A good bike shop is so much more than just a place that sells bikes, it’s an essential for any cyclist, and with more and more Londoners taking to two wheels as a result of the pandemic, they’re going to become more important than ever. Bike shops offer test rides, sell accessories and components, provide repairs, help with custom builds and link you to the rest of your local cycling community.
These are the best bike shops in London, and whilst it might not be business as usual quite yet, they’re all open in some capacity to help keep you moving.
Brick Lane Bikes
This Shoreditch shop is known for its range of fixie and vintage bikes – the range of vintage components and accessories is pretty impressive – but it stocks a variety of brands, including the in-house one BLB. You can’t browse in-store at the moment but you can drop by and wait to be served for sales and repairs.
London Bike Kitchen
Owned and run by mechanics, London Bike Kitchen in Haggerston is a place where you can come and learn to fix your bike yourself. The drop-in DIY workshops aren’t running right now but you can make an appointment if you need a service or repair. Or you can take advantage of the online bike maintenance classes, with parts and accessories also available to buy online.
Brixton Cycles
Established as a workers co-operative way back in ’83, Brixton Cycles has always been about supporting the cycling community, from providing free-to-use tools to selling bits of kit to running repairs and services. The shop is open, with reduced hours, for collections of orders and repairs – if you need a fix, they can book your bike in for a slot.
SE20 Cycles
Stocking a range of both kids and adult bikes, SE20 Cycles is the place to come if you’re getting the family out on two wheels – the owner Winnie is very active in the local community and cycling clubs. Their workshop can take in any kind of bike, from BMXs to fixies, and they can help with custom builds too. The store is running a scaled down service at the moment, prioritising NHS staff and key workers, so you need to book in for the workshop.
Tokyobike
With contemporary design, lightweight frames and the balance between comfort and speed, Tokyobikes are perfect for riding around the city. Once you’ve got the bicycle and all the extra components, you can buy into the whole Tokyobike lifestyle too as they also stock, homeware, stationery and magazines. The Shoreditch store is currently open by appointment only for sales, repairs and test rides.
Armourtex
If you fancy switching up the look of bike or you’ve got an old frame in need of some TLC, Armourtex is the place to go. The Hackney Road store specialises in powder coating, an eco-friendly and more durable alternative to liquid paint spraying, and they can do custom sprays and artwork too. Armourtex is open but with slightly different hours than usual, so check before you swing by.
Temple Cycles
This indie company takes real care over its bikes, designing them all in-house and building them to order in its Bristol workshop. As well as the range of everyday, singlespeed and adventure bikes, Temple Cycles also sells a whole host of bike components and accessories. Online orders are running as usual but the London store on Brick Lane is currently open by appointment only.
VanMoof
VanMoof is an electric bike brand from Amsterdam, so they know a thing or two about making bikes that can zip around a city. E-bikes are spenny but these babies can give you between 60 -150km on a full charge, making your ride shorter and quicker, not to mention getting you up hills with ease. The London store in Seven Dials is open but you’ll need to make an appointment first if you want a test ride or need a repair.
