Vending Machine for Bike Parts Introduced by Trek
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 07. 9.08
When we wrote that Bike Mechanics are the New Doctors commenter Nate suggested that "bikes are remarkably simple machines to work on," who needs a mechanic?. In Madison, Wisconsin, you get your choice; James of BicycleDesign tells us of the Trek Stop- a vending machine where you can "stop by anytime to put air in your tires or buy basic small items like a tube, patch kit, water bottle, energy bar, chain lube, etc." According to Olive on Flickr, "contains items for doing minor repairs (like bike tire inner tubes.) Air hose, maps, message board, a bike stand, and a kiosk with video instructions on how to do various repairs. (see picture here)
It is in front of a bike shop, which doesn't sound like a good business plan (to those of us who try to support our local bike mechanic); I would love to see these in the heart of downtown where the bike shops can't afford the rent. ::Bicycle Design
On Fixing a Bike:
Bike Mechanics are the New Doctors
Is This The Most Stylish Bike You've Ever Seen? :
The ReCYCLEry: Community Action for Clean Transportation :
On Parking a Bike:
Urban Bike Stations: We Shouldn't Need Them But Do
TreeHugger Picks: Bicycle Storage Options
How They Store Bikes In Tokyo
New Bicycle Parking System Comes to Riverside, CA
7 Ways Cities Can Make Your Bike More Secure
On other crazy vending machines
Smart Car Vending Machine in Japan : TreeHugger
Bike Vending Machine : TreeHugger
Solar Powered Vending Machines : TreeHugger
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It would be good to see them out in the countryside along popular bike routes. Where I live on Oahu, having one of these in Hawaii Kai or North Shore would take some of the tension of cycling so far away from downtown Honolulu.
It would be good to see them out in the countryside along popular bike routes. Where I live on Oahu, having one of these in Hawaii Kai or North Shore would take some of the tension of cycling so far away from downtown Honolulu.
The Trek Stop is a one-of-a-kind prototype for market research. It is intended to be on a path or at a traihead. It is not a shop replacement - its an extension of the shop.
Beyond vending it provides a covered, well lit place to work on your bicycle along with instructional video (fix a flat, etc) It also includes a local trail map, board to post messages, and distribution of local info/advertising.
Um, that bike shop *is* in the heart of downtown: I'm pretty sure it's Machinery Row Bicycles. They're about a 15 minute walk from the State Capitol.
I do agree that the best place for such a vending machine would be somewhere not next to a bike shop, although it's nice that you can buy parts when the shop is closed. Such machines would be useful at bicycle trailheads or along bicycle commuter routes.
I got it!!!!
Water Car!!!!
Steam Engine!!!!
O.K.????
Man, I really wish there had been something like that at my school when I was in college. I had a flat a month or so, and it sucked having to walk my bike home or drive back in the truck to get it. Then drive 10mins to get a patch or new tube. This would have been so much quicker/easier, and might convince more people to ride.
That is a fantastic idea!
Now if it's going to be at trailheads (or inside trails?) maybe it will have to be solar/wind/off-grid, too?
Have it constructed ethically, and I'll say it's damn near perfect.
Most bike shops don't keep particularly long hours, so this would be great for when they're closed. Wouldn't be too difficult to do with existing machines either. the actual vending part of that thing is totally standard.
It is only a prototype to test out the idea. Future models will be designed to be off the grid (solar)
Also useful for those walkers who have prams/buggies/stollers with bike-type tyres. (In the UK you can't fit these beasts on public transport, ie, buses, so one does a lot of walking.) Fortunately we have two bike shops in my small town, but near parks would be a good place too.
Interesting to see this characterised as an 'innovation'.
Similar vending machines have been operating for many years in Europe, generally sponsored/operated by bicycle tire companies. Not surprising since most of the sales are likely for replacement tubes and tires. I have some photos of European machines should anyone be interested.
And of course Japan has a long history of selling most anything and everything from vending machines.
So perhaps small Kudos to Trek, but some acknowledgement that they are just copying what others have been doing for a long time might be in order.
Ron Richings
Vancouver, BC,
Canada
richings@telus.net
It would be good to see them out in the countryside along popular bike routes. Where I live on Oahu, having one of these in Hawaii Kai or North Shore would take some of the tension of cycling so far away from downtown Honolulu.
It is only a prototype to test out the idea. Future models will be designed to be off the grid (solar)