Retailer Spotlight: Eighth Hour Bike Studio
Eighth Hour Bike Studio in Brooklyn, NY exemplifies everything we love about small business done the right way - thoughtful curation, personalized customer experience, and a true appreciation for quality, not to mention our shared passion for cycling and adventure. A few years ago we met Eighth Hour's founders Chloe and Ronnie through a mutual friend, and when they eventually went on to open up shop we were honored to be part of their roster of brands. Learn all about Eighth Hour Bike Studio below:
What’s the story of Eighth Hour Bike Studio?
Eighth Hour Bike Studio is a small boutique bike shop located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn with a focus on custom bikes, gravel cycling, and bikepacking. The owners of the shop, Ronnie and Chloe come from Santa Cruz, CA bringing a bit of the West Coast to the East Coast. During the pandemic the couple left NYC to regroup and re-energize upstate in the Catskills. Riding daily and bikepacking all around the Hudson Valley, Ronnie and Chloe decided to put their skills together, move back to Brooklyn, and open Eighth Hour.
Ronnie has a background in bike sales and service, while Chloe comes from a long line of retail and customer service. The two have created a space for the cycling community to hang out, talk shop, and build their dream bike. They have worked with a handful of US made businesses to showcase a curated selection of bikes and soft goods. On any given day you’ll find the two hosting local artists at events like their Winter First Fridays, or bikepacking workshops and classes with their good friend, Chris Reiter.
What makes Eighth Hour Bike Studio unique?
Eighth Hour Bike Studio works with customers to create their dream bikes. For those who seek a unique and individualized experience, custom bikes offer no limitations in building their ideal bike. Whether it’s a vintage mountain bike turned city commuter or stock road bike turned bitchin’ racer lapping the folks in Prospect Park, Eighth Hour works hands on with people to create exactly what they want.
Not only does the shop cater towards a boutique experience, they stock an array of bikepacking equipment and accessories and carry small US made brands like ILE.
What ILE products stand out to you and why?
Ronnie has used an ILE Default since 2014 when he lived in San Francisco riding track bikes around the hilly city. He still has it to this day. The bag acts as a race day bag and a weekend traveling bag. It looks well loved, but still holds its impeccable design and caters towards his needs. The backpack is showcased in the shop and serves as an example of the quality they keep in shop.
Chloe’s daily driver is equipped with the smaller sized wax canvas Porteur Rackbag. The bag is known for carrying sandwiches and beer for a picnic in the park or all the gear needed for an overnight upstate. Its durable fabric works great for daily use. The shop carries this bag year round.
Check out Eighth Hour Bike Studio online and on Instagram, and if you're in Brooklyn drop by and say hi for us!
Outside photography: Bryan Anton
In-store photography: Chloe Martinez
