Vélo Vintage

58 Rue du Ruisseau
75018 Paris
hours: Stop by after work around 5pm or call / email to find out when they'll be in.

www.velo-vintage.com
velo18@free.fr
Eddy +33 06 13 13 42 27
Hugo +33 06 03 89 61 21

Tired of pulling out those clunky Velibs only to discover a flat tire, broken handlebars, a seat that can't be adjusted or pedals about to fall off?  Sick of circling around Chatelet only to discover that you can't find a parking space?  Well for about 2 months worth of your Navigo pass you can surely find a sweet deal on a cool vintage bike at Vélo Vintage.  Hugo and Eddy have a passion for bikes, and you're sure to find something in your style--their stock ranges from hefty Dutch-style cruisers to spiffy steel track bikes to retro folding bikes. It's one of the only bike shops in town that will charge you a fair price--a bike you'd find at a rip-off shop that they'd sell you for €280, would probably cost €80 at Vélo Vintage.  I picked up my mint-condition, cream-colored demi-course Bernard Hinault Gitane, replete with a badger head-badge for only €120!   The decor and atmosphere of the shop is a far cry from the usual, as they admit their inspiration "comes right out of the 80's, with its flashy colors and trendy collectors items".  They've got a turntable and some  sweet funk records in the shop too, and the video on their homepage gives a taste of just how awesome it is to bike in Paris.  Now if we can just get rid of the scooters!

--Natalie Hegert

(*Image: www.velo-vintage.com.)