Most bike shops take a utilitarian, ‘no-frills’ approach to retail, which is great when you urgently need a new mudguard or puncture repair kit, but not particularly inspiring if you just want to browse and spend time in the company of fellow cyclists.
For the more discerning cycle shopper Bobbin Bicyclesin Islington is not so much a bike shop as a ‘bicycle boutique’. This philosophy sets it apart from its rivals in a number of ways, in particular, the look and feel of the store itself, which is stylish, laid back and cool.
Bobbin’s claim to be ‘the most beautiful bike shop in Britain’ is well-founded, and visitors are immediately struck by the quirky and original layout of the shop. While other stores get hung up on the latest equipment and sporty bits of kit, Bobbin specialises in vintage-style bikes and accessories, for riders who want both practicality and elegance on their travels.
The ladies and gents’ bikes on sale here are all designs that have stood the test of time, but are all brand new versions of classic styles, including folding bikes, racing bikes and comfy town bikes. There are dozens of charming upright models to choose from, and many come in fun colours from lemon yellow to poppy pink, with plenty more sober shades besides.
Bobbin’s accessories section is just like a fashion store for bikes, crammed full of tempting items to mix and match. With a dizzying range of stylish panniers, interesting bells and helmets in eye-popping colours, anyone who owns a bike will find it hard to leave the shop empty-handed.
Bobbin Bicycles 397 St John Street, London EC1V 4LD, summer opening hours: Mon-Fri 11-7, Sat 11-6, Sun, 12-5
If you don’t live locally, most of Bobbin’s products are available online (and the website is almost as much of a pleasure to visit as the shop itself!)
