The Best Bicycle Shops in Sydney

Get psychled! It's a new word that means "get excited about bicycles". Because between Clover Moore tirelessly championing her epic bike lane plan and Lance Armstrong inspiring kids all over the world to get "pumped", it's no wonder Sydney is enjoying a bicycle renaissance.

We've sussed out seven of Sydney's best bicycle shops and found that whether you just want to get your brakes tightened or you're out to pimp your ride, there's something in store for everyone.

1 & 2. Omafiets and Glow Worm Bicycles

117B Addison Rd, Marrickville (on Agar St); omafiets.com.au

'Omafiets; literally means 'grandma bike' in Dutch, and the shop is run by three dashing young bike enthusiasts named Ollie, Maurice and Chris. They sell exquisite second-hand Dutch bicycles because the Dutch "produce bicycles for people who understand that cycling isn't a sport — it's the best way to get around town", and because they are excellent value. They also run Chain Lynx, a queer-friendly bike club that happens in-store every odd Wednesday at 6pm. Super.

Whilst Omafiets only performs repairs on bikes originally from their store, their sister shop Glow Worm Bicycles (just around the corner) is run by Maurice and specialises in electric bikes. General servicing and repairs of non-Omafiets bikes can be done here and both stores boast a team of highly skilled, super-helpful bike experts.

Image courtesy of Saskia Howard and CycleChic.

3. Clarence St Cyclery

4 Clarence St, Sydney; www.cyclery.com.au

Established in 1975, Clarence St Cyclery is an institution amongst bicycle lovers. Run by a team of veteran mechanics, the store offers over 200 models in store and feels a bit like an art gallery for bicycles. As of June 2010, they have also opened up a store next door exclusively for women — the first of its kind in the country. What's more, a percentage of every bicycle sale purchased form Clarence St Cyclery is donated to the Cycling Promotion Fund to promote cycling and improve cycling facilities around Australia.

4. Wooleys Wheels

82 Oxford St, Paddington; www.woolyswheels.com

Located amongst a stretch of boutique retail and fashion stores on Oxford Street, Woolys Wheels is a three-level bicycle haven. They stock the full line of Giant and Specialized bikes and a wide range of gear to suit all riding levels (including kids). It's a little on the pricey side, but a crew of helpful staff and baller mechanics make it their business to see you’re saddled up and ready to roll no matter the query.

5. Hell on Wheels

463 King Street, Newtown; www.hellonwheels.com.au

This is the place to go for everything BMX and feels more like your friend's living room than a shop (if your friend is a bit nuts and crams every conceivable space in their living room with bike and skate gear). They stock all your BMX needs, including fixies, frames, accessories and protection gear as well as skate decks, shoes, hoodies, magazines and DVDs. If it's raining and you're not riding, then check out the epic bike videos on their homepage to make you feel invariably uncool and in awe.

6. tokyobike

1 Marys Pl, Surry Hills; www.tokyobike.com.au

This store opened in Sydney in 2010 as the first permanent tokyobike outside the old suburb of Yanaka in Japan. Based on an ethos of the simplicity, comfort and enjoyment that comes with cycling, tokyobikes weigh between just 9 and 11 kilos. There are four different urban commuter models to suit both cruisers and speedsters, which you can take for a test ride at their sunny Surry Hills store. They also stock parts imported from Japan and a range of local accessories and provide bike maintenance and mechanics services.

7. Stallion Cycles

Shop 2, 115 Lawson St, Redfern; www.stallionbikes.com

The store is about the size of a peanut, but it's crammed with a range of beautiful hand-built vintage cycles, which spill out onto the sidewalk. Priding themselves on their craftsmanship, Stallion is the place to head if you're after custom design, made to order, rebuilt bikes and vintage accessories. They boast an extensive restoration and servicing list, and a Stallion Bikes full bicycle restoration comes with a one-year workmanship guarantee and a free first service. Tallyho!

Honourable Mentions

Cheeky Transport

Bondi Bikes

Cycle Re-Cycle (aka The Nunnery)

Omafiets image courtesy of Saskia Howard and CycleChic. All other images courtesy of the stores.