Nestled underground beneath a garage, Shimada Cycleworks puts an elegant spin on the culture of cycling. Enter the small store on Sturt Street and you’ll find new-age rides from independent bicycle company Tokyo Bike, with old-school charm courtesy one of Tokyo Bike’s former mechanics Koji Shimada.
Shimada runs the store, which opened up shortly after the specialist Tokyo Bike shop closed its location in the Paramount Building. He has more than 15 years' experience as a bike mechanic, and for the past five he’s chosen to work with the Japanese brand of cycles, which have come to represent simple, chic design with their mono-coloured steel frames and quality leather seats.
Shimada says he likes the feel of the brand, and that it’s targeted towards urban commuters. He says, “It’s a simple bike with steel frame and steel tubes. It’s elegant, but practical. It’s for city riding.”
The shop itself echoes this minimalistic style. Classic and customisable Tokyo Bikes are lined in neat rows, available to buy from $500-$2000. The concrete walls are painted white and modest plywood shelves house helmets, wire baskets, locks and bike pumps sourced from Japan and Europe.
Shimada Cycleworks lets you take a bike for a test ride – simply ask, there’s no deposit required. If you have a Tokyo Bike of your own, Shimada charges $40 for a check-up and general service. Additional costs may be charged for specific repairs and new parts if required.