Notifications
London, a bustling metropolis, is home to a thriving cycling community. Whether you are a commuter, a casual rider, or a cycling enthusiast, there are numerous cycle shops in London that cater to all your biking needs. From high-end bicycle shops in London offering the latest models to neighborhood stores specializing in bike repair in London, the city has it all. This guide will take you through the various options available, including the Cycle2Work scheme, folding bikes, bike rental services, kids bikes, and mountain bikes.
London boasts a diverse range of cycle shops catering to different cycling preferences and budgets. Some of the most notable cycle shops in London include:
Condor Cycles: Established in 1948, Condor Cycles is one of the oldest and most respected bicycle shops in London. Located on Gray's Inn Road, it offers a wide range of bikes, from custom-built road bikes to urban commuters.
Evans Cycles: With multiple branches across London, Evans Cycles is a popular choice for cyclists. They offer a vast selection of bikes, accessories, and clothing, as well as professional bike repair in London.
Cycle Surgery: Known for their knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service, Cycle Surgery has several locations throughout London. They provide a wide range of bikes and gear, along with comprehensive repair services.
Look Mum No Hands!: This unique cycle shop on Old Street doubles as a café, creating a community space for cyclists. They offer bike servicing and repairs, as well as a selection of cycling accessories.
Brixton Cycles: A worker-owned cooperative, Brixton Cycles is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and commitment to the cycling community. They offer a wide range of bikes and accessories, as well as expert repairs.
When it comes to bicycle shops in London, the options are endless. Whether you are looking for a high-performance road bike, a sturdy mountain bike, or a stylish city bike, you will find what you need. Some top bicycle shops in London include:
Rapha Cycle Club: Located in Soho, Rapha Cycle Club is not just a bike shop but also a social hub for cyclists. They offer a range of premium bikes and cycling apparel, along with a café where cyclists can relax and share stories.
Cyclefit: Specializing in bike fitting and custom builds, Cyclefit on New Street Square is the go-to place for serious cyclists. Their expert staff ensures that every bike is perfectly tailored to the rider's needs.
Brick Lane Bikes: Situated in the heart of East London, Brick Lane Bikes is a haven for fixed-gear and single-speed enthusiasts. They offer a range of unique and stylish bikes, as well as custom builds.
Velorution: With locations in Marylebone, Islington, and Hackney, Velorution is known for its selection of stylish and innovative bikes. They cater to urban cyclists with a range of city bikes, e-bikes, and accessories.
Sigma Sports: Located in Hampton Wick, Sigma Sports is a top destination for road cyclists and triathletes. They offer a wide range of high-performance bikes, components, and apparel, along with professional fitting services.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for keeping your bike in top condition. Fortunately, there are many places offering bike repair in London. Some notable options include:
London Bike Kitchen: This DIY workshop in Hackney offers a space where cyclists can learn to repair and maintain their bikes. They also provide classes and one-on-one tutorials.
The Bicycle Man: Operating from a mobile workshop, The Bicycle Man offers convenient bike repair in London. He can come to your home or workplace to fix your bike on the spot.
On Your Bike: Located near London Bridge, On Your Bike offers comprehensive repair services, from basic tune-ups to major overhauls. They also provide a bike rental service and a range of new bikes for sale.
The London Bicycle Repair Shop: Situated in Southwark, this shop provides expert repairs and servicing. They pride themselves on their quick turnaround times and high-quality workmanship.
Fix Your Cycle: With multiple branches across London, Fix Your Cycle offers reliable and affordable bike repair in London. Their experienced mechanics can handle everything from minor adjustments to complete rebuilds.
The Cycle2Work scheme is a government initiative aimed at promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport. It allows employees to purchase a bike and cycling accessories through a salary sacrifice arrangement, making it more affordable. Many cycle shops in London participate in the Cycle2Work scheme, making it easy for commuters to take advantage of this benefit.
Under the Cycle2Work scheme, employees can save up to 42% on the cost of a new bike and accessories. The payments are deducted from their gross salary, meaning they pay less tax and National Insurance. The scheme is open to all employees, regardless of their level of cycling experience.
Participating in the Cycle2Work scheme is simple. Employees need to:
Folding bikes are a popular choice for Londoners due to their convenience and versatility. These compact bikes can be easily folded and carried on public transport, making them ideal for commuters. Some top brands and models of folding bikes available in London include:
Brompton: The quintessential folding bike, Brompton bikes are renowned for their compact size and durability. Made in London, these bikes are perfect for city commuting and can be easily folded to fit under a desk or in a cupboard.
Tern: Known for their innovative designs, Tern offers a range of folding bikes that are both stylish and functional. Their bikes are designed to fold quickly and easily, making them ideal for urban living.
Dahon: As one of the pioneers of folding bikes, Dahon offers a wide range of models to suit different needs and budgets. Their bikes are known for their reliability and ease of use.
Hummingbird: These lightweight folding bikes are made from carbon fiber, making them some of the lightest on the market. They are perfect for those who need a portable bike that is easy to carry.
Montague: Unlike traditional folding bikes, Montague bikes feature full-size wheels, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. They are ideal for those who want the convenience of a folding bike without compromising on performance.
For those who do not own a bike or are visiting London, bike rental is a convenient option. There are several bike rental services in the city, catering to different needs:
Santander Cycles: Also known as "Boris Bikes," Santander Cycles is a public bike rental scheme with docking stations across London. Users can hire a bike for a short trip or a full day, making it an easy and affordable way to get around the city.
Lime: Lime offers dockless electric bike rental in London. Users can locate and unlock a bike using the Lime app, ride to their destination, and park the bike in a designated area.
Swapfiets: This subscription-based service provides users with a bike for a monthly fee. If the bike needs repairs, Swapfiets will replace it with a new one, ensuring that users always have a working bike.
London Bicycle Tour Company: In addition to guided bike tours, this company offers bike rental for those who want to explore the city on their own. They provide a range of bikes, including city bikes, hybrids, and e-bikes.
Cloud 9 Cycles: This independent shop in Fitzrovia offers bike rental for both short and long-term periods. They have a selection of high-quality bikes, including road bikes and mountain bikes.
Finding the perfect kids bike is essential for ensuring that young riders have a safe and enjoyable experience. There are many cycle shops in London that offer a wide range of kids bikes, catering to different ages and skill levels. Some key considerations when choosing a kids bike include size, weight, and features such as brakes and gears.
Islabikes: Known for their lightweight and well-designed kids bikes, Islabikes are a popular choice among parents. They offer a range of sizes to suit children of all ages, from balance bikes for toddlers to geared bikes for older kids.
Frog Bikes: These British-made kids bikes are designed to be lightweight and easy to ride. Frog Bikes offer a wide range of sizes and colors, making it easy to find the perfect bike for your child.
Woom Bikes: Woom Bikes are designed with a focus on ergonomics and safety, making them ideal for young riders. Their bikes are lightweight and feature child-specific components, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Puky: A German brand, Puky offers a range of durable and well-designed kids bikes. They are known for their high-quality construction and attention to detail, making them a reliable choice for parents.
