A new home for a Northside bike repair fixture

You may see a new bike shop as you stroll or roll down East Ohio St in Pittsburgh’s East Allegheny neighborhood, but Makeshift the Northside Community Bike Repair Project has been serving residents of Northside neighborhoods in various locations for years.

This project has existed in shifting capacity for almost seven years now- out of different homes, a lot of that time as a pop-up repair stand, but at every stage dedicated to bike repair in the Northside and helping folks interested in learning more about maintaining their bikes. – makeshiftbikes.com

Despite its miles of river trails, bikeways, and treelined neighborhood streets, the Northside has often lacked the proximity to bike shops of other Pittsburgh neighborhoods. And with the closing of the beloved Bear Dog Bikes, Makeshift is needed now more than ever to support the Northside’s many cyclists.

A tradition of bike maintenance and empowerment

Aryn Gaslowitz, the driving force behind Makeshift, is a familiar face as a volunteer, presenter, instructor, and mechanic with BikePGH who often provides bike mechanic know-how and support at events such as Open Streets, Operation Illumination, and The WMNBikePGH Summit. Aryn, who can often be seen at events and farmer’s markets towing a mobile shop behind her with a bike trailer, is looking forward to Makeshift’s new brick-and-mortar space. Not your typical bike shop, Makeshift is focused on reuse, affordable repairs, and hands-on learning through regular classes. Makeshift can be supported through membership and donations of lightly-used bikes, parts, and tools. Find out more about membership, classes, and services at makeshiftbikes.com, or pay them a visit at their new storefront!

📍 Visit Makeshift Bikes: 431 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Phone– (412) 586-5410

Email– makeshiftbikes@protonmail.com

Instagram– @makeshiftbikes

Shop Hours: Subject to change

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays, 11 am – 6 pm

Saturdays 10 am -4 pm