone else volunteers their time and skills.  We usually wear green aprons while we're in the shop.

Would a cash or bicycle donation be tax deductible?

Yes. You may write your donation off on your personal income tax return. We can email you a thank you note/receipt with our tax ID number confirming your donation.

How to Donate Bikes to Sopo Outside of the Perimeter

You can drop off donations at any area REI: Atlanta, Perimeter, and Buford.

Each REI store calls us when they've collected enough stuff for us to pick up. If you would like to help make these pick-ups, please let us know!

How do I start a community bicycle repair shop in my hometown?

Come to BikeBike! South! and learn, learn, learn.

To get a sense of how we took an idea and turned it into a nonprofit organization, read our history and watch our documentary. Then check out the resources we've been compiling on Bike Collective Network. Read through the Bike Collective Starter Kit. Start fixing bikes for free with people, making friends, and filing your nonprofit/501(c)3 paperwork. Find an accountant or lawyer in your community who will help you. Get a bank account at your local credit union. Write a mission statement that you can fall back on when things become unclear. Unless you run a mobile shop, start looking for a space.

A lot of things need to happen, and it will take a while. It is probable that you have all of the resources you need already right there in your community. Start reaching out, be open to other people's input, and learn everything you can.