True Cyclery

For discerning cyclists across Connecticut, the pursuit of the perfect ride often leads to a unique and highly specialized destination: True Cyclery in New Haven. This is not your typical bike store; it's a dedicated studio where passion for cycling, profound knowledge, and exceptional personal service converge to create truly bespoke bicycle experiences. Owned and operated by Karl, True Cyclery has garnered a reputation as "absolutely the best bike shop ever" for those seeking a bike that doesn't just fit, but truly harmonizes with their riding style and aspirations.

In the diverse cycling landscape of Connecticut, from its scenic coastal routes to its challenging inland trails, having a bike tailored precisely to your needs can transform your enjoyment. True Cyclery specializes in this exact philosophy, prioritizing a "listen first" approach to truly understand each customer's story and cycling goals. This means that instead of a vast inventory, you'll find a space designed for deep discussion and expert consultation, ensuring that every recommendation, whether for a new bike, a custom build, or a repair, is thoughtfully considered and genuinely beneficial.

The core of True Cyclery's magic lies in the expertise and personalized care provided by Karl. As highlighted by numerous testimonials, Karl is the "complete package" – incredibly kind, knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. His dedication extends from meticulously working on bikes to fostering a vibrant cycling community through initiatives like his "True to Brew" series. For New Haven locals and cyclists throughout Connecticut, True Cyclery offers an experience that goes far beyond a mere transaction; it's about building a dream bike and forging a lasting connection with a trusted expert.

True Cyclery is thoughtfully situated at 138 Bradley St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. This address places it in the vibrant East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, an area known for its community feel and accessibility. While not a high-traffic retail strip, its location offers a more intimate and focused environment, ideal for the personalized consultation and custom work that True Cyclery specializes in.

Accessibility to True Cyclery is convenient for residents within New Haven and from surrounding Connecticut towns. The East Rock neighborhood is well-connected by local roads, and for those driving, "on and off street parking is available," which is a significant advantage for customers transporting bikes. For cyclists, the location within New Haven means it's often a short ride from various parts of the city and its growing network of bike-friendly routes. Given its focus on personalized appointments and custom builds, customers are encouraged to reach out before visiting, ensuring Karl can dedicate his full attention. This approach underscores the tailored experience True Cyclery offers, making it a destination worth the journey for serious cyclists across Connecticut.

• Custom Bicycle Builds: True Cyclery specializes in crafting dream bikes tailored to individual riders. This involves a collaborative process of selecting frames (e.g., from partners like Royal H Cycles and Seven Cycles), components, and aesthetics to create a truly bespoke bicycle.
• Thorough Bike Fitting: A cornerstone of their service, True Cyclery provides highly detailed and personalized bike fitting. Karl, a graduate of the Serotta International Cycling Institute's fit program, ensures that each bike is perfectly adjusted to the rider's unique body, optimizing comfort, performance, and preventing injury.
• Bicycle Service and Repair: The shop offers expert maintenance and repair services for various types of bikes. Karl's meticulous care, applied equally to his own bikes and customers' bikes, ensures high-quality service.
• Expert Consultation and Advice: Karl provides sincere and knowledgeable advice, taking time to answer questions and guide customers through complex decisions about new bikes, component upgrades, or repairs, without any sales pressure.
• Component Selection and Upgrades: As part of custom builds and service, True Cyclery assists in deciding and sourcing the best components to meet a rider's specific needs and performance goals.
• Community Engagement and Rides: Through initiatives like the "True to Brew" series, the shop fosters a vibrant cycling community, organizing social rides to local breweries that explore varied terrain (on-road/off-road).
• Product Sourcing (Specialty Brands): True Cyclery partners with and acts as an authorized retailer for high-end, custom frame builders like Seven Cycles and Royal H Cycles, offering unique options not found in typical bike shops.

• Owner-Operated Expertise (Karl Borne): The shop is entirely centered around Karl's extensive knowledge, kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism, cultivated over "thirty plus years of industry experience." This personal touch and deep expertise are consistently praised as the primary highlight.
• Specialization in Custom Builds and High-End Brands: True Cyclery stands out for its focus on custom bicycle fabrication and its authorized dealership with renowned custom bike manufacturers like Royal H Cycles and Seven Cycles, offering unique, high-performance options.
• Thorough and Personalized Bike Fitting: Their commitment to an incredibly detailed fit process ensures riders achieve maximum comfort and performance, a crucial factor for a "dream bike."
• "Listen First" Business Philosophy: Unlike traditional retail, True Cyclery prioritizes understanding the customer's needs and story before recommending solutions, fostering trust and ensuring tailored outcomes.
• No-Pressure Environment: Customers appreciate the absence of sales pressure, allowing them to make informed decisions at their own pace, a refreshing change from typical retail experiences.
• Community Building (True to Brew Series): Karl actively fosters a cycling community through social rides that combine challenging routes with visits to local breweries, adding a unique social dimension to the shop's offerings.
• Meticulous Care for Every Bike: Karl treats all bikes, whether customer's, others', or his own, "with the same sincere care that a mechanic should," ensuring top-notch quality in all service and builds.
• Focus on Long-Term Enjoyment: The goal isn't just a sale but "maximum enjoyment, long term," achieved through precise fitting, quality builds, and ongoing support, as evidenced by customers riding happier than ever before.

True Cyclery
Address: 138 Bradley St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Phone: (203) 533-1090

For cyclists across Connecticut, and especially those in the New Haven area, True Cyclery offers a distinct and highly valuable experience that sets it apart from conventional bike shops. Its profound suitability for locals stems from its unique business model: a deeply personalized, expert-driven approach to cycling that focuses on creating the ideal riding experience, rather than just selling products off a shelf.

The heart of True Cyclery's appeal is Karl, the owner. His extensive knowledge, coupled with his genuine kindness and attentiveness, ensures that every customer feels heard and understood. For those seeking a truly custom bicycle, or even just meticulous service, Karl's "listen first" philosophy guarantees that the end result is precisely what the rider needs, perfectly fitted to their body and riding style. This level of bespoke care, often difficult to find, provides immense value to New Haven locals who are serious about their cycling.

Moreover, True Cyclery’s emphasis on thorough bike fitting, partnering with high-end custom builders, and providing sincere, no-pressure advice means that locals are making truly informed decisions for long-term cycling enjoyment. This ethical approach builds strong trust within the community. Beyond the transactional, Karl actively cultivates a vibrant cycling community through initiatives like the "True to Brew" series, offering opportunities for social rides and fostering a shared passion among local riders. This blend of unparalleled expertise, personalized service, and community engagement makes True Cyclery not just a bike shop, but an integral part of the Connecticut cycling scene, perfectly suited for locals seeking their ultimate two-wheeled adventure.

True Cyclery

True Cyclery, 138 Bradley St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA