Bustleton Bikes

From the Wrench Bench: The Heartbeat of Bustleton Bikes

Every great community has a cornerstone—a place where people gather, stories are shared, and lives are changed. In Northeast Philadelphia, that place is Bustleton Bikes. As a former bike mechanic who spent three years behind the repair stands, hanging with the crew, and hitting the pavement on local charity rides, I can tell you firsthand that this shop is something truly special. In fact, the deep inspiration I drew from working with this small business is one of the main reasons I eventually started my own photography and marketing journey.

Before it became the neighborhood staple it is today, the story started on two wheels, with the owner pedaling hard back and forth between Temple University and Northeast Philly. He originally walked into Bustleton Bikes simply as a customer looking for a reliable ride. Inspired by the deep knowledge and pure passion of the shop, a dream took root. He decided he wanted to be his own boss and threw himself into learning the trade, working his way up until the perfect opportunity arose for him to take over as the owner.

Having spent time riding bikes in Amsterdam, Mike fell in love with the vibrant, seamless European cycling culture. When he took the reins at Bustleton Bikes, he intentionally brought that Amsterdam style and feel into the current shop design—creating a space that celebrates cycling not just as a hobby, but as a way of life.

"Welcoming you to the shop! Our doors are always open to help you find your next ride.

A Next-Level Welcome

Sometimes, walking into a bike store can feel a bit intimidating, whether you're a seasoned racer or haven't ridden a bicycle since childhood. At Bustleton Bikes, the mission is to completely change that experience and give everyone the absolute best welcome possible.

The shop is built on honest, transparent feedback. When you bring your ride in, the crew prioritizes what matters most: your safety on the road. We’ll always give you a straightforward assessment of your bike's condition, especially when a well-loved bicycle is past its prime and the cost of essential safety repairs might approach the value of a brand-new ride.

Supporting Those Who Protect Our Community

Bustleton Bikes believes in giving back to those who serve. The shop proudly supports local law enforcement by keeping Philadelphia’s police bikes expertly maintained and rolling safely on patrol.

That support naturally extends to their circles of friends and family. The shop loves helping officers' loved ones find the perfect bicycles to get more people out riding—especially when they are gearing up for the annual Ben to Shore Bike Tour to ride in solidarity with their family members.

A matte black Haro Police edition mountain bike with a rear rack displayed against a brick wall beneath vintage French cycling posters.

An absolute tank of a machine. This custom-outfitted Haro Police utility bike is built to handle hours of heavy-duty patrolling

A large fleet of matching black police duty bicycles lined up neatly across the showroom floor inside the shop after assembly

Fleet assembly line! A massive row of custom police duty bikes we built up and dialed in for local department patrol work.

Two Trek Marlin 4 mountain bikes—one matte black and one royal blue—parked indoors in front of a vintage "Slow School" traffic cop sign on a brick wall.

Honoring our local law enforcement for National Police Week. A pair of rugged Trek Marlin 4s ready to serve

Crafting Custom Dreams and Fueling Charity Rides

One of my custom frame-up build! We built this stunning Trek Émonda ALR 5 from the ground up, perfectly matching our shop's signature colors

One of my absolute favorite parts of working at the shop was seeing unique projects come to life on the stands, like this striking Trek Émonda ALR 5. We built this beauty up completely from a bare frame, meticulously sourcing parts to match the shop's signature yellow-to-red colors.

During my employment, I actually returned to school to study digital marketing, which made capturing these moments, participating in events, and working to change people's opinions about cycling incredibly rewarding. Bustleton Bikes is deeply woven into the local cycling advocacy scene, working to improve infrastructure so everyone has equal opportunities for transportation—whether that means fighting for protected bike lanes, introducing riders to quality electric bikes, or educating the public on proper safety gear like helmets, lights, and high-visibility clothing.

Bustleton Bikes mechanics under a branded event tent at the American Cancer Society bike-a-thon.

Out supporting the riders at the ACS Bike-A-Thon! Our mechanical crew keeping gears spinning smoothly for a great cause.

Two bike shop mechanics alongside volunteers from a local Philadelphia school at the MS Bike Ride, posing together outdoors.

Teamwork makes the dream work! Our mechanics teaming up with fantastic student volunteers at the annual MS Bike Ride.

A black canopy tent with the Bustleton Bikes logo reading "Support your local bicycle shop" set up in a parking lot over a row of test-ride bikes.

Trying before buying! Highlights from one of our community test ride events right in the parking lot.

A busy outdoor rest stop area filled with bicycle racks, resting cyclists, and event tents on an overcast day during the MS City to Shore charity ride.

The rest stop filling up as riders power through the day! A massive sea of bikes and incredible community determination out here at the MS ride

Cyclists wearing jerseys standing near a roadside team tent with their bikes during the MS City to Shore charity ride

Keeping the gears turning. Our rest stop setup is always a busy hub of tune-ups and high-fives during the MS ride.

The black Bustleton Bikes canopy tent setup in a parking lot, reading 'Support your local bicycle shop' with repair stands ready for action

The calm before the wrenching storm. Our mobile support station fully prepped to handle any mechanical issue that rolls our way

A large pack of cyclists wearing helmets and jerseys riding down an open highway during the Ben to the Shore Bike Tour under a clear morning sky

The early morning highway hum at the Ben to the Shore Bike Tour. Incredible energy out here every single year

Cyclists pedaling down a wide highway road as captured from a support vehicle window during a local charity ride in Philadelphia.

Rolling support views. Keeping a close eye on our riders as they conquer the miles for a fantastic cause.

A mechanic uses a floor pump to inflate the rear tire of a long black Cannondale tandem bicycle during a charity cycling event.

Tandem teamwork! Making sure this Cannondale tandem ride is pumped up and rolling perfectly for the next leg of the journey.

A mechanic's hands adjusting the drivetrain of a bicycle clamped into a heavy-duty portable work stand at an outdoor charity ride event.

Quick drivetrain tweaks at the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon. Every second counts when it's for a great cause!

A mechanic stands next to a light blue and yellow Giant gravel bike mounted on a repair stand at an event support tent

Finishing touches on a beautiful Giant gravel build. Quick adjustments mean everything when you still have miles left to crush.

Jordan wearing a black Bustleton Bikes t-shirt services a white Ridley road bike mounted on a portable repair stand on the side of the road.

No rider left behind! Quick roadside adjustments during the Ben to the Shore ride to keep everyone moving smoothly.

A bright red Specialized road bike mounted on a blue Park Tool repair stand under a tent at an MS City to Shore rest stop.

Rest stop tech: Getting a bright red Specialized dialed back in and ready to tackle the rest of the MS City to Shore route.

That community connection takes us far beyond the shop walls. The team regularly volunteers mechanical rest stop support for incredible non-profits and charity events, including the MS Bike Ride, the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, Families Behind the Badge, Team Foster, and Independence Youth Cycling.

We even partner with Manor College for bike raffle donations—which is particularly close to our hearts since my fiancé Jordan, our former e-bike mechanic, is a proud alumnus! One of our most unforgettable milestones was modifying a bike to accommodate an injured police officer's disability, ensuring he could successfully participate in the Ben to Shore ride.

Our favorite wall in the shop—celebrating our amazing community on their official New Bike Days!

The Magic of "New Bike Day"

Providing a true livelihood for a dedicated local crew is what keeps the shop spinning, but the ultimate reward is celebrating New Bike Day with our customers. Seeing generations of families walk through the door—watching a customer grow from a child on their first sidewalk bike, to a commuting adult, to a grandparent picking up a cruiser—is the greatest thing to witness.

While the historic pandemic bicycle boom has normalized, our goal remains laser-focused: we want to inspire more kids and adults to discover the joy of riding, have fun, grow with the community, and inspire the next generation to learn how to wrench on bikes.

A Legacy of Smiles: Customer & Crew Gallery

Here are a few of my favorite moments captured during my time with the crew and the community:

A happy female customer smiles and stands behind her brand-new matte black Trek dual-sport bicycle in front of the shop's brick storefront logo.

Nothing beats that New Bike Day feeling! Congratulations on the awesome new ride—enjoy every single mile!

A happy couple smiling and posing together with their two newly purchased Trek hybrid bicycles in front of the shop's banner.

Couples who ride together, stay together! Wishing these two endless fun miles on their brand-new Treks.

Me and a happy customer smile and pose together with a brand-new red Trek hybrid bike in front of the Bustleton Bikes storefront banner.

Another successful New Bike Day! Big smiles all around as this sleek new Trek hybrid heads out to its new home

A smiling young woman wearing a blue Phillies sweatshirt posing outside with a bright blue step-through comfort hybrid bicycle.

Representing Philly and rolling out on a gorgeous new ride! This vibrant blue comfort hybrid is going to make every casual cruise a breeze.

A young man throwing up a peace sign inside the bike shop display area next to a matte black Electra Townie Go cruiser e-bike.

Bringing that maximum comfort energy to the streets! Catch him cruising around town on this super clean Electra electric cruiser.

A man and a female bike shop employee smiling inside a bike shop next to a silver Trek Verve+ 2 electric hybrid bicycle.

Incredibly stoked to hand over the keys to Bill for his brand new Trek Verve+ 2 e-bike! This machine is going to flatten out every hill in his path.

A smiling woman posing outside a bike shop with a matte black Electra Townie Go step-over electric cruiser bike with brown tires.

Cruising into the weekend in style! Nothing matches the pure comfort and effortless fun of an Electra Townie Go! step-over e-bike.

A man wearing a red cap standing proudly outside with a silver Trek Verve+ lowstep electric hybrid bicycle equipped with a rear commuter bag.

Fully loaded and ready to roll! Equipped with a step-through frame and a rear commuter bag, this Trek Verve+ is the ultimate errand-runner.

A smiling woman with tattoos standing outside with a dark grey Trek Domane aluminum endurance road bike with red logos.

Big miles ahead! This lightweight Trek endurance road bike is the perfect match for conquering long weekend group rides.

A man wearing sunglasses standing outside next to a dark grey Trek Marlin hardtail mountain bike outfitted with a rear utility rack.

The best of both worlds. A rugged Trek Marlin hardtail mountain bike paired with a sturdy rear rack—ready for rough trails or a heavy urban commute.

A young person in a tie-dye shirt standing outside the bike shop banner with a sleek matte black Trek FX hybrid bicycle.

New bike day smiles! A fresh matte black Trek hybrid, perfectly dialed in and ready for campus commuting and weekend greenway exploring.

A smiling man in a navy t-shirt posing outside with a clean cream-colored Trek Domane AL endurance road bike.

Ready to crush the pavement and the gravel path. This ultra-versatile cream Trek Domane AL is going to be an absolute blast on the roads.

A smiling man standing outside in front of a Bustleton Bikes banner with a premium deep red carbon Trek road bike featuring tan wall tires

Now that is a stunning build. Sending this gorgeous deep red carbon Trek out into the wild—built for speed, comfort, and endless miles.

Happy Moments:

A personal favorite memory of mine: celebrating an amazing New Bike Day with a customer and his new Dual Sport 2. He was ready to roll 65 miles in support for his fellow officers during The Ben to the Shore Bike Tour.

Nothing beats that New Bike Day feeling! Congratulations on the awesome new ride.

Enjoy every single mile, and be sure it bring it in when it needs some love!

The Crew & The Rides

Some of the best moments with the crew were our rides to the shop, fixing a flat for a rider when they’re half way done a 100 mile ride and celebrating my fiancé Jordan’s New Bike Day with his Trek Powerfly e-bike. I always felt fully involved and both of us always wanted to learn more to help our customers!

Also a special shoutout to Ed for stopping by our support tent during the MS Bike Ride! We love keeping our local riders rolling strong.

Jordan smiling while standing proudly with his new black Trek Powerfly electric mountain bike equipped with fenders and a rear cargo rack.

When the mechanics pick the perfect ride, you know it's good!

A smiling cyclist named Ed wears a "Philly" jersey and stands with his white Gravity road bike under the Bustleton Bikes mechanical support tent at the MS Bike Ride.

Cheering our customers during their long rides, regardless of mile marker.

A man in a Trek Factory Racing jacket and a woman holding up a black Bustleton Bikes t-shirt under a shop canopy tent at an outdoor support event.

Representing the crew out in the field! Proudly repping the shop colors at our mobile mechanic station

Three cyclists with high-powered bike headlights illuminated standing outside the storefront at night before a group ride.

Lighting up the streets! Prepping the rigs for a local night ride right outside the shop storefront.

Three smiling men standing under an event tent at a rest stop during a community bike ride event.

The mobile mechanic crew taking a quick breather between tune-ups. Keeping community riders safe and rolling is what it's all about.

A turquoise Trek Marlin and a neon yellow Trek Marlin mountain bike parked on an asphalt lot at night with active LED headlights.

Testing out the lumens. These Trek Marlin builds look sharp under the night sky with high-powered commuter lights active.

A person dressed as Santa Claus posing on a black Electra cruiser bicycle towing a bike trailer filled with wrapped holiday gifts inside the shop.

Upgrading the sleigh this year! Santa dropped by the shop to trade the reindeer for an Electra cruiser and a trailer full of holiday joy.

How to Support Your Local Bike Shop

Want to help us keep Northeast Philly riding, laughing, and wrenching? Here is how you can support the crew:

Connect online

Follow the shop's daily adventures on social media

Show off your ride:

Leave a review, or post a picture with your bike in front of the shop or out on a trail and tag them @bustletonbikes!

Stop by and greet the crew and check out the latest bikes in stock

Check out what’s new in store, stop by to get your bike safety-checked before a charity ride, look into a quality Electric Bike, or grab some high-vis safety gear for your next night ride!

A Special Thank You

Before I wrap up this trip down memory lane, I want to extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to the owner of Bustleton Bikes, Mike.

Mike, thank you for welcoming me into the shop family and for providing some amazing opportunities during my years behind the counter and the repair stand. You passed down deep mechanical knowledge and encouraged me to learn more through E-bike certification courses. You didn't just impact me—you also shaped both Jordan’s and my journey as cyclists. We both learned so much under your wing, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

Working at Bustleton Bikes did so much more than just ignite my passion for cycling and local infrastructure—it truly gave me the confidence to become my own boss, just like you did. The hands-on experience of capturing life at the shop, participating in community events, and telling your customers stories was the exact catalyst I needed to launch my own business in art. Without your encouragement and the creative freedom you gave me to document our days with the crew and our customers, Sketch Simply would have likely just been an abandoned social media project.

Closing time view. Rolling the cruisers back inside after a beautiful day serving the neighborhood.

Thank you, Mike, and the entire Bustleton Bikes crew, for being the foundation of this journey.

To our readers: If you want to experience the absolute best welcome in Philly—or if you just need to get your current ride back in peak safety shape—head over to Bustleton Bikes and tell them the Sketch Simply crew sent you!

*This is not a paid post/review. All photos are owned by myself (Jessica Laumeister). I do not own the rights to the Bustleton Bikes logo and received permission from the owner to feature them.