Rothar's new workshop on the Phibsborough Road

flickerx

So I'm back from my holiday, did I miss anything interesting happening here?

I took a nosey trip down to the new Rothar workshop the other evening, they had a few local kids doing some spray painting / artwork in the premises. Lots of green, white, and orange themes The place is a HUGE improvement on the tiny little garage they were working out of before. The location was previously an Indian take away - although hang on, I just remembered there used to be an Indian food shop there or closeby when I was living in that neck of the woods, that seems more likely. It seems too big to have been a take away. Damn, I liked that shop. They always had cheap fresh coriander.

Anyway, they were kitting out the place a bit more over the weekend so I'd say it looks a little more finished than these pics. You can see its a long, narrow shop, with a good bit of workspace. There's also a small office space in the back, which they are going to use as a little kitchen/cafe; and there's also a garden/yard to the rear which is in a bit of a state at present, but I imagine it'll be cleaned up and made useful soon.

They're having an opening night for dignitaries, media, politicians etc on Thursday December 3rd. IIRC John Gormley is doing the honours of cutting the ribbon. I would like to go down to it, cause I'd like to meet Andrew Montague and give him my Christmas shopping list of stuff I want but regrettably I am working that evening, the only day of the week I have a job!

Then at some point fairly soon after that they're going to have a social opening night for the general public, maybe with some music, films, etc. They were thinking of Dec 5th but I think they might move it to another date because the fixie fanatics/goldsprints event is on that day (I think, karma can you confirm??). If I can get my paws on a projector I am going to help them put on films as a fundraiser.

Anyway, here's the photos we took. The shop is at 171 Phibsborough Road, right opposite the crazy Greco-Roman amusement arcade. Its very close to Doyles Corner (the crossroads in the middle of Phibsborough), just around the corner from the old Silver Skate ice rink. For anyone who isnt familiar with the place, you can go there and use their tools to fix your bike, there'll be someone there to help you out. They also have refurbished bikes for sale, mostly cheap banger MTBs from what I can see, but with the occasional hybrid. They take donations of old bikes, so if you know someone thats got something gathering dust in a shed, tell them to bring it down there and it will be used.

View from the front door


The back office / cafe space




View from the back of the space


Stencil spraypainted on the floor as you walk in... nice touch.

flickerx

They have brought their stock and tools up to the new premises.

Place is looking impressive.

TinyExplosions

Do they have braising gear/someone that knows how to braise do you know?

Jawgap

Most impressive!

Two questions:-

One, if I have any tools, parts etc I don't need or I'm finished with can they be donated there?

and


Two, do they loan out pumps!:)

flickerx

Dont know if they have any welding/brazing gear. I will ask today. As for someone who knows how to do it... well, I did a bit of it in that course I did but I wouldnt rate my mad skillz all that highly.

Yes, they would definitely appreciate/take donations of tools.

And you can pump your tyres there too. I'd say they wouldnt charge you, but you should throw a euro their way anyway because they're not doing anything for profit. You see that Raleigh road bike in the picture with the angle grinder? Nice bike, working well, down tube shifters, 105 groupset, they were selling it for around 100 euro. Madness if you ask me, but anyway...

flickerx

Tiny, no welding gear there as far as I could see.

Also, they're having a film night in Anseo on December 13th. All welcome. More info soon.

Vélo

I had a look in my shed over the weekend for any bits I won't ever use.

I'm going to drop them in tomorrow, it's not much but better than nothing I suppose. I think it's great what they're doing.

flickerx

Rothar are having their official launch of the new shop on Thursday morning at 9.30am, I presume there will be cake. John Gormley is doing the honours, I believe.