Crystal City Fixtation Soft Launch

[Henry]

Riders:

We got the Bike Fixtation in the Crystal City Water Park (right off the Mt Vernon Trail connector) up and running yesterday with a limited supply of stuff (tubes, tools, Clif bars, etc). It’s cash-only right now as we’re having issues with the credit card reader. Hope to have those kinks worked out next week and will fill out the trays in the coming days/weeks as we see what the demand is.

The public tool stand and pump is also installed.

Please swing by and give the machine and tools a try. Let us know what you think.

Any issues? Please email me at henry@phoenixbikes.org

Henry

Topic

[PotomacCyclist]

I like the setup, although I didn’t use anything yet.

Some suggestions:

– Put the more fragile items on the bottom rows of the machine. This would include bike lights and anything else that could be damaged from falling from the top rows. I would put the Clif Shots, gels and tubes on the upper rows, since those are unlikely to get damaged from falling.

– How about chocolate chip flavor Clif bars?

– I don’t remember if I saw patch kits in the vending machine. If they aren’t there already, those would be useful items to stock.

I had another suggestion but I can’t remember it now. I’ll post it when it comes back to me.

[Tim Kelley]

More photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/CrystalCityBID/RideFixtation

[KLizotte]

I’m super excited about the fix it station. Will be much more convenient for me to check out strange noises and squeaks than dragging out my heavy and unwieldy stand in the garage. Thanks Arlington!

[PotomacCyclist]

Are there 650c tubes? Some of us still use them.

I saw that the credit card reader is now working. Cool!

[KLizotte]

I would suggest putting signage on the side of the box (that faces the MUP) that says something like “Bike Supplies” so people, esp those not on this forum, know what is contained in the vending machine. It’s not obvious if someone is just biking by.

[cyclingfool]

Love this!!! I’ll have to swing by on my way home today and check it out. More often than not, I’ve been going home to Del Ray by way of Crystal City and Potomac Avenue lately, so this is most convenient!

[Henry]

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. Yes we can reposition the lights (the packaging may need to trimmed b/c they kept jamming in the bottom trays). Will also add more Clif bar flavors, 650cc tubes, and bells in the coming days. Outside decals explaining what it is are also on order. Official launch and much publicity to follow.

And I’ll need to check out the credit card reader which has magically started working (I’m not aware that anyone from my organization did anything to it).

Henry

[KLizotte]

@Henry 63642 wrote:

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. Yes we can reposition the lights (the packaging may need to trimmed b/c they kept jamming in the bottom trays).

Perhaps putting in a layer of thin foam at the bottom of the landing tray would solve the problem?

[PotomacCyclist]

Actually, I’m not sure if the credit card reader is working. I assumed it was, because the temporary “not working” sign was gone, and the electronic display now has a welcome message from Phoenix Bikes.

[Henry]

@PotomacCyclist 63688 wrote:

Actually, I’m not sure if the credit card reader is working. I assumed it was, because the temporary “not working” sign was gone, and the electronic display now has a welcome message from Phoenix Bikes.

Yeah it wasn’t. Fixed it yesterday. Internal plug was in the wrong slot.

Plus we added the 650cc tubes and a bell. More have been ordered.

[Author]

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