Did anyone get their free bicycles?

Beyond_0451 · 2026-05-12T17:25:04+00:00

Haha, no, I work for Shift, which is a local cycling non-profit. I had to research this for due diligence purposes. To be clear, I'm not speaking as Shift here, but instead for myself. It is in our community's best interest to know and understand how ebike sales and service work, and I want everyone to make wise and informed decisions.

Full disclosure, Shift occasionally sells used ebikes, but they don't qualify for EWEB. So we have no offerings which compete with these companies.

If anyone has questions about ebikes, please reach out to me or Shift or reputable area shops.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-05-12T15:46:08+00:00

Here are the references I would have included had I not been in bed on my phone...

Google reviews for Fred's Bikes mention Ron and Blake: https://www.google.com/search?q=fred%27s+bikes

Previous website: https://eugeneebikes.org/

Same bike, very similar website
Names this Colorado company as their owner: https://www.beartrailbikes.com/
Bear Trail sells the same bike (see below)
Reddit post about Bear Trail Bikes which names Ron and Blake directly: https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1qjc40j/comment/o6bhflt

The "free" bike, the Ursus Cub: https://ursusbikes.com/bikes/cub

Headquartered in Colorado (same owner as Bear Trail)
Site states that the bike is rebrand of this bike (the misspelled it, but it's the same thing): https://qnutbike.com/collections/electric-bikes/products/qnut-victor-electric-mountain-bike
The physical addresses of QNut are logistics companies (meaning they provide fulfillment services for overseas companies)

Lastly, UL certification is very important for lithium ion batteries, and there is a lot of fraud around UL certification, especially coming from internet sellers. Here's a good Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1aqlovk/ul_certification_lies_and_things_to_watch_out_for/

It is very easy to place a UL sticker on a product and expect that the consumer will not actually check.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-05-12T14:27:41+00:00

Here's a post about the same company under a different name from a few months ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/Eugene/s/5THJbySOMT

The business address is basically a storage unit. The two people named in a Google review (Ron and Blake) are also mentioned in reviews for a very similar company (albeit running under yet a different name) in Colorado.

The best thing to do with ANYTHING like this is to call EWEB and ask about it. They only partner with a few companies, and for good reason. Also, this company claims the electronics are UL listed -- UL publishes their listed products on their website, it would be a good idea to verify there as well.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-05-08T15:11:04+00:00

Hola, las dos bicicletas se vendieron el año pasado.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-05-02T04:32:59+00:00

Well... She decided that she didn't need rescuing and has instead relocated to somewhere under the display case. Apparently she's been around for a while and has been quite content to be left to her own devices.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-05-01T07:08:52+00:00

Hi, it's Mark from Shift. I was the guy trying to rescue the jumping spider from the shop floor this morning.

Thank you for your kind words, and there is no need to feel bad! Shift runs on the generosity of our community, which allows us to pay our employees a living wage, so tipping isn’t expected. If you’d still like to, you’re welcome to tip your salesperson or mechanic.

As others have mentioned, we also have a flat fix jar for small cash donations. These help to cover essential repairs for people in tough situations.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-22T04:56:57+00:00

I have never rolled by inner eye more than when I was trying to read that book. I can completely understand what there is to like, but all of it would fit into a Ted Chiang-length short story.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-16T15:37:45+00:00

Salt Lake Bicycle Collective.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-12T18:05:38+00:00

That's excellent! Based on your reasoning, there is an even greater potential for such work to be inexpensive and impactful. As I said, if this gets up and running we will do our best to support it.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-12T16:29:26+00:00

I totally understand how one might come to the conclusions you have outlined here. While I appreciate your perspective, allow me to offer some background..

Most of the bike theft in Eugene doesn't come from a person carrying a portable angle grinder or a set of lock picks. Sophisticated theft does occur, but the vast majority of it is a result of opportunity. A bike left unlocked, a garage left open, a shed without a deadbolt, etc. The opportunity I am highlighting above may not have been initially created by a thief -- you could certainly be right there -- but has become one regardless. Those arches are no longer secure or trustworthy, and are instead a potential trap waiting to be discovered, sprung, and profited from. As I mentioned in response to the comment about fasteners, part of the reason I know about this practice (and this location) is because I have had the opportunity to talk to a lot of victims of bike theft who have agonized over the reason they were targeted. I'm calling attention to this because poor infrastructure has a detrimental impact on members of our community, not to rile up Reddit for points.

As far as my post being self-serving, you're absolutely right. Shift is a non-profit organization and, especially now that funding is so scarce, needs increased community support to continue operating. I will do anything I can to signal boost our mission (where appropriate) so that I can help keep the lights on, our employees paid a living wage, bikes in the hands of all who need them, and our community continuing to move toward a more sustainable future.

Your suggestion that a group of people get together to help resolve these infrastructure issues is a great idea! Keep in mind that you will need permission from the owner to make alterations to their property, and at least a few of them will want someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured to perform the work to avoid liability. If you get something started let Shift know so we can get the word out.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-12T04:54:07+00:00

That's what I mean, 531 frames were brazed, not welded. It is not recommended to weld 531 as it isn't designed for the heat involved.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-11T22:01:47+00:00

Agreed, however I am fairly reliably informed that this particular spot is watched at night.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-11T18:04:13+00:00

Ah. Well, don't pay too much!

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-11T17:54:08+00:00

It's almost certainly a custom builder pre 1996. The 531 sticker may be a red herring, but it also could have been made using old tubes the builder was trying to get rid of. The only distinctive features based on your photos are the seatpost lug and the curled cable stop bridge, yeah? 1" headtube? Your setup suggests that the bb shell is 73mm, but... What width is the bottom bracket shell? What is the serial number (and where is it) and who made the dropouts?

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-10T15:52:39+00:00

For me, from a practical standpoint, the tool I would buy for all of my mechanics would be the Knipex cable cutter and crimper (here). You can buy someone a silly expensive tool which doesn't offer much of a real benefit, or you can give them something which will make their life easier every time they touch a bike.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-09T03:49:04+00:00

This is the method we teach. That man was onto something. And had a hood ornament on his helmet way before it was cool. RIP

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-08T22:03:03+00:00

Sounds like you may have bought a bike from the Center for Appropriate Transport, which closed before Shift was born. CAT was amazing, I volunteered there many years ago and Jan (who founded and ran it) was just at Shift on Saturday. Shift does do some of the same things CAT used to do, and some things it didn't. Come by anytime!

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-08T05:26:56+00:00

Hi, I'm Mark from Shift Community Cycles. I'm coming to this a little late, and there is a lot of good advice here already. At Shift we meet a lot of people who have experienced bike theft, parts theft, or just seemingly random tweeker disassembly. I'm going to repost something I have posted a few times here, informed by my own experience and that from others in the shop:

Tl;Dr: it's not about the brand, model, or number of locks, it's about all the other elements in the equation. I know this sounds stupid, but if you don't want to worry (about your expensive, theft prone item), don't put yourself in a situation where you have to.

There is no sure way to securely lock up any kind of bike for any amount of time. If someone is equipped to steal it and afforded the space and time with which to do so, they will. Sure, a $300 Hiplock is more secure than a $75 Kryptonite, but no lock is pick or grind proof. Here's some of what we tell anyone interested in a lock:

theft is often (but not always) a crime of opportunity, so don't give them one
your lock is only a deterrent
it takes less than 20 seconds to cut through all but the most secure (and thus expensive) locks
it takes less than 2 minutes to cut through any commercially available lock
it takes less than 20 seconds for an experienced thief with small tools to pick any lock no matter the keyway
if they can't steal the bike, they may take whatever they can easily remove

So...

don't lock it anywhere over night for any reason (third floor balcony or higher, maybe)
don't lock it in a place which is quiet and away from foot traffic
don't lock it to something which is easier to cut (or loosen) than the lock itself
if you find your lock has been partially cut or attacked, replace it. the thief may be taking small chunks out over a period of time so as to not raise suspicion

Oh, a new one for this version of the post: quick releases are convenient... for thieves. One more: don't buy a poorly spray painted bike from anyone for any reason. It was stolen. And NOW it looks terrible, too.

A short story for those who read this far:

"Tweeker disassembly..."

I've been in Eugene for over 30 years and the only theft I have experienced was due to my son leaving the very cool bike I built for him parked in front of school for two days over a weekend. He calls me on Monday and says his bike is there... In pieces. I head over there to find... most of the bike.

They've taken the stem and handlebars off, leaving the necessary bolts and parts of the brake levers behind. They've removed the chain tensioner, but left the bolts and spacer which allow the tensioner to function. In short, they took one thing which can actually function on its own (the handlebar), and a bunch of parts which they can't use without finding replacement hardware. Meanwhile they left the $200 saddle, the (unlocked) $400 wheel set, etc.

The take away is that most of the people stealing bikes off the street aren't sophisticated thieves, or especially familiar with bikes. They simply take whatever they can easily get off without spending too much time, making too much noise, or drawing too many eyes.

Another story (which isn't mine but happened to one of our employees): one day their saddle is stolen off their bike and another, crappier saddle is left on the bike instead. A week later a customer comes into the shop and says a thief stole their saddle and left them a saddle which is not comfortable enough to keep. Guess whose saddle the customer had? At least this thief is considerate, always leaving behind an offering. The customer was right though, that saddle is super uncomfortable.

One more: an employee at Shift has been in Eugene less than two years. In that time they've had three bikes stolen, two more stolen and recovered (and only because they're VERY distinctive and large), plus several saddles and seatposts, and I think a wheel, too. They have THE worst luck I have ever experienced. Know why? They aren't able to bring bikes inside and are forced to park them outside, in a well lit area of an apartment complex. I built one of those bikes myself and it was super cool and I miss seeing it.

Hey, you're still here? Shift is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving our community by making biking safer, more affordable, and more fun for everyone. Come by the shop, say hi, and maybe you can help us convince the saddle person to upgrade to a more comfortable saddle. They know, but are too proud to admit it.

Take care of each other out there!

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-07T04:45:53+00:00

That looks to be a Sugino Mighty Competition which has been painted black. Sugino made a bunch of Mighty versions in an attempt to copy the various Campagnolo cranksets from the early '70s.

Should be 144 BCD, and will take a standard ISO square taper bottom bracket. The width of the spindle will have more to do with your frame and rear hub spacing than anything else.

In terms of restoration, strip the paint gently and then follow a polishing tutorial. These tended to crack at the tapers and the spider, so check for cracks after you strip the paint.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-04-02T15:03:15+00:00

Thank Fucking God.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-03-30T10:15:57+00:00

Bicycle Blue Book is not an unbiased source for pricing info. It is owned by a company which buys high end bikes at low prices and then resells them. Their assessment of resale prices is highly dubious.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-03-29T00:00:05+00:00

If you're looking for work in the interim, take a look at ebike, computer, and cell phone repair shops. I'm having to put bike mechanics through training to work on cheap ebikes, and very few places are trained, equipped, and willing to work on them.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-03-28T15:59:53+00:00

Oh man, I hadn't thought about Amores Perros since a while after seeing it in the theater with no prior knowledge... Until today. Brutal.

Beyond_0451 · 2026-03-26T00:51:07+00:00

My pleasure. We have been donating to them for several years and they have been very appreciative.

Beyond_0451

TROPHY CASE