Free Wheel is the perfect spot for anyone who is a) on a budget, and b) wants to learn more about bikes. Free Wheel re-uses lots of spare parts for free, making bikes accessible to the community; they also will help you fix your own bikes if youre interested, and run classes for the community.

Freewheel as usual you Rock!! Found me tires that fit. Gave me a discount on one (it was dusty?) Did not make fun of all the stuff I didnt know--- taught me some things.Told me how I could fix the gears on my other bike for so much less than I thought.** always funny greasy boys.

Predatory eBay practices. Active ad asking $490+ for a used Trek 1400 frame/fork in rough shape. A quick google or eBay search will show Trek 1400’s in better shape, built up, and ready to ride going for far less than this. Listed as a touring bike except the 1400 is a road/racing bike that has no eyelets for racks or fenders. Please do better.In response to owner: I wish this “market rate” was true, a lot of things in my junk pile that no one wants would turn into precious treasures. But I understand that this is your store, you set the price. Fair enough. At least correct the listing, once again it is NOT a touring bike in any shape or form. Please update this.

If you like rude, intimidating, & condescending customer service this is the bike shop to patronize. Ive never been previously condescended to on such level as I was at this shop. I later learned I had communicated w/ one of its directors! Wow. I understand that running a business at this time may be arduous, but that does Not warrant talking to someone the way they spoke to me. 2 stars because a community bike co-op like this should exist in every city. Also, its interesting that one of the 5 star reviews here (google) is from someone w/ the same last name as one of the directors.

One star. I applaud whatever charitable work this organization does but I have to take issue with its executive director. His marketing on ebay of his products is often fraudulent. He regularly lists a bicycle frame as being manufactured by Campagnolo and Campagnolo has never made a frame in its history. He claims this is appropriate because the drop outs are labeled Campagnolo, as they are on literally thousands of frames.When informed that this means Campagnolo made the drop outs he nonetheless still represents that Campagnolo made the frame. If Campagnolo made a frame it would be extremely rare and valuable. When his falsehood is pointed out to him, he digs in his heels and refuses to learn or correct his false statement. Having created the possibility that a naive person might be misled into thinking Campagnolo actually manufactured the frame, he offers the item at 6 times its value-further suggesting its rare and valuable He commonly lists any bicycle with eyelets as a touring bicycle, even racing frames, because hes ignorant of the fact that many vintage racing frames had eyelets because old time racers put fenders on in the winter. His pricing of many products on ebay make no sense, are sometimes $1000 over priced, and simply absurd. The charity work of this organization is hurt, at least at times, by this executive director.

Free wheel by far is one of the best community bike shop and service in the Madison area. I know the owner personally and every time I see or hear about him he goes above and beyond for his customers. I especially like that he can set up someone with a bike if they are in need and cannot afford normal pricing.

Not sure about the physical location but as someone else stated: predatory ebay practices.I ordered a used bike from them, glad to help out a good cause. When my bike arrived it didn’t have parts that were in the photo, it was rusted, the tires were shot as well as the brakes were a joke. They sent me a frame.I attempted a return and sent pictures and they kept asking for more photos.Finally eBay stepped in and allowed the beginning of the refund.A week later I get an email saying I only got a partial refund because all items weren’t returned (they were) .Somewhere in here was an aggressive message saying I didn’t know what I was doing trying to install it “unprofessionally” as well but that parts a blur because I’m trying to block out this beyond aweful experience.eBay ended up stepping up again and I did get the full refund: but absolutely awful practices by these guys/girls.I would not do any business with these bafoons again and I can’t wait to stop in and see them when I visit my brother in college-maybe they’ll be nicer in person.Edit: just saw their response. The level of unprofessionalism continues! I sent them exactly what they sent me. And I never threatened them. In fact, please show me the threatening messages I sent you. I’ll wait.

So many extraordinary people, with good experiences and great advice. I dont know if I have ever been to a better special interest forum, but I know there are few as good as this.

This place is great. Ive gone in there a few times, and they always have super-reasonable prices on bike parts. Once, I needed new cones for my rear wheel (I didnt even know what they were called when I went in). They handed me a box of them, and I found what I needed. The next time, I needed different wheels for my bike. They gave me a pair of nice used ones for $40 (they also have free ones available) and showed me how to true them! Other places quoted me $60-$100 per wheel to fix it. Im not sure why people would go anywhere else.

Awesome people and service!

The staff at this bike shop are a really helpful and fun bunch. I went in on a Wednesday night when they have open shop time and teach a bike mechanics class. Tim, the friendly staff member who was working that night, refreshed my memory on how to true a wheel and he taught me several other things too. I love the fact that this bike shop encourages people to learn about bike mechanics, they have taught over 5,000 people! Plus they have given away over 12,000 bikes in the community since 2003. You can tell the people here really want to help others, and spread the joy of cycling! Also, they have great prices on used bikes and used parts, plus they sell some new parts too. From now on when i need something, this is the bike shop I will go to!

They have pretty predatory prices on used goods. Where trying to get 5k out of a Bontrager bike that never even retailed for that when new 25 years ago. I wouldn’t trust them on used item prices. Check around before purchasing from them. The prices they have on eBay show that they’re using donations to make some pretty good money off their charitable front in Madison. Be weary of donating to them as they are turning it for high profits online.

Bought a used road bike frame here and built it into a complete bike in two days at the shop, scavenging parts and components that were either free or fairly priced. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, and can assist you in deciding what you really want to get out of your bike. Many frames and parts to choose from, most are used but they sell some new stuff too. This is a shop, so expect a little dirt, grease, and random screws and cabling laying around. Come and get your hands dirty.

This place was awesome and helped my kids with some bikes pulled up feeling like it was a bust looked like a junk yàrd but some nice people helped us out cleaned up and fixed up bikes with my kids they are 5 and 3 and can say they helped build their own bike I think that is the coolest thing ever

When I first walked into Freewheel I was promptly greeted by someone thats now a good friend whos helped me through some hard times. He asked what I needed and explained how the shop works. If you dont have the money you could exchange work hours for the fix instead! What an awesome concept! You could either have them do the work for you or you could have them show you how to do it yourself. Not many places are so generous/affordable. That was well over 6 years ago and Freewheel has been the only place I go to for bike repairs, purchases or info ever since. Ive heard they even offer classes sometimes too! Freewheel is a vital part of the community and should definitely be supported.

I havent been in for a while, but this place is looking really good. The parts are all in categories and are very easy to find (if you cant theyll take you to it.) Vintage, modern, or in between they have a little of it all. Having the repair service at the same stop is nice too.

Great program if you can find them open. Ive tried numerous times at the posted times and continuously nobody there. Phone calls go unanswered, never found anyone to answer a phone. People around saying nobody has been there. There are parts sitting outside from donations. So when IS anyone there?All are volunteers, understood but someone is funding this. Some government agency we are all paying for. Do they know the money they shell out for this great community service is being abused? I cant even get in the new place, nobody is there. At the old place we could visit when hours were posted and had no issue. This is ridiculous.I would gladly volunteer to keep it open. Ill look into that.

Great service. The guy who helped us was extremely helpful in giving information and estimating prices (which, by the way, are very high for what you get). Building is confusing and hard to find. Its way down a gravel drive way mixed in with other buildings. Inside, bikes and parts are randomly strewn around, no real walkways, and there are no labels or anything like that. You can test ride the bikes on the gravel driveway, but you need to carry them down the stairs. A lot of the bikes dont have enough air or are broken.

Got to know these guys through ebay. It was a super positive experience. They are driven by their mission, super friendly, and willing to take time to help you with your needs. If I am even in Wisconsin, Im definitely heading in.

Built a bike from the frame up in their Sunday class. Was very impressed by the caliber of knowledge and helpfulness I found there. Very pleased with the finished bicycle as well. Thanks!

So helpful! The folks that run their classes/workshops are really great, and made sure my bike was safe and that I learned how to maintain everything properly.

I dont know. This place isnt what it used to be at all. I thought the worker was pushy and acted like a know-it-all, like a bad salesman. Always trying to sell you something and interjecting what would be best for you. It seemed to be all about the money. He took everything as a challenge it seemed. He knows it all because of all of his experience, apparently. It was a one-way interaction.I wont go back or recommend the place to anyone.

They have been there every time I needed them and calling ahead doesnt hurt to make sure they will be there the days I get out of work late.They have great rates for tuneups and will happily teach you to work on your bike if you have the time and willingness to learn. I think Ive bought parts, had a tuneup and also learned to build a bike there and cant recommend this place enough.

Hands down this was the best experience Ive had with a Bike Shop. Freewheel is so much more than a bike shop, and though I couldnt learn how to fix my bike that day, Vince did an excellent job!!! Not only was the problem I came in for fixed, but other problems that were also causing problems. Thanks for being so helpful and friendly and fixing my older Schwinn up in no time!

Most knowledgeable bike builder clerks ever. Friendly. Decent selection of used and vintage bikes. Great place to custom build.

Freewheel has something for everyone at any budget! Everyone in the shop is so friendly and knowledgeable, and their classes are free and very informative.

Very helpful people. Great classes. Affordable.

What pretentious staff. Ill use the Google device, thanks.

Super helpful and laid back. Very informative and good instructors for the free classes.

Best shop in madison!!! Very knowledgeable, friendly staff who can help with just about any question or problem. Prices are extremely fair or free from the bins! Love diggin thru the part bins lol. I dont go anywhere else :)

Free bike workshop. Knowledgeable staff. Hip atmosphere. Love it.

Hidden gem, kinda wierd location but nice shop that supports the community and helps people get bikes. If you need help with your bike, go here. Wierd hours too

Very friendly people, good prices too.

Best place ever! Friendly people and super helpful

I signed up for the Sunday Build a Bike class and had a great experience. Class got underway and the expert technician, Brel, helped me transfer some parts from a damaged bike of mine to a free used frame. I bought a new drivetrain from Freewheel and completed the bike that day. I intend to use the bike I built for commuting in Madisons winter snow. The shop is run alongside a used bike shop, Bike Right, and Brel was stretched pretty thin that day dealing with paying clients and the folks taking the free class. I recommend Freewheel for folks with a little bit of time to spare and who are in need of a commuting bike.

Awesome staff, very knowledgeable and friendly. Can be time consuming with an almost unlimited number of options as well as bikes to look at.

The most helpful and kind people Ive ever met.

Love this place, its a great part of the Madison biking community.

The best people with excellent bikes and service.

A supportive shop with an interesting layout to browse.

Very helpful staff, all the tools you need

Very interesting place to learn.

Great concept, lots of bike parts!

Awesome place.

Terrible

An excellent service and sometimes offer free service