Zach Lambert, the mind behind BlackHeart Bike Company and partner at Luft Los Angeles, embodies the laid-back yet driven spirit of the West Coast. During a conversation, casually dressed in a shop tee, he recounts an early experience in Lake Tahoe, humorously comparing the black bear he found living under his house to a large, mischievous dog. This anecdote sets the stage for understanding Zach’s approach to cycling and business – grounded, approachable, and a little bit unconventional.
Growing up in New Hampshire, where black bears are also common, mountain biking was Zach’s first love. However, his move to Los Angeles in 2008 marked a shift towards road cycling. He explored the local scene, recalling his visit to the Rapha clubhouse in Santa Monica and admiring its atmosphere. Yet, he also sensed a subtle pressure to conform to a certain cycling aesthetic.
“LA is so expansive,” Zach explains, “which has fostered a more inclusive and diverse cycling community. You meet fascinating individuals from all walks of life, and this diversity is reflected in the cycling culture. The rise of gravel riding has further broken down barriers. Now, it’s less about having the ‘right’ gear and more about embracing individuality and creating your own style. It’s about celebrating differences, not criticizing them.”
Zach Lambert of BlackHeart Bike Co and Luft Los Angeles
Luft Los Angeles bike shop interior showcasing a variety of cycling products
Cycling caps displayed on a wall at Luft Los Angeles, symbolizing cycling culture
This philosophy of individuality is central to Luft Los Angeles. The store, co-founded by Zach, curates a selection of products based on genuine preference and usage, moving away from rigid cycling “rules.”
“Just like there’s no single ‘correct’ way to pronounce Luft – we even have a wall of cycling caps to illustrate the point – we aim to move cycling culture away from elitism and unspoken rules about sock height or eyewear,” Zach elaborates. “We’re more about creating a welcoming space to enjoy coffee and connect.”
Zach observes a tendency for people to self-identify out of cycling if they don’t fit the racer or high-mileage mold. “At Luft, we want to make cycling appealing and accessible in all its forms,” he emphasizes. This inclusive approach is key to both Luft and BlackHeart Bikes.
Cyclists gathered outside Luft Los Angeles before a shop ride
Luft Los Angeles shop ride participants enjoying coffee and conversation
Regular shop rides are a cornerstone of Luft’s community-building efforts. These range from large group events to casual after-hours photo walks and even a running club, attracting a diverse mix of people.
“Finishing a ride at the shop with pizza and beers is always a highlight,” Zach shares. “And partnering with the Venice Photo Club brings together cyclists, scooter riders, even roller-skaters, exploring the neighborhood with their cameras.”
The store’s design, featuring a central 10-foot bar, naturally encourages interaction. Free coffee further enhances this social atmosphere, fostering connections among Luft’s varied clientele.
The central bar area inside Luft Los Angeles bike shop, a hub for community interaction
Customers interacting and browsing cycling products at Luft Los Angeles
Zach reflects on the unique social dynamics of Los Angeles. “Cultural nuances make LA so fascinating. In New York, you might be seated inches away from strangers at adjacent tables. LA is the opposite – everything is spread out. This spatial dynamic extends to riding culture. Growing up on the East Coast, everyone greets each other. Here, it’s less common, but I still make a point to wave and say hello.”
This personal quest for the “right” bike, perfectly suited to LA’s diverse riding landscape, sparked the creation of BlackHeart Bike Company. Zach recounts his journey with a touch of humor, particularly regarding industry clichés.
“The bike I envisioned simply didn’t exist – I wanted the aesthetics and performance of titanium, but at a more accessible price point. I also encountered this excessive seriousness in the bike industry, with claims about marginal gains that just don’t resonate with most cyclists. Who are they trying to impress? For the vast majority of riders, those minute details are irrelevant.”
A BlackHeart Bikes titanium Allroad Di2 model, showcasing its sleek design
A cyclist riding a BlackHeart Bikes Allroad model on a scenic road
“I was seeking a high-quality product, akin to a fine watch – something with timeless appeal and durability,” Zach continues. “My girlfriend Kristen actually came up with the name BlackHeart, inspired by our shared frustration with the marketing hype prevalent in the cycling world.”
BlackHeart Bikes began in 2017 and officially launched in January 2020. Initially, Zach operated from a Venice Beach storage unit, creating an exclusive, insider vibe, with awareness spreading primarily through personal connections and the local cycling community.
“It was cool, but not scalable,” Zach admits. “So I started looking for a proper retail space, talked with Kristen and our friend Cody, and we decided to open a bike shop instead.”
Zach Lambert in the early days of BlackHeart Bikes, operating from a storage unit
The interior of Luft Los Angeles bike shop displaying BlackHeart Bikes prominently
Analyzing the West Side cycling retail scene, Zach noticed high-end bike shops but a lack of community-focused spaces beyond Rapha. Conversations with compatible brands led to the launch of Luft in April 2021.
BlackHeart bikes, prominently displayed in Luft’s storefront windows, and Luft exist in a symbiotic relationship. Luft cultivates community and attracts customers, while the bikes on display inspire riders.
“If you’re a competitive road racer, our titanium Allroad isn’t designed for you. It’s also not a hardcore, rock-conquering gravel bike,” Zach clarifies. “But if you want one bike that excels on both road and gravel, offering agility and responsiveness on smooth surfaces with clearance for 40mm tires, then it’s perfect. We even offer the same frame design in aluminum, providing that fantastic ride quality at a more accessible price. I’d argue our aluminum BlackHeart outperforms many entry-level carbon bikes. Ultimately, you can create a great – or terrible – bike from any material.”
Customization options, such as painted forks, further set BlackHeart apart. Zach believes it’s “kind of lame” to spend a fortune on a mass-produced bike and then encounter identical models. This thoughtful approach extends to the BlackHeart range, including a flat-bar aluminum Allroad variant with an Enve fork for enhanced tire clearance.
BlackHeart Bikes painted forks, offering customization options
Close-up of BlackHeart Bikes forks with custom paint detail
Selection of BlackHeart Bikes forks in various colors
“It’s not a standalone model yet,” Zach explains regarding the flat-bar version, “but it’s pure fun and brings a smile to your face. There are trails near my home that feel tame on a mountain bike but become exhilarating on this bike. It brings back that childlike joy without pushing limits on technical terrain. It might be niche, but it embodies the idea of prioritizing the ride experience. When I park that flat bar bike outside Luft, amidst Pinarellos and S-Works, people stop and photograph it.”
As our conversation nears its end, I ask Zach about his feelings regarding Luft – the community, the café, the shop – and whether the thrill persists.
“I still personally respond to all email and website messages, directly from my phone. For the first two years, our growth was driven by personal interactions, conversations in the shop, and test rides. But recently, we’re seeing more orders from people I don’t know personally. It’s surprising and truly humbling that people are connecting with what we’re doing.”
“If the cap fits,” I suggest, referencing Luft’s cap wall and the brand’s ethos.
Zach smiles, reflecting on his journey.
“It’s been a journey of many steps, and there’s much more to come. But we’re all enjoying the process, taking it one day at a time.”
A group of cyclists enjoying pizza and beers after a Luft Los Angeles shop ride
A close-up of a BlackHeart Bikes head tube badge, showcasing brand detail
Luft Los Angeles storefront at night, inviting and community-focused
Imagery courtesy of Luft Los Angeles / BlackHeart Bike Co
