February 21, 2025
The late and lamented Hub Bike Shop's used bike parts drawers
Recently, I've written about refurbishing old bike parts and how many vintage components will last almost forever with a little maintenance once in a while. Likewise, buying used bike parts is often an affordable way to build or repair a bike. At least, if you know where to look.
Unfortunately, we recently lost two of our best sources for used parts. The Hub Co-op closed last year, which is a real loss. Their used parts department was always well stocked, well organized, and affordable. And, when One on One Bike Studio relocated from the North Loop to Longfellow several years ago, they discontinued their legendary basement full of parts.
But, despair not! There's still plenty of places to find parts without resorting to eBay. Here's a possibly incomplete list:
Express Bike Shop
Express Bikes on Selby and Dunlap in Saint Paul
Express Bikes in Saint Paul tops my list because they're directly on my commute, they're super friendly, and they have a huge selection with very fair prices. As part of the nonprofit Keystone Community Services, Express offers youth apprenticeships as well as a wide selection of refurbished used bikes.
The bikes and parts they sell are all from donations--they're a great place to donate any unwanted bike. Their parts use a handy color-coded pricing system and staff are always willing to help you find what you need. They also carry a selection of new accessories like helmets, bar tape, and lovely Louis & Joy handlebar bags, made in Roseville.
Mr. Michaels Recycles Bicycles
The one and only Mr. Michael helping customers in his garage full of bike parts
I'm also a frequent customer of Mr. Michaels Recycles Bicycles on Prior Avenue just south of University in Saint Paul. Unlike other shops, they're only open once a week on Sunday afternoons, although you'll want to check their Facebook page before heading over. Sometimes Michael Warns and his wife Benita are out of town.
Visiting Mr. Michaels is kinda like visiting family. Benita is welcoming and talkative while Michael is quiet and almost always in the middle of a repair project. But he'll drop everything to help a customer find a part or give advice. I once saw him help a walk-in customer replace a broken wheel on a 1960s Schwinn with a three speed hub. I think it's quite possible Michael's the only bike tech in town who could do this job and it only took about ten minutes. The customer left with a new wheel and tire and I don't think Michael charged her a dime.
Bins of parts at Mr. Michaels
In fact, the main purpose of Mr. Michaels is to give away repaired bikes to people in need. They fix up and give away hundreds of bikes every year. But, they're also a great place to find parts if you're willing to dig a little. Since COVID, they do all their business out back behind their shop outside their garage, which is stuffed full of parts. When you find what you need, Michael's prices are the best in town. Plus, they've got a lot of obscure parts that you won't likely find anywhere else.
Recovery Bike Shop
Recovery Bike Shop at Central and Lowry in Northeast Minneapolis
Recovery Bike Shop in Northeast is another excellent resource. Like Express, they refurbish and sell hundreds of used bikes and offer a well organized selection of affordable used parts. Unlike other shops, Recovery lists its higher end components on eBay. So, if you're looking for something specific, you can find it online and save on shipping by picking it up at the shop. The downside to this, however, is that you won't find as many treasures hidden in Recovery's bins.
Recovery's simple pricing system
But there's still plenty to find! I've had particular luck with brake calipers and delailleurs. Like Express, Recovery also offers reasonably priced new parts and accessories. But possibly the best part of visiting Recovery is perusing their huge selection of used bikes. They seem to take in a lot of really nice bikes!
Bins of parts at Recovery
Full Cycle Bike Shop
Full Cycle Bike Shop on Chicago and 36th in Minneapolis
Since it's a bit further afield for me, I've only been to Full Cycle a couple of times. But I was impressed each time with the sheer selection of parts, which are well organized and affordable. They keep their high end parts in glass cabinets instead of listing them on eBay and there are definitely treasures to be found.
Full Cycle's used parts bins
Like Express, Full Cycle also runs a youth apprenticeship program. And, like Mr. Michaels, they give away hundreds of bikes per year to people in need. If you're in South Minneapolis, this is your shop.
Johnny Rock Bikes
Johnny Rock Bikes in Bloomington
I recently paid a trip to Johnny Rock Bikes near Old Cedar and Old Shakopee roads in Bloomington. Johnny is Jonathan Minks, who lists a lot of his parts on Facebook Marketplace. His shop sells nicely refurbished used bikes, but his used parts mostly aren't on display.
I happened to catch him on a winter night just as he was leaving, looking for a wheelset for my Lotus Legend. Johnathan took off his coat and gave me a complete tour of his inventory. Unfortunately, he didn't have what I needed. But, when I mentioned I also needed a crankset, he disappeared briefly and reappeared with a beautiful Sugino Mighty with drillium Campagnolo chainrings. I had to buy it. On my way out, I got distracted by a 70s Kabuki Diamond Formula with Suntour Cyclone components. Obviously, I'll have to be careful visting Johnny Rock.
Johnny Rock also has a shop in Hopkins, but Jonathan told me he's moving most of his used parts to his Bloomington shop, which is larger.
A few other resources
I recently heard through a friend that Camden Cycles in North Minneapolis is also worth a visit.
I should note that every shop I've mentioned not only sells bikes and parts, but also offers very affordable repair services. All of them know more about fixing older bikes than any of our local chain stores, which only seem to understand newer bikes.
Finally, if you're still using Facebook, I'd recommend the Twin Cities Bicycle Trading Post. It's an offshoot of the old MSP Bike Love website and a very supportive community of local bike peeps.
If I've missed anything here (which I'm sure I have!), please let me know in the comments or on Bluesky. Happy repairs! Keep the rubber side down.