For 24 years, Brixton Cycles has provided pedal-propelled technology to the two-wheeled community. Remarkably, its extensive range of bikes plays second fiddle to its whopping range of services, such as the ‘Checkover Plus’—a £45 cycle check-up to ensure your bike is in fit shape for hitting south London streets.

A worker’s cooperative, the store is manned by bike-fanatics whose day job is a clear labor of love, and the collective staff knowledge reflects this. Ross showed us Sugino cranks, Phil Wood hubs and Toshi double straps with all the ease of showing us his backyard. Billy, a real BMX game pro, immediately responded to our pry about “pimping out” our 20-inch GT ride. Whether an expert or a novice, fixed-wheel fan or single-speeder, bike enthusiasts count on Brixton Cycles as the grease that keeps them pushing pedals.