Good Karma Bikes — Attraction in San Jose

Wish I could give 6 stars!

I was looking at Brompton folding bikes, but at $1200 for the entry level model, I was holding back ... some things about them I like (internal hub, apparently built very well) some things I did not (16" wheels, and they're pretty heavy, at least the entry level model is).

So I dropped by here to look at 20-inch bikes, thinking, I'm fairly small and maybe I could get a BMX bike or something for a 2nd, back-up bike that's easy to take on the train. I told them my thoughts, looked at their 20-inchers and didn't see anything I liked, and the guy said, "Wait a minute, we've got something that just came in today". He went in back and brought out a Mobic folding bike. It looked pretty good, and pretty light too. I asked what kind of price we're looking at here and he said if I was willing to buy it as-is, $100. Sold! I paid for it then and there, and said I'd be back on Tuesday (today) to pick it up.

I went down there on the light rail today and went and picked it up. Since it was being sold as-is, and since it's pretty much the opposite of my main bike, an Electra cruiser with big saddlebags, I did not assume the bike would be ride-able. But it was. I was able to ride it back to my shop in North San Jose which was a nice way to see how it handles things like strong headwinds, railroad tracks, potholes, etc. These things are handled very well.

I have watched Good Karma go from a pretty rustic setup in an old warehouse to larger and nicer on Lincoln Avenue, to their present location across from Diridon Station. I like the new location because it's easy to get to by CalTrain, the light rail, or a number of VTA bus routes.

They're well worth visiting, if you need a bike and are low income, I'm pretty sure they'll work with you or even set you up with a bike so you can get to work etc., and they're a much, much better option to donate your old bike to than the "big industrial" charities.

Edit: Thanks for the nice reply! I looked around last night for a new front wheel I'd bought during Covid, that's for a brakeless front wheel bike, so not right for my main bike, but I think I gave it away to someone. But I come across bike stuff and have bike stuff that I won't need in a few years when I leave the area, so I'll try to bring you buys bike stuff as I come across it or no...

I recently purchased a used bike from Good Karma Bikes and had a great experience. Kenneth, Lisa, and crew were friendly and helpful, and they took the time to make sure that I found the right bike for my needs. The bike was in great condition, and I'm very happy with my purchase.

Here are some specific examples of what I liked about Good Karma Bikes:

-The price was very reasonable. I got a great deal on a quality bike. -The shop was clean and well-organized. It was easy to find what I was looking for. -Purchasing from them is a way to support them providing free bicycle repair and education to low-income individuals and families in the San Jose area. -They showed me how to maintain key parts on my bike, and I feel more confident that I can now do important basic repairs on my own.

I would highly recommend Good Karma Bikes to anyone looking for a used bike. They had a wide variety of bikes to choose from, and the staff was knowledgeable and trustworthy. I saw them valuing people having a positive biking experience more than profit, in line with their mission as a non-profit. I'm glad that I found Good Karma Bikes, and I would definitely use them again...

I had a wonderful experience at this place. This was my first stop for bike shopping as they are non-profit and I wanted to check it out. They had a small selection for new and used bike, but I really liked a brand new Univega they had in store at the time. Didn't purchase it as I didn't want to commit without checking a few more options. So after visiting a few more stores in the area, I went back to them to see if they still had the Univega but it was gone (I suppose all good bikes do go fast), so I ended up purchasing a used bike from them, they adjusted it to my liking. Day 1- took it for a ride, rear tire went flat as it went over a stone accidently, so took it back to them within the week of purchase, and guess my surprise spotted the Univega bike I was after in the box waiting to be assembled. Couldn't help myself, so went for it and asked them to assemble it for me. Had no issues trading in my 1 week old used bike. Fantastic experience! I just hope they keep up the good work and continue to provide great quality service in...