Meet The Bike Shops

Every bike shop has a story and, as it transpires, every bike shop manager has many more.

LCC’s Bike Shop Network seeks to connect members with these vital community hubs and the wealth of expertise that invariably lies within them.

The six stores featured here each represent a different kind of bike shop. From the ambitious start-up to the family run dealer, the centre of local campaigning, and everything in between.

In visiting each of the shops it was clear, not just how much pride each owner had in them, but also in the service they have been able to provide over the years working as a force for good — from rising to the challenges of Covid-19, to supporting grassroots projects and customers’ everyday needs. Independent local bike shops all over London are an important resource and deserve our support.

LCC members can enjoy an exclusive member discount at all the shops we visited, plus the 160 others listed by borough on the bike shop network page on the website.

Oma Bikes, Hammersmith and Fulham

Owner: Casey Abaraonye

Photo credit: Becky Mursell

How did the shop first come about?

When our son was little he was given his first bike, which we later sold on eBay for £1 when he got too big for it.

So we got him another one from eBay, which later sold for £25. As we got more bikes, we saw that some that had been given away could be rideable again with only a few small tweaks. This led us into the buying and selling of second-hand adult bikes, which grew into where we are now.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of what you do?

The shop has grown to become a bit of an extension of LCC in the area. Also it’s not just about the bikes we sell, it’s that nice feeling when a family comes in and you see the happiness in the child when they first ride a bike.

What is the most challenging aspect of running the shop?

At least four in ten sales, both to adults and children, are to people who are replacing a stolen bike. When you factor in that not many children’s bikes are taken, it gives you a greater idea of how many adult bikes are.

Why join the LCC Bike Shop Network?

I was involved with LCC before I even became a member, through coming to meetings and hearing what it is all about. Now all these years later I’m the local coordinator for Hammersmith & Fulham, so joining the network was a no-brainer!

Plans for 2025?

We’ve always wanted to sell cargo bikes in the store but unfortunately have never had the space. But now we’re getting in a range of folding cargo bikes, so we can’t wait to be able to tap into the growing demand for them.

Bikesoup, Shepherds Bush

Manager: Cariern Clement-Pascall (third from the left)

When did the shop open?

We launched in 2022, perfectly missing the gold rush of the cycling industry post lockdown! And it’s been a real journey since then; it’s been hard at times because we’re trying to do something different and really lean into that ‘clubhouse’ type space that caters for all.

Now we’re undergoing a refurbishment in the store to really grow the social space nature of it. Exciting times are ahead.

What were the challenges in those first couple of years?

We have made mistakes along the way. When we opened, we didn’t want to overstock and be in a similar situation to other stores, and yet that’s just what we did.

Being in the environment of Westfield has also brought challenges, such as having to stay open until 9pm.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of what you do?

I’ve always wanted to bring something new to the cycling scene. Opening a bike store in a shopping centre, for example, is unheard of.

Then it’s the excitement of being able to take all the best bits of showroom stores and café/bike shops and bring them together in Bikesoup.

Why join the LCC Bike Shop Network?

The work LCC does by providing that official voice, while being so aware of what’s going on in the sector, is invaluable. The chance to be able to support that and bring members to the store through the network was never one we’d pass up.

Plans for 2025?

This year is going to be mega. Getting this refurbishment done will complete the whole in-store experience. From servicing, to hosting watch parties, we’re so excited to be bridging that gap from a transactional space to a destination.

Pedal Back Cycling, Hammersmith and Fulham

Co-founder: Nicky Redford

How did the shop first come about?

We originally started over ten years ago in Tooting Broadway market, where we stayed for four years. The developer of this site then got in contact asking if we were interested in what is now our current space, which six years on has grown into the store it is today.

We used to also run a café as part of the shop, but now our focus is 100% on the bikes, and being a female-friendly space, when in some shops women might not always feel as welcome.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of what you do?

It’s just nice sending someone out of the shop with their bike in a much better condition than it was when they brought it in. Then more generally just helping people start cycling, continue cycling or getting back into it for the first time in a while — it’s all part of why we do what we do.

What is the most challenging aspect of running the shop?

It was a very steep learning curve at the beginning. Both me and my other half Ria have been lifelong hobbyists but never more than that, so initially getting pricing right and managing customers’ expectations was tough.

Then of course you have Brexit and Covid, but the less said about them the better!

Why join the LCC Bike Shop Network?

We cycle, we’re in London, and we’re all part of LCC whether we realise it or not. We all have a vested interest in having safer roads and better infrastructure, and LCC does a great job advocating for everyone on two wheels in the capital.

Plans for 2025?

Just to keep providing great services, and for our staff to keep learning, enjoying their jobs, and riding.

Wallington Cycles, Sutton

Owner: Duncan Inglis

When did the shop first open?

My mum and dad opened the store in 1995 when I was 11, after dad was made redundant. They looked for a franchise to open with and settled on Action Bikes.

We traded as them for 15 years, but it soon became clear that the franchise fee wasn’t worth it. So we put up the Wallington Cycles sign and never looked back.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of what you do?

Getting non-cyclists enjoying cycling, that I absolutely love. I’ve got a couple, Maggie and Paul, who sum this up. Maggie got a bike when she retired, and reluctantly Paul got one too. Cut to years later and they’ve been on cycle tours of Cambodia and Vietnam!

What were the challenges in those early years for your parents?

I remember them being surprised how busy the shop was. We even sold our first bike the day before we opened, with someone banging on the window asking to buy one.

Mum and dad were here seven days a week though, very long hours, and at the same time learning everything from stock levels to doing your VAT.

Why join the LCC Bike Shop Network?

Anything that can get more people shopping in independents is something we’re all for, and it’s also great to support a group aimed at getting more people cycling. The bike trade needs folk who just cycle to work or take the kids to school by bike.

Plans for 2025?

What matters the most to me is just being able to keep customers happy. I know it’s not possible to please everyone, but if most leave happy then we’ve done our job.

Rat Race Cycles, Southwark

Manager: Pete Owen (centre)

Can you give us a brief insight into how the shop started?

I started in the industry working in various shops. Commuting in one day from Peckham Rye by bike I thought, ‘this place could do with a bike shop’.

So in 2008 I set out on my own, first as a mobile bike mechanic and then in 2012 I had the opportunity to take on this place and Rat Race was born.

What were the challenges in those early years?

Having already worked in several bike shops it wasn’t too much of a new experience. Though saying that, we opened on 8 December and my son was born three weeks later, so those first weeks are kind of a blur if I’m totally honest.

Like so many other bike shops, Covid was also a difficult time and the consequences are still being felt across the industry.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of what you do?

Looking after the diverse nature and demands of our customers is really rewarding. We have commuters, we have racers, and then those casual riders who might just go out once a month.

Keeping all of them satisfied means a great deal.

Why join the LCC Bike Shop Network?

I’ve been an LCC member for several years and for me being a member is a natural part of being a cyclist in London. We’ve been able to help a number of fellow members who’ve come to the shop over the years.

Plans for 2025?

We don’t necessarily have any plans; we just hope to see more trade and more customers coming through the door and continuing to support local independent stores like ours.

London Green Cycles, Camden

Owner: Roman Magula

How did the shop first come about?

When we opened back in March 2013, we were quite unique in the UK, and even beyond, through selling cargo bikes. We did a lot of trade abroad, selling bikes as far away as Australia.

As cargo bikes have gotten more popular here that’s changed. Now it’s become a really loved section of the market, which has been great for us.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of what you do?

We’re fortunate enough to have a highly loyal group of customers because when we sell them a bike, they know that we’ll look after that bike forever.

It’s also so rewarding seeing children going into the baby seat of the bike, and then all these years later coming back as 10 or 11-year-olds. So there are many families you’re able to build a relationship with.

What would you say have been the challenges?

Any changing market brings its challenges. We’ve now got a lot more competition, which was always going to come as cargo bikes grew in popularity. But the good thing is that because we have that strong customer base, we’ve been able to navigate that.

Why join the LCC Bike Shop Network?

I’ve worked as a bike mechanic in London since 2006, and LCC has been the main cycling institution throughout that time. When you’re in the trade you want to support those organisations supporting a London that’s safer to cycle in.

Plans for 2025?

We’re opening a new store in Wandsworth, which is the first time we’ve opened a new branch. It was an obvious thing to do and it’s great to have a new space to experiment with.

This article was originally published in London Cyclist autumn 2024, London Cycling Campaign’s exclusive member’s magazine. Join as a member today for quarterly copies of London Cyclist delivered to your door, free legal advice, discounts in independent bike shops across London, and much more…