Bristol's independent bicycle shops

Bristol is European Green Capital this year and the city's many bike related events and cycle-friendly projects to encourage people away from their cars played an important role in helping it achieve this status.

Are you are yet to be tempted onto two wheels, or otherwise looking to pick up a new ride? Then we can get you cycling with this look at just a handful of the many independent bike shops in Bristol.

The Bristol Bike Project

Set up in 2008, the Bristol Bike Project takes used and unwanted bikes and turns them into something beautiful.

As a well as selling refurbished bikes, the project runs a series of workshops and courses led by a team of expert staff and volunteers. Plus, if you want to encourage your school or business to cycle and repair their bikes, a 'Dr. Bike' service brings the mechanic to you.

What really sets this bike shop apart is its dedication to making sure that owning and maintaining a bike isn’t restricted to those with plenty of cash. Earn-a-Bike, After School Bikes and subsidised bikes for people earning below the living wage bring wheels to the young, the marginalised and bike newbies. 

The Bristol Bike Project, 7 City Road, Bristol, BS2 8TN.

Black Beard Bicycles

Nestled away on All Saints Street, you’d be forgiven for wandering straight passed Black Beard Bicycles. Still, being so well equipped for services and repairs, these guys are definitely worth seeking out. 

Specialising in European vintage bikes, you won’t find anything built after the '90s here. However, amongst the old moon-shaped front lights and panniers, you'll also find lovingly restored ladies' roadsters, cruisers, Dutch bikes and sleek racing bikes in impeccable condition. 

Black Beard Bikes, the Pithay, All Saints Street , Bristol, BS1 2NB.

 

Webbs Custom Cycles 

This year Webb's of Warmley – otherwise known as Webbs Custom Cycles – celebrates its 113th birthday, making it one of the oldest bicycle shops in Bristol and a pioneer in the cycling city that Bristol has become. Webbs offers a collection and delivery repair service as well as selling bikes and accessories.

Most of Webbs' bikes are custom built to order, meaning the cycling geek with big ambitions can make sure their bike is streamlined and personalised. The staff are very friendly, enthusiastic and live for bicycles. However, by far the best thing about Webbs is their tandem bike hire for £30 a day! 

Webbs Custom Cycles, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6EE.

Bristol Cycle Shack

Don't be fooled by the Cycle Shack's teensy exterior. Through the arch near Temple Meads train station is an abundance of top quality bikes sold by Peter, the highly knowledgeable specialist who runs the place.

 The Cycle Shack also offers affordably priced bike hire and has a range of second-hand and refurbished bicycles.

Bristol Cycle Shack, 25 Oxford Street, St. Phillips, Bristol, BS2 0QT.

Roll Quick

Roll Quick started out as a bike workshop in Cardiff, so you can be confident that its repair services and knowledge are up to the highest standard. The shop has a great selection of vintage bikes, as well as catering for those on a budget. 

Roll Quick's retro bikes are fashionable and affordable. By sourcing used and recycled parts for custom restorations the shop keeps the costs low and the environment happy. 

Roll Quick, Unit 12D, Merton Road, Bristol, BS7 8TL.

Mud Dock

If you've ever fancied a pint and something to eat while you shop for bike-related purchases, the Mud Dock offers exactly that.

With a well-respected restaurant serving food and drink upstairs, there's no compromise on quality for any aspect of this high-end bike shop. 

Mud Dock, 40 The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB. 

Crucial BMX Shop

If BMXing is your thing, then Crucial BMX Shop in Bedminster is the complete package. This shop stocks an extensive collection of specialist bikes and accessories, and also features a fully equipped workshop.

Completely owned and run by riders, Crucial BMX is always keen for fellow riders – young and old – to pop in for a chat. The Crucial BMX gang is packed with talent, plus their shop is only a couple of minutes away from Dean Lane skatepark.

Crucial BMX, Unit 1, Sheene Court, Sheene Road, Bristol, BS3 4EG. 

When it comes to independent bike shops in Bristol, this really is the tip of the iceberg. If none of the above can cater to your needs, you're spoilt for choice: Terry's Cycles, Jake's Bikes, Bool's Bicycles, Bristol Dropouts, Blackboy Hill Cycles, Roll for the Soul are some of the numerous others also able to get you on the road.

Once you've got your bicycle, why not use it to travel to one of these beautiful National Trust destinations near Bristol?