a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer.
In this weekly series, we’ll share our picks with you –
our top hotels, live music venues, local brews,
bands and more. Check, share and discuss
#OLMBest every week!
Written by: Kat Walcott and Jonathan Marshall
Phat Moose Cycles (98 Hawthorne Ave.)
Phat Moose may look modest on the outside, but it offers high quality service and accessories for all you biking enthusiasts. At Phat Moose, you’ll find various brands of bikes, sporting apparel and equipment, bike tools, and much more. They also have a great online shop where you can choose to pick up in store or have your goods delivered right to your doorstep.
Cyclelogik (1111A Wellington St.)
A quaint bike shop-meets-coffee house, this Westboro spot is totally unique. A powerhouse of top-name brands with a comfortable atmosphere, you will not want to leave. The shop also hosts fitness classes that focus on improving cardio, aerobic function, and overall cycling performance. What’s better than a place where you can sip an Americano, get your bike serviced, and sign up for a spin class all at the same time?
Bike Dump (407 Catherine St.)
Don’t let the name fool you, this Centretown location is known to the locals as a stripped-back, no-nonsense hub for every type of bike under the sun. Behind their rugged exterior is a desire to see less cars on the road and more people on their bikes (just ask them about Critical Mass). An affordable option for those looking for something with two wheels and a whole lotta’ heart.
Cyco’s Sports (5 Hawthorne Ave.)
This family-operated business is almost hidden away across Pretoria Bridge, meaning you’re going to get the attention you need to sort out even the toughest problems with your two-wheeler. With over 20 years of experience, they can service more than your basic fix, and hardcore cyclists know that this is the place to go for expert answers to your questions.
Kunstadt Sports (Various locations)
One of the most unique bike shops in Ottawa, Kunstadt Sports are pros when it comes to biking, skiing, snowboarding, and most racquet sports. They are proud to offer many Canadian brands that offer top performance equipment for mountain biking, commuting, and more. Kunstadt Sports has truly earned their name for high-quality cycles and mechanical know-how. With three locations across the city, the store easily accessible no matter where you live.
Cycle Salvation (473 Bronson Ave.)
Located on the busy corner of Bronson and Gladstone, Cycle Salvation has been providing more than just quality handiwork, they focus on the people too. As a not-for-profit member of the Causeway Group of Social Businesses, Cycle Salvation offers staffing opportunities to those facing economic uncertainty and mental illness. Teaching the community how to care for their environmentally friendly transportation covers their three principles; people, profit, planet. Shopmates re-Cycles, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit bike shop, specializes in refurbishing donated bikes and also sells used parts.
Foster’s Sports Centre (305 Bank St.)
Foster’s is a family-run repair and goods shop that has been serving the Ottawa community for over half a century! With this many years behind them, you know they’re doing something right. Have a busted break? Foster’s can fix it! Looking for a new basket to add to the front of your bike for the summer? Foster’s has it! They also offer one of the biggest bike inventories in town–a biker’s paradise.
Giant Store (1162 Bank St.)
This Ottawa gem is a place where the community can take full advantage of a wide range of stock including traditional, hybrid, and even electric bikes. Those looking to turn their hobby into a professional endeavor can check out their superior line of sport clothing and gear, easily purchased with their helpful financing opportunities. If you’re ready to join the local biking community, sign up for their group rides and discover what you’ve been missing from your biking treks.
Full Cycle (401 St. Laurent Blvd.)
Located in north Vanier, this highly recommended shop and servicing centre has gained a reputation for knowledgeable and helpful customer support. The staff are friendly and encourage test rides to ensure each bike is right for you. Whether you’re on the road, the trail, or just on a single wheel, Full Cycle wants you to show you the fun in cycling.
The Cyclery (1115 Bank St.)
Firmly planted in the heart of Old Ottawa South, The Cyclery has seen it all. Their professional staff are eager to help and will take the time to explain the ins and outs of their work. Everyone in the community knows that The Cyclery will go above and beyond to solve your bicycling issues.