Click through the gallery above to view our top three London haunts for the bike-obsessed…
London's top haunts for bike-lovers
Diehard fans of the two-wheeler will tell you that cycling isn't just about getting fit or whizzing past sneering car drivers on your flash new bike. As the Tour of Britain gets into full swing, here are three London venues where bike-lovers can eat, drink, shop – or even bag themselves a date…
by Aby Dunsby
The show
Bike-lovers will be parking their trusty steeds up outside Vinopolis from 19-21 November to visit Rouleur Classic, a three-day exhibition featuring Pro Tour and historic bike collections, alongside one-off previews of 2016 bikes, gear and accessories. You'll also get the chance to rub shoulders with luminaries of the cycling world including Scottish former road racer David Millar: you can either chat to him/tell him how much you love him over canapés and champers, or gaze adoringly from afar as you watch him host a talk in the Rouleur Classic Theatre.
For more info, visit rouleurclassic.cc
The shop
Bike Fix first began as a repair and maintenance workshop, and the team will still lovingly restore your bike, although it now also offers an eclectic selection of new rides for when your old one's beyond salvation. The shop sells everything from high-tech hybrids to super-speedy recumbents that'll make your fellow cyclists stop and stare as you roll up smugly at the lights. If you're less keen on eccentric models, there's a massive selection of sensible-looking numbers on show, produced by everyone from the big names to lesser-known brands such as independent German cycle dealers Fahrradmanufaktur.
For more info, visit bikefix.co.uk
The cafe
East London's buzzing cycle scene revolves around Old Street's Look Mum No Hands, a cafe/meeting point/mecca for the bike-minded. Aside from selling a badass cup of coffee, LMNH serves a serious selection of food – including black pudding breakfast – alongside plenty of healthy salads and juices. But it's the social element of the cafe that draws in the crowds: as well as showing cycle events, including the current Tour of Britain, on its big screens, it organises photography exhibitions, bike-themed film nights, and even cycle speed dating. Don your tightest cycling shorts if you dare…
For more info, visit lookmumnohands.com
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