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Local bike shops keep Philly cyclists, commuters and joyriders on the move

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Let it Ride

by Emily Kovach
photos by Gene Smirnov


Human Zoom Bikes & Boards

MANAGER: Stanley Tworek
OPEN SINCE: 2005
NEIGHBORHOOD: Manayunk and Ardmore
VIBE: Big like a chain, cool like an indie. “We have our tattoos and piercings, but we’re getting a little more clean-cut.”
REPAIR, RENT OR RETAIL: All three are available
UNDERLYING VALUES: Service to all. “I just finished working on a really nice Italian Bianchi, and my next job will be a bike from Target. That’s what keeps us going and relevant.”


Philadelphia Bikesmith

OWNERS: Max Hamalainen (L), Lucas Drecksage (R) and Richie Cortez
OPEN SINCE: 2013
NEIGHBORHOOD: Fairmount
VIBE: Go, team, go! Daily huddle ups and frequent meetings are the norm. “We don’t have interns, we don’t have junior employees… we have professionals.”
REPAIR, RENT OR RETAIL: Repair and retail
UNDERLYING VALUES: Empathy and equality. “A bike shop is not just a place for men and boys… We ask our staff to treat everyone in our shop the same.”


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Kater Street Bicycles

OWNER: Joe Lambros
OPENED: 2011
NEIGHBORHOOD: Graduate Hospital
VIBE: Commuters, you have a friend. “Our customers are working class… we don’t usually get the people on pro bikes. It’s more Kmart bikes, or used stuff they buy around here.”
REPAIR, RENT OR RETAIL: Repair only
UNDERLYING VALUES: Honesty. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “People always think they have bike problems that they don’t actually!”

1 Comment

  1. It’s a great project you have there. Because of these causes, I was motivated to buy a Morpheus bike. Good job, guys!

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