Get Your Fix(ie): Continew Cycle Co.

Owners Ryo and Ink had a dream: to create a hub where bike aficionados could buy the things they liked, get the services they needed, and enjoy the company they sought. The result is Continew Cycle Company, a vibrant, fixed-gear shop that specializes in custom-built bikes, tune-ups, and all the fixings in between.

The shop is dominated by rows of bike parts hung on walls and suspended from the ceiling to maximize space – all in a dizzying array of colors, from pragmatic gray to ostentatious lime green. Customers can conjure up their own bikes by hand-selecting each part, then surrendering the collection to Ryo or Ink, who fasten everything together with astonishing speed (building a complete bike takes as little as three hours). The result is a bicycle tailored perfectly to suit each person’s desires, from tire height to handlebar streamers (or not), to hues of the pedals. A standard bike costs around RMB 2500, which may sound like a hefty investment but definitely pays off in the end: Ryo tells me he’s been riding his for almost five years.

Masters of customer service, Ryo and Ink offer bicycle customers complimentary, in-shop tune-ups for standard wear and tear. A glass-faced refrigerator stands in one corner, offering cold bottles of water and beer along with iced tea and soft drinks. Those waiting for a repair can head to the back of the store, where a futon, flatscreen TV, and a tall display of DVDs and video games await. If you’re not into that, you can browse the selection of streetwear featured in the front of the store, including T-Level bags and an eclectic selection of original, handmade T-shirts designed by one of Ryo’s friends. Canvas bombers, tank tops, slacks, paisley urban-prep button-downs and hats are all also available. Overall, Continew is your ultimate stop for all things bicycle: from the machines themselves to the crowd, right down to the streetwear, Ryo and Ink have got you covered.

Also try: Natooke, SERK Cafe

Continew Cycle Company Daily noon-10pm. F-16C, 1/F, Zhucheng Bldg, 6A Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District (186 0021 5885) 海淀区中关村南大街甲六号铸诚大厦底商F-16C

By Subway: 500m southeast of Renmin Daxue station (Line 4)