Sept. 15, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
A bike shop and bare-bones café adjacent to Sunnyside Yards seeks to empower Long Island City’s cycling community.
Nomad Cycle opened its doors in mid-July at 47-10 Austell Place, after running the operation out of owner Damon Strub’s former architecture studio for several months. Strub said the shop represents a years-long dream to open a cycling “community space.”
“The idea is that this is going to encourage cycling by making a place where people can get more involved in cycling,” Strub said.
Part of this goal includes hosting free classes and events. Upcoming events include “N.E.D Talks” from guest presenters on different cycling topics and a performance of a musical instrument created from a bike wheel.
The shop also emphasizes collaborative work and mechanics training for its customers.
Nomad Cycle currently occupies a first-floor space in a warehouse that is being renovated. Strub said he plans to move next door within the same warehouse during the winter.
He said the shop’s spare, “scrappy” vibe will remain.
Customers can drink coffee or beer in a seated kitchen and lounge area, compiled mostly of re-appropriated materials and mis-matched wheeled furniture. Strub works from a desk in the center of the open space, with racks of tools and accessories behind him and a flock of bikes in front.
The shop offers services including bike tune-ups, repairs and custom builds.
DIY workstations are also available for “Nomad Club” members, who pay a $50 membership fee.
On Thursday, Nomad Cycles will host a bike maintenance class from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
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4 Comments
Can we bring our bikes into the store for class? Don’t want to leave it outside at that time in that area even when locked
YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
hey – Austell place is off Skillman avenue – we are right behind the police property building and near the Smiling Hogshead Community garden
Very cool. Just need to figure out where Austell Place is.
Hours?