Schlick Cycles

For discerning cyclists in Wisconsin who seek a truly unique riding experience, Schlick Cycles, located in Milwaukee, represents a specialized niche in the local bicycle landscape. This establishment is known for its focus on custom-built bicycles, particularly renowned for aggressive fatbikes, adventure cycling machines, and urban assault/commuting gear. Unlike many traditional bike shops that focus on off-the-rack sales, Schlick Cycles, under the guidance of Greg Smith, appears to cater to riders looking for a highly personalized machine tailored to specific riding styles and preferences. Their reputation is built on the idea of creating distinctive bikes, often with a focus on durability and specialized geometry for aggressive riding, such as their "APe" model. While the allure of a custom-built bike is undeniable, recent customer feedback suggests that potential patrons should be prepared for varying levels of communication, particularly regarding ongoing projects. Despite this, for those with a clear vision for their custom ride, Schlick Cycles offers an intriguing avenue for truly bespoke cycling in Wisconsin.

Schlick Cycles is located at 3720 N Fratney St #2B, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA. This address places the business in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood, an area known for its vibrant community and local businesses. For Wisconsin residents interested in custom bicycle work, this location is accessible from various parts of Milwaukee and surrounding areas. As a specialized custom builder, a physical showroom for Browse might not be the primary mode of interaction; rather, appointments or direct communication for specific projects are likely the norm. While public transportation options might be available nearby, driving and finding street parking is generally feasible in this part of Milwaukee. For those willing to venture into a more industrial or workshop-style setting for a highly specialized service, the Fratney Street location serves as the operational base for Schlick Cycles' custom bike endeavors. It's advisable for customers to confirm specific visiting procedures or appointment requirements before making a trip, especially given the nature of custom work and recent communication feedback.

Schlick Cycles focuses on a specialized set of services centered around unique bicycle builds and components, catering to riders who desire something beyond mass-produced options. Their offerings emphasize customization and performance for particular riding styles.

• Custom Bicycle Builds: Schlick Cycles specializes in building personalized and custom bicycles. This includes working with specific frames, such as their own Schlick Cycles frames (like the Tashunka 29-plus and the aggressive APe fatbike) and frames from other respected manufacturers like Surly Bikes, State Bicycles, and Made-in-Wisconsin Wyatt Bicycles. They cater to specific riding types, including fatbiking, adventure cycling, and urban assault/commuting.
• Aggressive Fatbike Design and Construction: A key highlight is their expertise in aggressive fatbikes. The Schlick Cycles APe, for instance, is described as one of the first purpose-built fatbikes for aggressive riding, featuring larger diameter and thicker wall tubes, ultra-short chainstays for maneuverability, and optimized geometry for specific tire sizes.
• Custom Wheel Building (with noted communication caveat): Based on customer reviews, Schlick Cycles offers custom wheel building services. Customers may reach out to place orders for personalized wheel builds, indicating a focus on specific components, durability, and rider preferences for color, spoke count, and lacing patterns. However, recent customer feedback indicates potential delays or a lack of response in email communications regarding these custom orders, which is an important consideration for potential clients.
• Parts and Components for Custom Builds: While not explicitly detailed, the nature of custom building implies that Schlick Cycles works with a range of high-quality parts and components to bring unique bike visions to life. They likely source specific hubs, rims, spokes, tires, and other accessories required for bespoke bicycle assemblies.
• Revitalizing Existing Bicycles: Beyond new builds, Schlick Cycles is noted to "refresh your current bicycle with parts from the best manufacturers in the business," suggesting they can upgrade or overhaul existing bikes with high-quality components to improve performance or adapt them for specific uses.

Schlick Cycles stands out in the Wisconsin cycling community for its highly specialized approach to bicycle manufacturing and customization. However, recent customer experiences highlight both their unique strengths and areas where communication may vary:

• Niche Specialization in Custom & Aggressive Bikes: A primary highlight is their dedicated focus on custom-built bikes, particularly aggressive fatbikes and adventure cycling setups. This specialization appeals to riders who are not satisfied with mass-produced options and seek a bike truly tailored to their unique riding style and demands. Models like the Schlick Cycles APe exemplify this commitment to performance-oriented, unique designs.
• In-House Frame Design and Collaboration: Schlick Cycles designs its own frames, with some being hand-built in the US by skilled fabricators like Tom Teesdale, using quality materials such as True Temper Tubes and 4130 chromoly. This commitment to domestic craftsmanship and thoughtful design is a significant feature. They also work with other reputable custom frame builders like Omnium Cargo, Surly Bikes, State Bicycles, and Wyatt Bicycles.
• Deep Roots in Fatbiking Community: With Greg, the creator, also having started fat-bike.com over a decade ago, Schlick Cycles has a strong connection and deep understanding of the fatbiking world. This expertise translates into highly functional and innovative designs for this growing segment of cycling.
• Focus on Specialized Riding: Beyond just fatbikes, their emphasis on "Adventure Cycling and Urban Assault" gear suggests a focus on bikes built for specific, often demanding, environments and uses, offering durable and performance-oriented solutions.
• Potential for Personalized Project Involvement: For clients who successfully engage with Schlick Cycles, the opportunity to be involved in the creation of a truly custom bicycle, selecting components and discussing specific geometry, is a significant draw that sets them apart from standard retail shops.
• Communication Variability (Important Consideration): It is crucial for potential customers to be aware of the consistent feedback regarding communication. Two recent reviews explicitly mention delays or lack of response to emails concerning custom orders, which could impact the customer experience for those expecting prompt updates and engagement. This suggests that while the product itself may be highly specialized and desired, the interaction process may require patience or alternative contact methods.

For inquiries regarding custom bicycle builds, parts, or services at Schlick Cycles, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 3720 N Fratney St #2B, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA

Phone: (262) 501-1100

Mobile Phone: +1 262-501-1100

Email: (Information not explicitly provided in the prompt, but based on reviews, email is a common point of contact for customers to initiate orders.) It is advisable to use the provided phone numbers for direct contact, especially if email responses are delayed, as indicated in customer feedback.

Operating Hours: While specific real-time operating hours are not consistently published or easily verified, general business hours often align with Monday to Friday, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is highly recommended to call ahead or attempt to confirm their availability before visiting, especially for specific consultations or custom work.

For Wisconsin residents with a specific vision for their next bicycle, particularly those interested in custom-built fatbikes, adventure cycling rigs, or robust urban commuters, Schlick Cycles in Milwaukee presents a compelling, albeit specialized, option. This establishment stands out not for being a traditional retail bike shop, but as a custom builder that crafts unique and high-performance machines tailored to individual needs and aggressive riding styles. Their deep expertise in fatbiking and their commitment to unique frame designs, often hand-built, offers a level of personalization rarely found elsewhere. However, it is essential for prospective customers to manage expectations regarding communication, as recent feedback points to potential delays in email responses, particularly for custom orders. For those who prioritize a truly bespoke bicycle and are prepared for a process that may require patience and direct follow-up via phone, Schlick Cycles could be the ideal partner to bring their dream bike to life. Its presence in Milwaukee caters to a niche market, offering unique solutions for Wisconsin's dedicated and adventurous cyclists.

Schlick Cycles

3720 N Fratney St #2B, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA