Redbeard Bikes stands as a cornerstone of the cycling community in DUMBO, New York. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ilya and Kasia Nikhamin, this bike shop isn’t just a retail space; it’s a passion project born from years of industry experience and a deep love for cycling. In this article, we delve into the story of Redbeard Bikes, exploring why they chose DUMBO, their philosophy on cycling, and what makes them a standout bike shop in the bustling New York City landscape.
The journey of Redbeard Bikes began in November 2012, under less than auspicious circumstances. “We were scheduled to open November 1st,” Ilya recounts, “But we delayed it because that was two days after Sandy. November 7th was the next scheduled day, and that was the day of the freak snowstorm.” Despite the rocky start, their initial location on Front Street quickly became too small. After just a year, an opportunity arose to move to a larger space, still within DUMBO, allowing them to better serve their growing clientele.
Ilya Nikhamin owner of Redbeard Bikes in DUMBO New York standing outside his shop.
The need for expansion was driven by their burgeoning inventory and the demands of a busy bike shop. Kasia explains the challenges of their smaller space: “The storage space was three or four blocks down, so all day long from May through September, we were running up and down the street. Mostly me.” This constant back-and-forth highlighted the necessity for a larger, more efficient space to house their diverse range of bikes and accessories, and to streamline their service operations.
Before embarking on the Redbeard Bikes adventure, Ilya honed his expertise over nine years at Roy’s Bikes in Sheepshead Bay. His journey started part-time during high school and continued through college at Brooklyn College. “Seven years of college plus nine years of the bike shop basically told me to quit both and just do something else,” Ilya jokes. However, his extensive experience in the bike industry proved to be invaluable. Realizing his deep-seated knowledge and passion, Ilya, with Kasia’s support, decided to channel his skills into creating his own bike shop.
Kasia’s background, initially outside the bike world, brought a different yet complementary skillset to the business. With a background in writing and experience in demanding office environments, including a stint at the Manhattan D.A.’s office and D. E. Shaw, Kasia initially helped out at the shop during evenings and weekends. “It got to be too much, so I made the leap. I’m full-time here as of last July,” she shares, highlighting her commitment to Redbeard Bikes and the partnership.
To solidify their business plan, Ilya participated in the PowerUP! competition at the Brooklyn Public Library. While not a formal educational program, it provided crucial motivation and a platform to refine their vision. “Before the competition started, there wasn’t an idea about a shop. The competition made us consolidate the thought process of what we wanted to do,” Ilya notes. Remarkably, Redbeard Bikes opened its doors even before the competition concluded, a testament to their drive and the rapid realization of their business concept.
Kasia Nikhamina co-owner of Redbeard Bikes standing inside the bike shop in DUMBO New York.
For Ilya, owning a bike shop is about more than just business; it’s about fostering a love for cycling. He acknowledges the irony that running a bike shop can sometimes take him away from riding. “If you work six or seven days a week and you’re always talking about bikes, and you’re always on your feet, it doesn’t leave that much energy for actual bikes.” Despite this, the satisfaction of introducing more people to cycling is a core reward. “Absolutely. I like ticking that box. Sometimes I have to stop and think about it. We’re getting people out on the street, riding. It’s nice. It’s a good thing.”
Redbeard Bikes is strategically located in DUMBO, a neighborhood that Ilya recognized as ideal for a bike shop. “We saw all the bikes around and thought that there should be a bike shop here.” His insight into the “small intricacies of the small bike world” in Brooklyn, combined with DUMBO’s demographic – a mix of commuters and affluent residents – made it a prime location. Initially, Ilya considered a high-end bike fitting studio, but the vision evolved into a ground-floor retail space to cater to a broader range of cyclists.
Redbeard Bikes shop interior showcasing a variety of bicycles and bike accessories in New York.
One of Ilya’s intriguing “conjectures” revolves around bike frame materials and their impact on the riding experience. He theorizes that different materials transmit road vibrations at distinct frequencies, affecting how riders perceive the road. “My thinking is that carbon fiber, while an excellent material in many ways, doesn’t send the same signals, so we interpret the road surface differently.” He suggests that steel and titanium offer a “singing, vibrating sensation” that aligns more naturally with our sensory perception, enhancing the rider’s feel and control. This unique perspective underscores Redbeard Bikes’ deep engagement with the nuances of cycling and bike technology.
Kasia’s personal journey with cycling has also evolved significantly since opening Redbeard Bikes. Initially, cycling was primarily a mode of commuting for her. However, she discovered the joy of recreational riding. “I just discovered a year ago that I love riding just for the sake of riding… It’s a meditative experience,” she explains. This newfound passion has inspired her to promote cycling for recreation, particularly among women. She initiated a ladies’ ride every Thursday night and a shop ride on Sundays, aiming to build a more inclusive and community-focused cycling culture in New York City. “New York is behind the times in terms of cycling community,” Ilya adds, emphasizing the need for more recreational riding opportunities and community engagement.
Redbeard Bikes owners Ilya and Kasia Nikhamin posing inside their bike shop surrounded by bicycles.
The shop rides, especially the Sunday “no drop” ride, aim to foster a supportive environment for cyclists of all levels. Unlike typical New York City group rides that often categorize riders by speed and skill, Redbeard Bikes’ no-drop ride is designed to be inclusive. “Some people can go faster, because it’s a no-drop ride, something that doesn’t really exist in New York… It’s a big thing in the rest of the country,” Ilya points out. This initiative reflects their commitment to building a stronger, more welcoming bike community in NYC.
Redbeard Bikes prides itself on offering bikes they personally believe in and ride themselves. Brands like Lynskey and Brompton are prominently featured, reflecting Ilya and Kasia’s preferences. “The bikes that we own are the bikes that we sell. It started out as owning them and then deciding to sell them because we liked them so much that we thought that everybody should have them,” Ilya states. This curated selection ensures that customers receive expert advice and quality products backed by the owners’ personal experience.
Redbeard Bikes displaying a range of road bicycles in their New York shop.
Close up of various bicycle components and accessories displayed at Redbeard Bikes shop in DUMBO New York.
In the spirit of community collaboration, Redbeard Bikes values the presence of Recycle-A-Bicycle, another bike shop located nearby in DUMBO. “We like the idea of a second shop. That’s actually one of the reasons I opened here, is because Recycle-A-Bicycle is here,” Ilya explains. This symbiotic relationship allows both shops to cater to a broader spectrum of cycling needs within the community, with Redbeard Bikes focusing on new bikes and more specialized services, while Recycle-A-Bicycle handles different aspects of the market.
Looking ahead, Redbeard Bikes remains focused on sustainable growth and maintaining their core philosophy. “The long picture is to sustain and to grow in the same general direction. The hard part is maintaining the same philosophy or ideology about the shop,” Ilya reflects. They are committed to curating their brand selection and services to align with their values, resisting the pressure to compromise on quality or dilute their brand for short-term gains. Future plans include sponsoring a local club and further enhancing their online presence to better reflect their in-store offerings.
Ilya Nikhamin discussing bicycle frame details with a customer inside Redbeard Bikes New York.
A customer trying out a bicycle inside Redbeard Bikes with Ilya Nikhamin assisting in DUMBO New York.
Redbeard Bikes is more than just a bike shop; it’s a testament to passion, community, and the joy of cycling. For anyone in New York looking for a bike shop that offers expertise, a curated selection, and a genuine love for cycling, Redbeard Bikes in DUMBO is a must-visit destination. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just beginning your riding journey, you’ll find a welcoming environment and the perfect bike to explore the streets of New York City.
