NYCBikes

Profile

Cyclists roll in from all over Brooklyn and Manhattan to this inconspicuous, independent cyclery specializing in custom bikes that cost less than most name brands. The small showroom holds a diverse fleet of bikes: cruisers with fenders and big, squishy seats; mountain bikes with fat tires and spring forks; city-friendly his and hers hybrids; and, hanging from the low ceiling, light, fast racing bikes. The owner, a creative type turned Williamsburg dad, designs the frames himself and builds them on-site. If you don’t like what you see, check the website for additional models—they ship anywhere in the U.S. for 40 bucks—or, if you’re extra choosy, stop in for a sit-down and a bike can be made from scratch to your specifications. For bikes that just need some love, the shop’s mechanics can do anything from fixing a flat to a complete overhaul, though their hourly rate is $60, parts not included. And if all you need are some new accessories, there’s a ramshackle shelving unit in back with new Bell helmets, beefy Kryptonite bike chains, patch kits, and even some of those big, squishy seats. — Ben Perkins