There are so many things that make Greenpoint so unique: from its creative denizens and cute dogs to offbeat cocktail joints and savory restaurants. Adding to that, is the neighborhood’s love of bicycles. With many bike shops and riders pedaling in and out of the nabe on a daily basis, there’s one brand that really takes living in North Brooklyn to heart.
Enter Brooklyn Bicycle Company. Founded in 2011 by local resident Ryan Zagata, the company aims to bridge the vivid lives of people and their local communities. And what does that mean? Bike models are inspired by Williamsburg and Greenpoint street names – Driggs, Wythe, Franklin, and so on – adding a familiar flair. But, this gear is also made for real people with real lives and real priorities. That includes affordable prices, top notch parts, and artfully and aesthetically crafted bikes.
When you slip in to the Brooklyn Bicycle Company showroom, it’s beautiful, modern, minimal, and pretty cool. And you want to know something even better? You won’t get hassled or pressured to buy anything on the spot. Zagata likens the showroom to a fun, casual, and educational conversation. You can touch, feel, and admire the bikes, while learning about what may be best (or not) for you.
The showroom itself is mega cool, like a contemporary mid century modern abode. I found the aesthetics to be dope and sensible – because shouldn’t even your bike be tailored to be totally-you? (Short answer: hell yeah). As a big believer in small businesses, it’s also awesome to see a small business supporting other small businesses. At Brooklyn Bicycle Company, if you order a bicycle from the showroom, it’ll be professionally assembled by a local bike shop. Don’t live in Brooklyn? The brand has partnerships with stores all across the United States. Pretty cool, huh? And, if you don’t see a local shop in your area, Brooklyn Bicycle Company will contact a local dealer and arrange for your bike to be built at no extra charge to you.
If you have questions about a bicycle, just curious, or want to visit the showroom, check our their FAQ or schedule a visit. You can also find a local Brooklyn Bicycle Company dealer here.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and ride.
Brooklyn Bicycle Company 61 Greenpoint Avenue Suite 410
Every Thursday from 7-10pm in October, you can get to know North Brooklyn and its culture and history a little better with FREE bike tours hosted by Brooklyn Bicycle Co. and Loudest Yeller Bike Tours. Bring a neighbor or friend, or kids—ages 10 and up are welcome! The biking is super easy, and all skill levels are welcome. The tours leave from 141 South 5th Street at 7pm. Pro tip: be ready to eat some ice cream along the way.
What to bring: Bring your bike if you have one. If you don’t have one, you can borrow a Brooklyn Bicycle Co. cruiser. They’ve got bikes that fit everyone from 4’11 to 7’6, as well as helmets. If you need to borrow a bike please send a message ahead of time by emailing [email protected].
The City Reliquary (370 Metropolitan Ave) is hosting their 13th annual family-friendly block party for bikes and celebration of NYC diversity, aptly named Bicyle Fetish Day. The fetish-tivities will happen on Havemeyer St. between Hope & Grand Street on Saturday, June 24, from 12pm-6pm. The event is FREE and open to the public.
If you are in love with your two wheels, bring it down to the fest—you could win a trophy, prizes, and a year of bragging rights! Continue reading →
A biker busts out some tricks on Freeman Street. Photo: Erik Keithley
This past weekend the Five Boro Bike Tour kicked off the summer cycling season (even though our weather hasn’t fully turned warm yet, dangit). If you love nothing more than pounding the pavement on two wheels when the weather’s at its finest, here’s a roundup of other local bike events happening over the next few months. Take a seat and pop a wheelie through North Brooklyn! Continue reading →
Earlier this month, North Brooklyn lost another little snippet of its former self when local friend and famed Williamsburg pizza deliveryman, Bill Meier, passed away. Always known for his spunk and vivacious personality, Bill was delivering pizzas for Williamsburg Best Pizza for years before he fell ill.
Upon learning of Bill’s illness, more than 1,000 friends, family, and local fans took to Facebook hoping to raise money for his medical bills through a silent art auction. Continue reading →
It is sad to report that early this morning a 32 year old man was hit on Meeker Ave between Frost and Manhattan Ave and died from injuries to his head, according to Gothamist. The driver fled the scene and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, do the right thing and call 911.
It’s mind boggling that someone could hit another human being with their car and drive away. Our hearts and with the family of the victim during this terrible time.
To wake up at 6:30 am on a Saturday, you must be nuts, you say? Maybe I am. But I woke up hella early because I was going on the Epic Bike Ride! Just a quick rundown: it’s 40 miles, from Williamsburg to the Rockaways, taking the coastal route of Brooklyn.
Epic Bike Ride was organized by the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. These are the fine folks who have been working with the DOT on the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, which is a 14-mile landscaped route, physically separated from traffic with separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists. When complete, the greenway will connect neighborhood parks and open spaces from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge. IMAGINE! Oh, the places we’ll go! Continue reading →
For the most part, we keep it positive on Greenpointers, but some things should be called out – like the way this bike (with a gigantic baby seat) was parked. I know that giving birth and then living with the thing for 18 years is deserving of A LOT of sympathy, but that doesn’t give you an “it’s okay to be an a-hole” pass. This “wave style rack” could fit 4 -maybe 6 bikes on it.
With the new CitiRacks being installed allover, like this one on Manhattan Ave, there is more bike parking, but those new racks can hold at least 4 bikes per rack, again if you don’t park like an a-hole.
Parking on the edges with either the front or back end of your bike hanging off and not covering the entire middle of the circle, makes it so that more than two bikes on either side can be easily locked to the new racks.
Dudes! The Fourth of July has passed. August is fast approaching. Sure, this constant humidity and 90 degree heat sucks and begs us to stay indoors in front of the AC racking up the electric bill, but we cannot let Mother Nature win!
Autumn’s cool breeze will be blowing leaves in our faces before we know it. We’ve got to take charge and make the most out of the last of our summer weeks. Here are a few inexpensive suggestions to help you end these hot, sunny days with a BANG.
1. Bike to Coney Island
I dare you! It’s not as far as you think. Well, it is, but it’s a pretty flat, easy route and once you arrive you can eat a hot dog at Nathan’s, jump in the ocean depending on how hardcore you are, and then brag to your friends that you biked 26+ miles. Once you get past Prospect Park, you’re on the Ocean Parkway Greenway for a little more than 4 miles. This bike path is mostly shaded and separate from the street so it’s safe and for the most part a pretty sweet ride. If you’re one of those New Yorkers who’s never been to the historic amusement park, I highly recommend it. Heck, I demand it. It’s equal parts awe-inspiring and gross, but will dazzle you nonetheless. Also, you’ve got to ride the Cyclone at least once in your life.
