Where to buy a bicycle in Berlin

gutentag,
I am from washington DC and I will be heading to Berlin for a week this summer. I always find that the European bike shops have such cool things. I was hoping to find some bike shops in Berlin. I am staying in Mitte but I don't mind a walk or taking the U bahn in search of a bike shop. I am specifically looking for a specific shimano crankset (XT 48-36-26) and the Basil bags.

thanks

Hi there,

A very big bike shop you will find in Charlottenburg; Königin-Elisabeth-Strasse 9-23, 14059 Berlin-Charlottenburg.

It is a large hall over 10.000 qm and they advertise that they have over 30.000 bikes and equipment.

Has a Shimano Service Centre fully kitted out!

Opening times:
Monday-Thursday: 10.00-20.00 Hrs
Friday: 10.00-21.00 Hrs
Saturday: 10.00-21.00 Hrs

I wish you success

LN

friendly neighborhood bike shop near me. Owner speaks German and English and there often a lot of people hanging out and talking/working on their bikes.

radkonzept
www.radkonzept.de

opening hours have changed for summer so call ahead and double check

thanks for the shops, I will try to look at them both!

I do not have any recommendations, but I am looking for a bike and though I'd post in this thread instead of starting a new one.

I have gone into several shops to look at used and new bikes (I can't remember where exactly, I just walk in when I see it). But there seems to be so much to look for:

1. Bike handles - off my head I must have seen at least 10 different types
2. Horizontal bar or not - I am referring to the bar that runs from below the seat towards the bar that the handle is attached to. Also, I have seen some bikes with 2 slimmer horizontal bars instead of one, and some which bar slants downward. What is the purpose of this?
3. Seats - about 4 different types
4. Men's or ladies' bike - is there a difference, and why?
5. Gear mechanism

I would also like to know how to maintain a bike to keep it in tip top condition.

Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks

I agree, getting into biking is overwhelming!

what kind of cycling are you into? When I was in Germany, the majority of bikes I saw were flat handlebar utilitarian style bikes. I also some some road cycles with the drop bars (look like ram horns) speed by. Also how much are you willing to spend?

1/2. handlebar type- flat bar keeps you in a more upright position, which is nice for city riding, and those who are not very limber. the drops bars put you into a more aerodynamic position and are really for speed and for a nice assortment of hand positions for those who spend a lot of time biking.

3. seats are all about fit. good ones will support the hard bones of your butt so that other parts don't have to bear any weight. I don't know if you have them but I ride on Terry saddles and endorse them highly. although they are not cheap, they are good quality and allow me to ride without any pain.

4. men's and lady's body types differ. the conventional wisdom is that women have longer legs compared to their torso. therefore women's bikes tend to keep the distance between the handbars and the seat a tad bit shorter. also women's bikes usually go down to smaller sizes. there are more considerations when designing a women's specific bike than these but really if a bike fits you then it fits you.

5. gear mechanism is a whole can of worms that I don't know enough to get into.

ps another good place to learn from more qualified bikers is the team estrogen forum http://forums.teamestrogen.com/ that is how I found this place

Hi Jade2,

If you break down your search by giving yourself levels of elimination, then you may find it easier selecting a bike for you.

USE
-Frequent
-Every now and then
-For physical fitness (Keeping in shape)
-Transport (Getting around)

ZONE
-City
-Loose and hard trail
-Cross country
-Downhill
-All rounder

PHYSICS
-Leisure (Easy going)
-Leisure + Sport
-Sport

Bike frames are designed for certain disciplines of biking, whether Cross country or City etc. The geomitry of the frame usually means how you sit and the reach to the bars, giving you a more sporty position which puts wieght more on the fore arms as you lean forward or City where you are sat up like in an arm chair.

Get to one of these shops mentioned and let them advise you. Usually the guys at these shops are OK but if you think they are just trying to sell any bike, question them about your reservations.

L.N

If you buy a reasonably cheap bike (around €70) with working gears, brakes, and front and back light you can be guaranteed to be able to re-sell it either on here or on craigslist really fast for the same amount that you paid. That way you can try out a bike or 2 and sell it if you don't like it or want to upgrade.

I've bought a couple bikes and got to try out the shopper bike (3 gears, big seat) compared to a more sporty city bike(7 gears, slimmer seat) and a beach cruiser style bike. I got a much better impression of what I like and don't like.

kijiji is a good site for second hand bikes because it usually has decent photos. Boxhagner platz flea market used to have good cheap second hand bikes.

Thanks for all the tips, guys. They are all very much appreciated. The website recommended by GlobalGirl is great. I think I will start with a used bike.I had a racer (10-speed) many, many, many years ago, and loved it. It was good for zipping through traffic and around people, but I am a lot older now and not as daring (read: stupid) and my reflexes are not as good as they used to be. And I guess a racer would look a little silly with a basket at the front or at the back, if it is possible to attach that.

@madscot13
I wasn't trying to get into the mechanics of the gear mechanism. I only wanted to know which would be sufficient, and also relatively easy to repair if it breaks down.

My preference is for a sporty looking bike, but one that is practical for me to use in the city. I would probably need to attach a basket (or those snap-on snap-off compartments) at the back of the bike for my shopping or necessities for short day trips outside of Berlin.

I can't wait to get my bike...

Jade

Can anyone give me any good feedback on where I can lay my hands on a half decent bike, I am not planning on going 'off road' - my old bike has gone to bike heaven.

Topics merged by admin

Can anyone recommend a place where I can go to find a fixed gear bike?
I have a regular city bike, but would like to get a fixed gear track bike and have not been able to find them

Thanks

hi Rob1119, i was in the same situation, I searched high and low for a fairly decent bike for cheap (in case it gets nicked at the traino or something) and everywhere you couldnt get one for less than 70 or 80€ and i happened to just walk into an old `junk`shop around the corner of my house. They had a couple of bikes, and i got one for 25€ that runs well, and is only minus the front brake. I dont know what area u live in, and this was in teltow, but i would probably recommend smaller shops than the big bike shops if u just want something you can thrash around on.

Hi,

We are new to Berlin and are now planning to stay for a year. We are keen to get some bikes as it seems the best way to get around the city. We want to spend maximum 200 euros for a good bike, either new or second-hand. We have heard some horror stories about buying second-hand bikes (they are all stolen, buckled wheels etc.). We saw bikes for sale in Kaisers for 130 euros but are unsure whether they would be any good or not (they looked pretty good).

Basically, I am looking for some advice on the best place to buy a good bike.

Thanks in advance!

Topics merged by admin

You can get basic bikes as you said in places like Kaisers for 150 euros or so. If you want a decent bike, you need to pay 300 euros and up. Karstadt Sport can be quite good, although the choice can be limited depending on when you go there.

Berlin is pretty flat, so if you expect to be doing short trips from time to time, then your Kaiser bike may be fine. If however you want to cycle daily to and from work, and a bit of leisure cycling at the weekend, I would recommend spending a bit more, and get something decent.