Berlin's unusual bike shops
In Berlin, there is a bicycle store on every second corner. DW's Stuart Braun gets on his own bike to tour the city's quirky holes in the wall that sell two-wheelers, repair them, and sometimes just put them on display.
A passion for wheels
In Berlin, there's a bicycle store on every second corner. DW's Stuart Braun gets on his own bike to tour the city's quirky holes in the wall that sell two-wheelers, repair them, and sometimes just put them on display. This shop, Radlust, is the lovechild of Kreuzberg squatter/activists who've been revolutionizing Berlin's streets with new and used Dutch bikes since 1981.
The early days
A homemade cargo bike was Radlust founder Johann C. Watenberg's vehicle of choice. He's pictured here in the early 1980s crusing around the Berlin district of Kreuzberg.
Do it yourself
The shop Pedalkraft (pedal power) is a Kreuzberg classic where customers can always borrow tools to make repairs themselves or affix the spare parts they've purchased in the store.
Ribbit!
Froschrad (frog wheel) began life as a used bike shop in 1997 before the owner, unimpressed by the latest bike brands, created the StadtRad, a strong, stylish bike model suited to the streets of Berlin. It comes complete with a frog logo, of course.
Treasures in the cellar
Tucked away behind the old Tempelhof airport, Fietswinkel is a relaxed workshop with a multilingual staff that has often got me back on my bike for minimal cost. Owner Wolfgang set it up for no money and only sells second-hand bikes created out of the old parts that fill his basement.
Artifacts and accessories
The basement turned workshop at Fahrradsalon is full of all imaginable kinds of bicycle-themed paraphernalia.
A piece of the past
Classic racing bikes dating back to the 1960s line the wall at the Glücksvelo shop in Berlin's Neukölln district.
Uncommon treasures
A variety of rare spare parts can be found on the the shelves at Glücksvelo as well.
The community
In Berlin, cyclists stick together.
Earth bikes
Established five years ago by a Brazilian and former East Berliner, Green Go Garage has been helping Berliners - and increasing numbers of tourists - stay mobile the ecological way.
Viva Italia
A shot of java can't hurt when it comes to human-powered transportation. Classic Italian bikes and espresso are combined here at Keirin, a hub for cycle enthusiasts.
On display
Keirin's showroom is actually more of a museum than a bike shop. Its expertly-equipped workshop has been keeping Berlin's two-wheelers turning since 2004.