Bike | Bike Shops | Rides

DailyBicycle.com

by Oliver Carbonell

Tenafly Bicycle Workshop

If I could sum it up in a single sentence, the Bicycle Workshop is all about taking care of the customer. You could easily drive or even pedal by this shop and miss out on it. Located on County road in Tenafly, NJ, it’s located in a residential neighborhood just as you enter into Tenafly’s business district. It’d be a shame to miss it because the owners and wrenchers here absolutely love bikes and everything about them. But even better is that they love taking care of their customers. Co-owners Rich and Dov, make it a point to really listen and understand your bike problem then offer up what’s usually an ideal solution. There’s no trying to sell you anything you may not need or can’t afford. These are among the most honest guys I know in this business. The shop itself is an interesting mix of Trek and some lesser known, but respected bike brands. Some of these include Niner Bikes, Surly, Look, Vicious Cycles and Titus.

An interesting twist to the shop is the integrated art gallery for local artists to display their works. They launch each new artist showing with a party. Pop in and say hi to Rich, Dov, Jude, Louis and Leo. They’re a great bunch of guys who will take the time to ‘customize’ a solution for you. Or just ask them to make you a cup of coffee while you browse the bikes and the art.

Bottom line: Visit this shop to see some unique bikes and to get excellent customer service.

Tenafly Bicycle Workshop

175 County Road

Tenafly, NJ 07670

201-568-9372

Website: www.bicycleworkshop.com

DailyBicycle.com

by Oliver Carbonell

NYC Velo Bike Shop

What I first noticed about NYC Velo is it blended quite nicely with the earthy stores and restaurants flanking its 2nd avenue home in Mahnattan’s east village neighborhood. I’m impressed by its confident presence among the established small businesses that surround it. For a mid to high-end bike shop, it seems to belong just where it is. Being a lover of bikes and bike shops, I walked in for a self-tour. What I had liked from the outside I began to love from the inside! After a quick run-through of the bikes that lined the brick walls I noticed that none of the brands were from the two industry heavyweights; Specialized and Trek. I didn’t see a single bike from the two titans. What I did see were brands like Turner, Independent Fabrication, Salsa, Felt, Swobo, Surly, Civia and even an old Fat Chance mountain bike. But the bike selection wasn’t the only thing that caught my attention. There’s also an interesting selection of clothing on the center island. The NYC Velo wool jerseys are pretty cool, I’m thinking of picking one up for warmth during my cold winter rides throughout the city. The NYC Velo logo’d t-shirts using quality American Apparel garb are something I’d wear too because they look cool and feel comfy! The staff, while friendly enough, has a bit of an edge to their attitudes but I can expect that from a bike shop in the lower East Village. It’s understandable. But they’re helpful if you express interest and they’re also knowledgeable about the brands they carry. As of this writing, I haven’t had to take my bike in for servicing so I can’t comment on the wrenching at this shop. Have you taken your bike in for repair at this shop? How would you rate the level of skill and service?

Bottom line: Visit this shop if you want to see unique bikes and cycling clothes.

NYC Velo

64 2^nd Avenue

NY, NY 10003

212-253-7771

Website: www.nycvelo.com