Bike shop

Charlie's Bike Shop is a social enterprise that also runs a build-a-bike program to youth from Regent Park.

The venerable bike shop in Kensington Market (which has passed hands a few times: started up as as a co-op business, purchased by Curbside, and eventually sold) just opened a second location on Queen Street West.

Still carrying a wide selection of city, fixie, road bikes both nice: Opus, Iro, Surly, Marinoni, etc and not as nice: Norco (or maybe Norco is stepping it up?).

A new bike shop that carries Dutch, Danish, English, etc bikes and accessories:

Launched in April 2010, Cycle Butik fills a niche in the marketplace by specializing in City Bicycles from Europe's finest manufacturers. City or urban bikes combine practical style with elegant designs from yesteryear. Most bikes have gently back swept handlebars, fenders for protection from the elements, chain guards for added safety, plus comfortable saddles. Add a rack and pannier bags or front carrier and it is easy to carry your work or school materials and purchases. Some models at Cycle Butik have a step-through design that eliminates the need to swing a leg over the bike.

Cycle Butik carries products from Denmark, Holland, England, Italy and other European origins, with names such as Pashley, Basil, Batavus, Biomega, Nihola, Abici, Koga-Miyata, Marin, Diamondback, Opus, Brooks, Abus, Kryptonite, Bobike, Brompton and Moulton. The store also carries a selection of electric bikes.

According to PostCity:

offering a variety of sleek and sophisticated commuter-type rides, including bikes from two of Copenhagen's hottest designers — Velorbis and Herskind + Herskind. "These bikes are exactly designed to stand up to salt, to sleet, to snow," he says. "Their gearing is internal, the brakes are all internal, everything about the bike is built to stand up to the climate."

Scullion says CycleCouture will feel more like a gallery space, with select bikes, such as some of Velorbis' vintage models, featured on the wall. "It's going to have an uncluttered, minimalist look," he says.

In addition to pedal bikes, the shop will carry electric bikes, which will cost between $3,000 and $4,000. Scullion says he'll also have the items that help make up an urbanite's bike personality, including customized baskets, luggage carriers and messenger bags. Finally, he says he'll be on hand himself, ready and willing to take on bike repairs.

Second shop for Sweet Pete's in the Annex, opened Winter of 2010-11.

George, formerly of Parts Unknown in Kensington Market, has opened Epicyclic, just off Queen West and Denison. For now, you'll have to follow the directions carefully:

The new shop is based in the first cinderblock garage in the alley just north of Queen - West of Denison.

The shop front is two doors east of La Pallete. We will be moving into the front gallery slowly over time.

Be sure to call George first to ensure someone is there. 647 - 773 - 1303. Hours of operation are tending towards appointments although the demand to see George is picking up rapidly.