About us
We're a friendly DIY community bike workshop in Colchester city centre run completely by volunteers. For a suggested donation of just £5 (or whatever you can afford) you can make use of our fully equipped workshop to work on your bike, either on your own or under the supervision of one of our mechanics. No need to book, just drop in whenever we're open.
What is a bike kitchen?
A Bike Kitchen is a safe, friendly, community space where you can fix your own bike. We're not a bike shop. Instead, CBK is a DIY workshop run by volunteers with a focus on education. We won't do repairs for you or offer warranties but we promise you'll learn about your bike and how to fix it.
A team of experienced volunteers
Our volunteers have a wealth of knowledge in cycle maintenance. Most of our volunteers have a recognised cycle mechanic qualification and between us there’s bags of experience. Importantly we love to share that knowledge. From a safety check or fixing a puncture to getting your brakes or gears working perfectly, there’s always someone on hand to meet you and your bike!
Why visit the bike kitchen?
Visit us to access tools without having to buy them yourself and get guidance on how to fix your own bicycle. Get involved in our community-focused workshops or classes, and be part of the cycling community in Colchester.
Expert help
There is always a qualified cycle mechanic on duty to help out
Access to tools
We have all the tools a well equipped cycle workshop should have
Join a community
We are all learning together and everyone is welcome
Learn bike DIY
Learn as you go or attend a class
Our mission
Since our founding in 2015 we’ve been all about empowering you with the confidence and skills to learn how to look after and fix your own bike. We are open for anyone regardless of race, background, gender, orientation, faith or means.
Support us and support the Colchester cycling community
Colchester Bike Kitchen exists only with your support. By making a donation you help us pay the bills. By completing our feedback form when you visit, you help us make the case for funding. By Volunteering with us we can continue to offer our services and support the community. If you want to help or have ideas then get in touch!
How we’ve helped Colchester
We're really proud of the impact CBK has every year
Memberships
If you’re a regular visitor, membership is great way to support the work we do whilst saving money on workshop fees. A membership can also make a great gift for the cycling fan in your life! Membership is easy to setup via our payment service and you can cancel whenever you wish.
What our visitors say…
Some feedback from some of our recent workshop visits
As always, fantastic service and a great help! It has made a world of difference! I’m always blown away by the professionalism and real passion for bikes!
The guys in the Bike Kitchen were absolutely brilliant today with a tricky problem with my bike. Can't praise them enough for their skill and patience. Thank you.
Exemplary service, friendly staff and high quality bike knowledge! Will recommend to anyone I know who owns a bike!
Our supporters
We're lucky to have the support of some great organisations
How funding helps
Funding and donations help in some keys ways
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Tools & parts
Thanks to funding Colchester Bike Kitchen is a well equipped workshop. If you're struggling to cover the cost of parts, we often have funding to help.
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Events & classes
Wherever possible we aim to offer our classes for free and run events in the community with support from our funders.
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Workshop facilities
Funding literally pays the bills, keeps the lights on and the tea flowing.
Our latest news & advice
There always something happening at CBK. Subscribe to our occasional newsletter to keep up-to-date.