It was in March this year during the Fixed Days in Berlin, when I met Thor. There we talked about his Druid Cycles shop, located in the southeast of London, South of Tower Bridge.
Never know how things really are until you do not see them, you can always get an idea based on the words of others but hardly this preconceived idea conforms to reality.
Coinciding with my trip to London for work I used the opportunity to visit Druid Cycles and by the way see Thor.
After 45 minutes of pedalling from Baker Street through the whole London Centre, I arrived at the store. The first thing that caught my attention was its location. Located under one of the many bridges that they are used for the trains of this city. Definitely a site which already gives to this place a touch of magic.
Druid Cycles began in 2009 in a small place, in order to be able to help and serve the London cycling community and as well as helping to integrate in different ways various minorities. Its goal is to be a place to share, create and help in various urban cycling sides. The workshop is characterized by its eagerness to do different things, mix the bicycle with the artistic things, out of the ordinary.
Just talk with Thor or anyone of his mechanics to see their enthusiasm on this project, which has been more than 5 years in operation. They have countless recycled parts of old bikes, frames and various objects ready to be customized or start to become part of your new bike. Is not the place to go to buy your new carbon frame, however is good to upholster your old saddle again or put in the hands of their mechanical any of your bikes. They also have a very affordable second hand bike market to encourage everyone to have access to a bike.
The atmosphere in the shop is quiet, relaxed and unique. The orange light flooded the workshop, and the music sounds at all hours. The decoration on the outside of the tent is spectacular with several doors and wooden planks, painted by different artists from around the world.
If what you like, is to give a new life to the old-fashioned things, sure that Druid Cycles can help you to get what you want. Or if you simply have an idea to customize your bike or you think of something that out of the ordinary, is the right place. They are shipping to all over the world and you can get in touch with and expose them all your doubts or explain the project that you have in mind.
Without any doubt is one of these magical shops that is worth visiting in London.
More information at: www.druidcycles.co.uk
