Top Tips on Where to Buy a Bike in Shanghai

Some of the best bike shops in Shanghai, and what your purchase will say about you.

The Dutch may have the highest ratio of bikes to people of any country, and Amsterdammers can claim to put their bicycles to more use than any city, but there is no denying that Shanghai has a love affair with pedal-power. For over a century, millions of people in China have made mass transit out of two wheels, and few big cities are better suited to the trusty velo than Shanghai.

Flat, smooth roads and a small geographical area make getting around Shanghai by bike easy. Cycling is faster and more convenient than using a car or taxi for short trips, and what’s more, biking is good way to burn a few calories and save a little money by skipping the metro.

So, if you don’t have a trusty two-wheeled steed, or if you just want to upgrade now that spring is here, or if you are mourning the theft of your last bike, here is a list of some of the best places to buy a new bicycle in Shanghai.

But rather than just list each of them by type or brand, it seems more fun to explain what each kind of bike says about you as a person. So, find the tongue-in-cheek stereotype that best fits you (according to this bikey author), and then hit the streets. And don’t forget to lock up your beloved new ride!

The Conservative Traditionalist

Whether you are a married 30-something expat living in the Former French Concession or a 50-something Shanghainese local, the classic China Postman Forever Bike (Yongjiu) or Phoenix Bike(Feng Huang) is your communist-era ride of choice. Being rapidly (and sadly) replaced by poorer quality and slightly cheaper local products, this style of bike is getting tougher to find in new condition, but makes are still available through factory outlets. Head out to Hongkou or Yangpu District, where the bikes used to be built. Bring some cash and cruise home on a beautiful symbol of true Chinese freedom.

Forever Bikes Factory Outlet Shop: #139 West Liaoyuran Rd., Yangpu Dist., Shanghai (the storefront is attached to the now defunct factory building)

Phoenix: #620 Quyang Rd., Hongkou Dist., Shanghai (this warehouse is in the basement of an apartment building, the entrance gate is near Chifeng Rd., it is a little tricky to find so just ask the guard)

The Responsible Decision Maker

For plenty of mobility without making a statement, there is the Giant Bicycle Company. Sturdy, reliable and easy to ride, not to mention cheap and plentiful, bikes by Giant are built for every age and interest. This is the perfect bike for getting around without ever being noticed, and buying a model through any of their numerous shops around the city means you will get warranty coverage for a year. Could it get any more sensible? Or boring?

Mr. Athletic Outdoor Sports Guy

For the expat who takes long rides through the countryside while wearing spandex, or at least wants everyone to think that’s how he spends his weekends, Specialized and Trek both have stores selling very nice, although pricey road and mountain bikes.Either of these brands is the perfect choice for anyone who thinks Porsche builds the greatest cars in the world.

Über Eco-Friendly Family

With bamboo (not) growing wild everywhere in Shanghai, it only makes sense that someone would put this abundant renewable resource to use to create cool bikes and trikes. To show off your environmental consciousness and love for sustainable living, a new set of wheels from Bamboo Cycle is the ultimate fashion symbol. They also sell rickshaws, jungle-gyms, toys and tableware, all made from the world’s tallest grass species.

My Heart Is In Tokyo

For the ultimate in Japanese origami-inspired transportation, Dahon sells folding bicycles that let everyone know you have a little apartment, but big dreams. These cool, small-wheeled city bikes are new to Shanghai and come in a ton of configurations, all meant to be folded. To avoid theft they can be taken anywhere; inside your office, home, and the cinema.

Hipster, And Proud

If you dress in skinny jeans and plaid shirts, wear a beanie all year long and also happen to live in Shanghai, you should already know about Factory Five. Billed as “Shanghai’s fixed gear boutique” shop, this is not so much a bike brand as a lifestyle. Factory Five builds and sells sleek and stripped down, single gear track bikes for the hardcore “fixie” rider who is willing to plunk down enough RMB for a purpose built ride. All their bikes are custom built to order in their shop, which also serves as a clubhouse for riders. But the bikes aren’t cheap, and frankly, riding a Factory Five cycle announces to everyone that if they ask where you got our bike, you’ll probably never shut up.

Not Afraid of Anything, Including Road Rash

There are not a lot of truly custom, locally owned bike shops in Shanghai, however Speedcat is an exception. These guys, all Chinese bike fanatics themselves, work out of an old house in the heart of the city and build a few basic bikes as inventory; they will also put together any type of custom bike for a customer who wants a one-off ride. Plus, they stock lots of spare parts and will service bikes for anyone. Speedcat is a slightly grimy, hardcore shop, where some Chinese ability is required. But, they will gladly let you mill around the premises, and may be inclined to have a beer with you and show off their locally-sourced titanium frames and carbon fiber wheels; if you are a real bike nerd. Speedcat is where to go when you know what you want, and what you want is local.

Speedcat: #404 South Xiangyang Rd., Luwan Dist., Shanghai (close to Jiangou Rd.)

Generation Y (or more accurately, “Why?”)

Targeted at the young urban demographic looking to show off their acute knowledge of coordinating colors (or absolute lack thereof), Airwalk Bikes will build up a custom single gear bike using any combination of colored parts you choose. Note: some restraint is advised. Pink, gold and lime green don’t really work all that well together, but whatever suits you. They do have some more conservative choices as well, along with clothes, parts and accessories, and Airwalk is located in a much less intimidating shop than Speedcat. But, again, Chinese language ability is a big help when ordering.

So there you have it. Everything you need to know about buying your next bike in Shanghai. All that’s left now is to decide what kind of person you are, or want to become. Just hurry up and choose soon, because the weather is already too nice to waste any more time not getting out and riding your bike.

P.S. - And in case you are wondering, this author rides a hand built track bike based on a rusty old classic Chinese Forever frame. (And I dread to think what it says about me.)