Business Details
28 Years
experience
Bicycle Recycling and Repair Services in St. Paul
Founded in 1998, Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles operates as a break-even business dedicated to recycling discarded bicycles and providing them to individuals in need regardless of socioeconomic status. We collect reusable bicycles from community recycling events and donations, repair them using salvaged parts, and distribute over 8,000 bicycles to date. Our services include paid repair work at $28 per hour, sales of used parts and bicycles, and specialty items crafted from repurposed components.All labor is volunteer-driven, with 90% of revenue covering operational costs and 10% donated to charity. We prioritize community impact through partnerships with social service agencies and maintain a commitment to environmental sustainability by diverting thousands of pounds of metal from landfills. Our operations are managed by co-founders Michael and Benita Warns, who reinvest all profits into fulfilling our mission.
Services
Bicycle recycling
Repair services
Parts sales
Bicycle donations
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have distributed over 8,000 recycled bicycles since 1998
- 10% of all revenue directly supports charitable organizations
- Volunteer-run operations ensure maximum resource allocation to our mission
- Environmental focus diverts thousands of pounds of metal from landfills annually
- Partnerships with social service agencies expand our community impact
What people say
Changed his life
Great opportunity to shop
Affordable bicycles available
Valuable community resource
Appreciate donation efforts
Services
Bicycle recycling
We collect discarded bicycles from community events and donations, refurbishing them for redistribution. Our process salvages usable parts from beyond-repair bikes to support ongoing repairs. This environmentally conscious approach keeps metal out of landfills while providing transportation solutions.
Repair services
Professional repair services available at $28 per hour labor rate with parts charged separately. Our volunteers handle everything from basic tune-ups to complex frame repairs using recycled components. Appointments required for in-shop work with masks mandatory during indoor visits.
Parts sales
Extensive inventory of new-old-stock and used bicycle parts including rare vintage components. Current offerings feature Mafac brakes, Schwinn racks, and specialty items like BMX handlebar pads. Online store ships select items while local customers access larger inventory through scheduled appointments.
Bicycle donations
Accepting quality adult bicycles April through winter months for redistribution. We prioritize mountain/hybrid/comfort bikes in good condition with complete components. Donation appointments required with specific criteria outlined on our website to ensure usable inventory for our giveaway programs.
Community outreach
Partnering with local agencies to distribute bicycles in bulk quantities for client assistance programs. Our ministry-focused model gives away approximately 90% of received bicycles while sales revenue sustains operations. Special initiatives provide bikes for holiday distributions and transitional housing residents.
People
Michael Warns
Co-Founder
Co-founder with Benita Warns since 1998, Michael started bicycle recycling after helping a neighborhood child. He oversees technical operations and community outreach, maintaining daily involvement in shop activities and donation coordination.
Benita Warns
Co-Founder
Co-founder with Michael Warns, Benita manages administrative operations and community partnerships. Actively involved in social service collaborations and charity initiatives, she ensures the organization maintains its mission-focused approach while handling day-to-day business logistics.
Questions
How can I obtain a free bicycle?
Our individual waitlist is closed. Social service agencies may request bulk bicycle allocations starting April 2025. Contact us directly for agency distribution details.
Do you accept bicycle donations year-round?
We only accept donations April 1 - winter months. Check our website criteria for acceptable bike types and schedule appointments by phone.
What repair services do you offer?
Professional bike repairs at $28/hour labor rate with parts charged separately. Appointments required for in-shop services with limited outdoor sales events on Sundays.
Are parts available for purchase online?
Select components ship online including NOS parts and accessories. Larger inventory requires in-person shopping by appointment at our St. Paul location.
How does your charity program work?
10% of all revenue directly supports charitable causes. We also give away approximately 90% of received bicycles through agency partnerships and community initiatives.
Can I schedule emergency bike repairs?
We don't offer emergency services. All repair appointments require advance scheduling with shop hours limited to Sunday outdoor sales and by-appointment visits.
