TL;DR:
- Brooklyn has plenty of bike shops, but only a handful truly understand fixed gear culture
- King Cog is the fixie spot. Period. They have knowledgeable staff who actually ride fixed, carry quality components, and won’t try to sell crap
- A lots of bike sops are closing these days, so support your local shops before you lose them too
There’s no shortage of bikes in Brooklyn and definitely no shortage of bike shops either.
But most of them see a fixed gear bike roll through the door and immediately think “hipster throwback” instead of “precision machine that requires specific knowledge.”
Track hub spacing isn’t the same as road bikes. And gear ratios matter way more when you can’t shift. ⚙️
I’m not saying general bike shops are bad—they’re just not always built for what we need.
When you walk into a shop that primarily sells road or mountain bikes, they’re likely not going to have staff who’ve actually ridden fixed.
What Makes a Great Bike Shop (My Criteria)
Before we get into the rankings, let me tell you what I actually looked for when putting this list together.
Ranking Criteria
- Staff who ride fixed themselves. I don’t want someone who learned about track bikes from a YouTube video.
- Quality component selection. No department store garbage. I’m talking Sugino, Omnium, Phil Wood, White Industries—components that won’t fall apart after a month of riding.
- Custom build experience. Fixed and track bikes take skill to build correctly. The spoke tension needs to be perfect, the dish needs to be exact, and the lacing pattern matters.
- Understanding of track geometry and chainline. Your chainline affects everything from how smooth your drivetrain runs to how fast you’ll chew through chains and cogs.
- Community vib. Not a corporate sterile environments
Did you know?
Brooklyn is home to over 25,000 bike commuters, and NYC sees approximately 550,000 cycling trips per day—that’s over 200 million trips annually!
The Best Fixed Gear Bike Shops
Let’s get into it. Here are the four shops that actually understand what we’re about.
#4 Dixon’s Bicycle Shop
792 Union St Brooklyn, NY 11215
Dixon’s Bicycle Shop is an OG. This Jamaican, family-owned business has been in Park Slope since 1966. That’s nearly 60 years for a New York business—pretty damn impressive.
This isn’t a fixie-exclusive shop like some others on this list. And while they have some bikes and parts for sale, Dixon’s is best known for their repairs and servicing.
But based on the raving Yelp reviews, the friendly atmosphere, unpretentious employees, and legitimately inexpensive service rates, it absolutely deserves a spot here.
Dixon’s represents old-school bike shop culture before everything got gentrified and expensive. They’re not trying to be trendy or hip—they’re just trying to keep your bike running so you can keep riding.
Best For
- Riders who need reliable, affordable repairs
- Anyone who values supporting longtime, family-owned businesses
- People in Park Slope looking for a neighborhood staple
- No-frills service that just works
Dixon’s doesn’t have a website, which in 2025 is wild but also kind of refreshing. They’re open every day from 10 AM to 7:30 PM (Sundays until 6 PM), so you’ll need to actually go there or call.
Their parts selection isn’t as deep as some other shops on this list, and they’re not going to have the latest trendy components. But for solid, dependable service? They’ve been doing it right for decades.
#3 Haven Cycles
Location: 1581 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Deep in the heart of Bushwick sits Haven Cycles, and this might be the most chill bike shop I’ve ever visited.
Everyone at Haven is friendly and knowledgeable in the least pretentious way possible. Their stated goal is simple: get more people riding bikes in their community. They specialize in custom builds, repairs, and wheelbuilding. They carry both vintage and new bikes.
What I really appreciate about Haven is that they don’t mind you watching them work on your bike. Some shops act like you’re insulting them by wanting to see what they’re doing. Haven? They’re cool with it.
The vibe is exactly what a bike shop should be—welcoming, educational, and genuinely stoked about bikes.
If you’re visiting NYC and need a bike rental, Haven has you covered. They offer Tribe Bicycle Co. three-speeds for rent, including a lock and helmet.
Day rentals are due back by 8:30 PM, or you can extend through the next day for just $15. Weekly rentals run seven days from when you pick up the bike.
Best For
- Riders who want a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere
- Custom builds with a community focus
- Wheelbuilding that’s done with care
- Visitors to NYC who need bike rentals
Haven is deep in Bushwick, which means it’s not the most convenient for everyone in Brooklyn. And while they’re excellent at what they do, their vintage bike selection can be hit-or-miss depending on what’s come through the door recently.
Check their website for current service pricing—they’re transparent about costs.
#2 The Bike Truck
Location: 216 Hoyt Street (between Baltic and Butler) Brooklyn, NY 11217
One of my favorite things about The Bike Truck is simple: you can spend hours trying out different bikes with zero pressure to buy anything. Just make an appointment and they’ll let you test ride to your heart’s content.
What Sets Them Apart
These guys live and breathe fixed gear bikes. Yes, they work on other types of bikes too, but this is absolutely a go-to spot for dedicated fixed gear riders.
The knowledge here isn’t just surface-level—Toj and Chris (and the rest of the crew) actually understand the nuances of track bike geometry, proper gear ratios for city riding, and how to set up a bike that feels dialed.
They’re located in Cobble Hill and are open every day except Wednesdays.
Best For
- New riders who need patient, knowledgeable guidance
- Anyone who wants to test ride before committing
- Quick tune-ups and maintenance (these guys are fast)
- Riders who appreciate a no-pressure environment
While they’re amazing at what they do, sometimes their turnaround time for custom builds can stretch longer than you’d hope during busy seasons. Call ahead if you’re on a deadline.
#1 King Kog
Location: 705 Grand St. Brooklyn, NY, 11211
A video titled “The Way I Roll – Gina Marie Scardino” from the Thule Outdoor Club TV YouTube channel.
This is the fixie spot. Period. Yeah, they have other bikes, but walk in and you’ll immediately see that fixed gear and track bikes are what King Kog is actually passionate about.
What Makes Them #1
Established in 2005, King Kog is a full-service bike shop specializing in vintage track and road bikes. The owner, Gina Marie Scardino, transformed this place from a small shop into one of the most respected fixed gear destinations in Brooklyn.
They feature new and used bikes, modern frames, and offer serious wheelbuilding services.
The component selection is exactly what you want to see—proper track parts from brands that matter. They carry everything from chains and cogs to helmets and locks. It’s genuinely a one-stop shop for fixed gear riders.
I’ll be honest—I’m slightly biased because I had a friend who worked here for a while. But even setting that aside, King Kog earned this #1 spot.
The vibe is all fixie, all the time. No one’s trying to upsell you on disc brakes or convince you that you’d be “safer” with gears.
Best For
- Riders who want to be around true track bike enthusiasts
- Anyone looking for vintage frames and builds
- Custom wheelbuilding that’s actually done right
- Being part of a community that gets it
King Kog isn’t the cheapest option in Brooklyn, but you’re paying for expertise and quality. They know their worth, and honestly, they’ve earned it.
If you’re looking for bargain-basement prices, this isn’t your spot. But if you want it done right the first time, King Kog is where you go.
Bike shops arn’t just about parts and service—it’s about being part of a community that understands why you choose to ride with one gear and no brakes.
Honorable Mentions
Silk Road Cycles (RIP 2024)
I need to pour one out for Silk Road Cycles (76 Franklin St, Greenpoint), which permanently closed in September 2024 after 13 years of serving the Brooklyn cycling community.
This small, unassuming shop was beloved for its lightning-fast repairs, friendly employees who never talked down to customers, and extensive accessory selection.
The shop closed due to financial struggles—a reminder of how important it is to support your local bike shops. Every time you buy from Amazon instead of a local shop, you’re contributing to the death of community institutions like Silk Road.
Zen Bikes (RIP 2021)
While this list focuses on Brooklyn, I’d be remiss not to mention a gem that I used to love, just across the east river.
Zen Bikes in Manhattan (134 W 24th St) was an absolute gem—friendly staff, zero elitism, great craftsmanship. They had this amazing policy where buying a bike from them got you free tune-ups and maintenance for the life of the bike with their shop sticker.
I purchased a bike from Zen Bikes about ten years ago (not a fixie). They allowed me to take any bike for a test ride. I remember thinking, well, what if I just run off with it. It was a while ago, so I don’t remember if they took my ID or if I left my backpack as collateral. I just remember thinking it was insane to let me test ride this bike with no supervision. Very cool.
Unfortunately, Zen Bikes permanently closed in 2021, which was a real loss for the NYC cycling community.
There are other solid shops scattered around Manhattan and Queens, but honestly? Brooklyn’s fixed gear scene is where it’s at. The concentration of knowledge, community, and quality shops here is unmatched.
Pro tip
Visit a few shops before committing to a build. The right shop isn’t just about prices; it’s about finding people who get your vision and can execute it properly. Talk to the staff, check out their previous builds, and pay attention to how they treat other customers. That’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Bike Shop Prices in 2025
Let’s talk money, because nobody likes surprise costs.
Basic services you can expect:
- Flat repair: $10-$20
- Basic tune-up: $75-$125
- Wheel truing: $20-$40 per wheel
- New chain and cog installation: $30-$50 (plus parts)
- Custom wheelbuilding: $150-$300+ per wheel depending on components
Brooklyn shops fall somewhere between Manhattan prices (inflated for tourists) and online pricing (no expertise included).
The premium is worth it when you consider you’re getting professional installation, expert advice, and local support.
Plus, building relationships with these shops means they’ll remember you when you need urgent help.
| Service | Low End | High End | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Build | $600 | $3,000+ | $1,200 |
| Basic Tune-Up | $75 | $125 | $95 |
| Wheel Build (each) | $150 | $300+ | $200 |
| Emergency Repair | $20 | $75 | $40 |
| Chain/Cog Replace | $30 | $50 | $40 |
Caution
Avoid any shop that doesn’t understand track bike geometry. A bad chainline or incorrect hub spacing will make your ride absolutely miserable. If a shop seems confused about your fixed gear setup, walk away and go to one of these four instead.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
It depends on the shop and what you need. For basic repairs or browsing, most shops accept walk-ins. For custom builds, test rides at The Bike Truck, or complex wheelbuilding, call ahead and make an appointment. It shows respect for their time and ensures they can give you proper attention.
Yes, but don’t expect them to be thrilled about it. Most entry-level complete bikes from brands like Pure Fix or State have proprietary or low-quality components that can be frustrating to work on. These shops will do basic maintenance, but don’t be surprised if they suggest upgrading certain parts. If you bought a budget complete online, they’ll help you, but they might also educate you on why spending a bit more next time will save you money in the long run.
For a solid, reliable build that won’t fall apart, budget $900-$1,500. This gets you decent components, a proper wheelset, and professional assembly. If you’re going high-end with premium components, expect $2,000-$3,000+. Don’t try to build a fixed gear for $300—you’ll end up spending that much in replacement parts and repairs within six months.
King Kog and Haven Cycles both have excellent wheelbuilding reputations. King Kog has been doing it longer and handles more high-end builds, while Haven offers solid wheelbuilding with a more community-focused approach. Both will build you wheels that can handle skidding and urban riding without falling apart after two weeks.
Generally, yes. The Bike Truck, Haven, and Dixon’s are particularly good about understanding that messengers need quick turnarounds and can’t afford to be without their bikes for days. King Kog will also accommodate urgent repairs when possible. Just be upfront about your timeline and they’ll work with you.
All of them sell complete bikes in addition to doing custom builds. King Kog carries new and vintage complete bikes. The Bike Truck has various complete options you can test ride. Haven has both vintage and new completes. Dixon’s has some bikes available, though their selection is more limited. If you want the widest selection of complete fixed gears, King Kog or The Bike Truck are your best bets.
Final Thoughts
Brooklyn has incredible bike shops that actually understand fixed gear culture. These aren’t generic stores trying to push whatever their distributor sends them.
These are shops where the staff rides fixed, understands chainline geometry, can build wheels that won’t immediately fall apart, and respects the culture.
You could buy cheaper online. You could order a complete bike from some website and hope it shows up correctly assembled.
But then you’re on your own when something goes wrong, when you need advice on gear ratios, or when your chainline is off and you can’t figure out why.
Supporting these local shops means keeping that expertise accessible.
Visit a few of these shops. Take your time, ask questions, and choose the shop that feels right.
Don’t buy from big box stores. Don’t settle for shops that don’t understand fixed gear geometry. Support these local businesses that actually care about the culture and your riding experience.
Now get out there and ride.
So what is the top rated shop in your area? Let me know, I read and reply to all comments.