It’s Biking Season: Get A Spring Tune-Up (And A Peek Into OG Brooklyn) At Atlantic Bicycles

The longest winter ever has finally, blissfully come to a long-anticipated end, and you’re ready to dust off your trusty iron horse and hit the pavement. And the best, most Brooklyn place to dust off that iron horse? Atlantic Bicycles on Atlantic between Smith and Boerum. For a competitive fee, owner—and expert on all things bikes and Downtown Brooklyn—Tony Scarselli and his guys will make sure your brake pads aren’t sticking, your chain is lubricated, and your tires trued, but not stripped.

Tony will also tell you about the time he presented a bike to Governor Pataki, and, if you really get him going, he’ll show you some pictures he took as an on-the-ground FDNY photographer back in the day. Also: Don’t miss the black and white photo of a baby-faced Spike Lee in his front window.

SO, DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN. WHY DO PEOPLE COME TO ATLANTIC BICYCLES?
We opened our doors in 1978, so we stock every random bike part you could possibly need, whereas if you’re buying online you have to wait for backorders. That, and the easy access to both bridges to Manhattan.

WHAT’S CHANGED IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN SINCE YOU OPENED?
I used to stock 10 – 20 retro racing caps, now I sell 200 a month.

BEST BIKE ROUTE IN BROOKLYN THIS TIME OF YEAR?
Ride the full length of the Brooklyn Bridge Park bike path, and when you get to the piers at Brooklyn Bridge Park, rent a sailboat and go sailing around lower Manhattan.