Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange

About the Bicycle Exchange

The Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange, often shortened to BikeX or SVBE, is a nonprofit bike shop on East Bayshore Road in Palo Alto. It takes in donated bicycles and parts, has volunteers repair them and then gives the bikes to people who need affordable transportation. It also sells some refurbished bikes and parts to pay for the work. The group is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a sister organization of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

The Bicycle Exchange says it has been fixing and donating bicycles since 1993. Over that time it reports giving away more than 10,000 bikes. Its stated mission is to encourage communities to choose bicycles for a sustainable future. It works toward that in three ways: affordable transportation through refurbished bikes, hands-on repair education and keeping bikes and parts out of landfills.

A move may be coming

Anyone planning a visit should know about a September 2026 announcement. The Bicycle Exchange said it will likely need to vacate its building before the end of 2026 and is looking for a new long-term home. Its about page already describes East Bayshore Road as a temporary location.

The group listed what it needs in a new space: at least 9,000 square feet, ground-floor access with roll-up doors, light industrial or workshop zoning, room to refurbish, store and hand out bikes, transit or bike access and some retail space. It is open to a short or long lease, an underused public or private building or a building for sale on flexible terms. It also warned that some normal operations may pause or shrink during the transition. Check bikex.org for the current address and hours before you go.

What the shop does

• Bike donations. The shop accepts used bicycles and parts. Donors are asked to email photos and details first, because not every item can be used.
• Free bikes for people in need. Refurbished bikes are given away mainly through recipient organizations, community partners that connect riders with the shop.
• Used bikes and parts for sale. Sales help fund the program.
• Bike service. The shop offers repairs for customers.
• Repair classes and workdays. Free classes and volunteer sessions teach mechanical skills.

Shop visits are by appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You book a slot through the Square booking link on the website. The site does not list a phone number. Use the contact form on bikex.org instead.

Volunteering and events

Volunteers do most of the work. Volunteer mechanics repair donated bikes and dozens of other volunteers help with projects. The website keeps a volunteer calendar. The organization has also been hiring paid staff, with a shop mechanic opening posted in October 2026.

Events in 2026 show how active the group is:

• Thaco Thursdays with a View, a monthly social ride co-hosted with Western Wheelers on the third Thursday from May through October. It is aimed at intermediate riders, with routes of 20 to 30 miles.
• A Fall Swap Meet on October 18, 2026, in San Carlos.
• The 7th Annual Holiday Silent Auction, announced at the end of October 2026.

The group also lists support from local Kiwanis clubs and from Sports Basement's Basementeer program. It published its 2025 annual report and 2026 plan in February 2026.

Who it suits

The Bicycle Exchange is a good first stop for a student, a new resident or anyone on a budget who needs a working bike rather than a new one. It also suits people who want to learn to fix their own bike, since the classes and workdays are hands-on. If you are clearing out a garage, it is a practical place to donate a bike you no longer ride, as long as you email first. Riders shopping for a new high-end road or e-bike will find more choice at a full retail shop. Our bike shops and outdoor gear guide compares the options around town.

Tips for visiting

Book an appointment before you go. The shop is open only three afternoons a week and visits run through the online booking page. The East Bayshore Road site is on the east side of the city, well away from downtown, so most people arrive by car or bike. Once you have a bike, the flat bayside is an easy place to try it. Our guides to the San Francisco Bay Trail and biking in Palo Alto have routes and safety tips. Because the shop may move, confirm the address on the website the week of your visit.

Location and getting there

Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange is at 3961 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303, in the Charleston area of Palo Alto. Our Charleston guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the San Antonio Caltrain station (Mountain View), about 1.6 miles away. That is roughly a 41 minute walk or a short bike ride.

Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.

What is nearby

• Canopy, service business, under 0.1 mi
• Scientific Equipment Repair, service business, 0.5 mi
• Taco Bell, quick-service spot, 0.6 mi
• Hertz San Antonio Road, service business, 0.7 mi
• Body Kneads Day Spa, salon or spa, 0.7 mi
• Ramos Park, 0.5 mi
• Mitchell Park Library, 0.8 mi
• Mitchell Park and Magical Bridge, 0.9 mi

Other fitness, dance and martial arts nearby: Mike's Bikes of Palo Alto (1.0 mi); Winter Lodge (1.2 mi); RockSalt Pilates (1.5 mi); My Gym Palo Alto (1.5 mi). Browse the full fitness, dance and martial arts list.

Before you go

• Many studios offer a first class or trial pass. Ask before you buy a membership.
• Classes at popular times fill up, so book through the studio's app or website where that is offered.
• Bring water and check whether the studio provides mats, towels or rental gear.

About this listing

Checked October 29, 2026 against Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange website; About the Bicycle Exchange; SVBE is looking for a new home (September 2026). How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Frequently asked questions