One of our Localcycling.com teammates, Sam Swearngin, is part of an organization that is working to help people of all economic backgrounds with reliable bicycles. RevolveKC has made a significant impact on our community.
We asked Sam to tell us about the programs and services that Revolve offers. We encourage you to share this resource with those that might find it valuable AND consider the shop as your destination for donating bicycles and parts.
“Who we are: Since 2011, we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit servicing the community.
Mission: We are Kansas City’s simple solution for healthy lifestyles and affordable, earth-friendly transportation! We are the gateway drug to get Kansas City cycling.
We survive on your generous donations of bicycles, bicycle parts, tools and accessories.
Our programs:
Earn-A-Bike (EAB) Program: The Earn-A-Bike program is intended to serve individuals that cannot or chose not to own a motor vehicle.
EAB Program Fees: $60 to $0. If a person is a resident in good standing at one of our partner shelters the fee is waived.
EAB -What it includes: A no name brand functioning bicycle and a helmet. One free service adjustment within one year of purchase. (Does not include tire punctures, crashes, or clear signs of abuse) Discounts on repairs. We will not turn anyone away; please speak to an employee about the Fee.
EAB Program Details
- Take the online bicycle safety test at www.Bikeed.org. Pass every section with at least a 85%. Do not complete the test if you have not completed and passed each section. Please select Kansas City as your region when you register on this site.
- Take a picture or a screen shot of the test summary page that shows your name and test results. Email the picture to Revolve at info@revolvekc.org. Include your full name and your height.
- Someone from Revolve will respond and let you know when we have a bike available.
- Bring your $60 program fee in cash (credit card is ok or a business check). Show the Revolve employee the picture/screen shot of your test summary page.
- You will be fitted with a bicycle and helmet. Locks are available for purchase for $35.
Please Note: The bikes typically available in the Earn-a-Bike Program are refurbished bikes from no name brand manufacturers such as Huffy, Roadmaster, Murray, Next, Magna, etc. On average, EAB participants report investing 2-3 hours to complete the online test. Also, it can be a challenge to accommodate individuals taller than 6ft in the Earn-a-Bike Program. We’ll put you on the tallest bike we have at the time you complete the program.
Bike Service And Repairs: Using a mix of used and new parts we service low-end, entry level bicycles and non-collector older bicycles. If the repair goes beyond the value of the bicycle we let the customer know and let them decide whether to proceed with repairs or purchase a used bicycle from or inventory to keep them on the road.
Bike Sales: Revolve does NOT buy bicycles or consider monetary value for bicycle trade ins! Other than new parts we only accept bicycle and bicycle part donations to refurbish our bikes that we sell. We must buy some new parts such as chains, tires, tubes, and brakes and shift components. Our special service to the community is our ability to effectively refurbish bikes using a mix of used and new parts, then proving them to our community at an affordable price point. Refurbished bicycles come with a one free service adjustment within one year of purchase. (Does not include tire punctures, crashes, or clear signs of abuse)
Revolve, Inc. 5509 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64110
816-599-5644
