Buying a bicycle in Tel Aviv is a particularly painful task. They get stolen left and right, require hundreds of shekels of repair, and let's not get started on all the "necessary" accessories. It's par for the course though – biking is still the best way to get around. We've collected recs from local experienced riders to gauge where to purchase or rent your next wheel-mobile.
The young, urban shop on HaNevi'im Street offers a variety of city bikes within a comfortable budget, and the aim is to provide clients with local and dedicated service. In addition to selling bikes, the store also hosts "beer-riding" events every month, during which they leave the store for a 15 km ride in Tel Aviv and end up having a nice drink to regain those lost calories.
Puncher TLV, 15 Ha-Nevi'im St, Tel Aviv (03-5524458)
The garage, as its name implies, is a sort of neighborhood bicycle warehouse on the outskirts of Florentine. If you arrive on a busy Friday morning, you will encounter a trail of neighborhood riders, both electric and regular, waiting to deposit their loved bicycles in the reliable hands of Yehuda, the store's owner. Apart from repairs (the main reason for going there), the Garage also has a basic supply of new and second-hand bicycles.
Bike Garage, 52 Abarbanel St, Tel Aviv
If you are interested in electric bikes, this is not the place for you. Oz and David Rabi, the owners of the family business, specialize mainly in regular and vintage bicycles, and offer unique spare parts that are difficult to find elsewhere. The comfortable prices, courteous service, and homey atmosphere give ample reason to reach a store that has stood firmly on Levinsky Street for more than 30 years.
Oz Bicycles, 68 Levinsky, Tel Aviv (03-6888008)
The boutique studio on Frishman Street offers a reliable repair service and specializes in city bikes and offers a great selection for the average Tel Avivian who wants the Brompton, Fixie, or Single Speed bikes that lurk around every corner–ideal for riding in the city. In addition, the studio also has bicycle parts that they define as "functional, but we do not feel comfortable charging money for them," and will accept beer in exchange for parts on a first-come, first-serve basis.
One Bike Studio, Frishman St 75, Tel Aviv (03-5286699)
The shop, which opened more than 20 years ago, was the first of its kind on HaHashmonaim Street, where many similar stores are now located. At Slalom, you can find a wide range of quality brands such as Marin, Jamis, and Kona, as well as accessories and clothing of all kinds. For the city's riders, the store also offers a variety of new models and sometimes also publishes second-hand bikes.
Slalom, 88 HaHashmonaim St, Tel Aviv (03-5619106)
If you prefer to purchase your bike in a national chain, Rosen and Mintz is an excellent option. With three different branches in the Tel Aviv Port, Derech Begin, and Shapira neighborhood you will find an endless variety of electric bicycles, city bikes, and professional mountain bikes at a price range that starts at NIS 1,000 for a simple urban bike and ends with tens of thousands of shekels for a professional one. Apart from the bike, the store also includes riding accessories, locks, and tires.
Rosen and Mintz, 116 Derech Menachem Begin, Tel Aviv (03-6241953)
Like Rosen and Mintz (and with a rather confusing similar name), Matzman et Merutz is also ideal for the big brand enthusiasts. This is one of the largest bike stores chain in Israel, and in its flagship store, close to Azrieli Mall, you can choose from a rich variety. On the website you can use a very convenient feature that filters a bicycle for you according to your needs.
Matzman et Merutz, 112-114 Derech Menachem Begin, Tel Aviv (03-5626789)
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