They’ll start with a wheel workshop and then move on to working on your specific bike-related questions. There will be plenty of time to hang, socialize, and play with bike parts. Please feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and friends!

Casual Ladies Repair Workshop
Saturday, January 9th
Velo Brooklyn
1342 Dekalb Ave (near Myrtle and Central Avenues)
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
(347) 405-7966?

“When did this open up?!” was my first jaw-dropping reaction as I approached the intersection of Marcus Garvey Blvd. and Madison Street.  Is it possible Antidote Bike Shop (337 Marcus Garvey Blvd., between Madison Street and Putnam Avenue) will be central Bed-Stuy’s version of Lit Fuse Cyclery?  The exterior immediately caught my eye in a couple of ways.  The awning is contemporary and I like the sans serif embossed silver lettering and the light blue font color/style of what they offer.   The glass door and windows looks like they spent a penny or two.  Although I must admit I had to study the awning for a couple of seconds when I read the words “medicinal plant remedies!” I thought with the calming teal color and the bamboo window dressings, maybe it was a new spa. But how? The awning reads BIKE SHOP! You have to admit it has a very high-end feel for a bike shop. I dropped in to see if I could get some more info, but the owner was not there.  Stay tuned for more coverage hopefully. Has anyone else seen this store? How long has it been here? Anyone been inside?  Possibly some relation to the store next door, since they share the same address?

Recently I received an email from a reader praising a new bike shop in the neighborhood. The shop, Lit Fuse Cyclery, opened this past winter but I somehow managed to miss it. The person who wrote me was so passionate about this business that he emailed Clinton Hill Blog and Bed-Stuy Banana about it as well. I figured if he liked the business that much it had to be a winner, so I emailed him back and told him that I would definitely check this place out.

Lit Fuse Cyclery is located on the corner of Willoughby and Walworth, just across the street from the Home Depot. I finally made it over there last week. I say “made it over” as if it were far from where I live–this place is a stone’s throw from my place so I’m shocked that I didn’t notice it as soon as it opened. I’ve been consumed most of the summer with writing two journal articles, so I’ve been wandering around the neighborhood in a fog most of the time.

Just some of the selection at Lit Fuse.

I loved this place the minute I walked in. It’s in a large warehouse space and it has a nice selection of bikes to choose from. I’m all about used bikes! They sell bikes and accessories, and they rent and repair bikes too.

Damian, the owner of Lit Fuse Cyclery

It seems that Damian and co. have decided to do the opposite of the Home Depot across the street and actually provide friendly service to their customers. As soon as I waked in, a guy named David greeted me and asked if I needed any help. I was looking for a basket for my bike. I used to ride an old 1960′s Raleigh–a beautiful English bike with a wicker basket. I had to give that bike up when I moved to Bed-Stuy (couldn’t get it up and down the stairs, it was just too heavy), so I removed the basket and put it on the curb with a sign that said “FREE” and it disappeared in 15 minutes. I was heartbroken over that bike! I soon got a new bike from Spokes and Springs on Havermeyer in Williamsburg (I would’ve gotten a used one if there had been a shop nearby), but my old basket didn’t fit this new bike. I needed a simple wire thing, a basket that would make it easier to carry around the junk that I buy at thrift shops.

Their excellent service will give them a leg up on the competition!

David showed me a nice removable basket with a handle. It was the only one that they had, but I was afraid to purchase it because I wasn’t sure if the basket would fit. They had other baskets, but only one that was made to be removed and replaced so easily. I couldn’t make up my mind, so David introduced me to the owner, Damian, and they said that they’d put the basket aside for me and I could come back the next day and purchase it if I wanted it. I thanked them and left.

My new basket.

I ended up coming back the next day to buy the basket. Damian was working in the shop and his father was there with him. They were both so nice! Gotta love this place. They even have a blog!

They have t-shirts, too!

I encourage those of you who have bikes (or are looking to buy one) to stop by Lit Fuse. The prices are low and Damian and all of the people working there are extremely helpful.

I’ll be going back for a new bike helmet soon. Has anyone else been here?

Lit Fuse Cyclery
409 Willoughby Avenue (Corner of Walworth)
Phone: 347.442.1672
Open Daily 11 am – 8 pm
Lit Fuse Cyclery Website
Lit Fuse Cyclery Blog