After a year off the mic, Bike Shop Society is back.

In this episode, we talk about why we hit pause—and why it was necessary. The last 12 months weren’t quiet… they were focused. We took a step back to reimagine the shop, remodel the space, tighten up our service program, and get clear on who we are and where we’re headed. Sometimes you’ve got to stop pedaling to build a better bike.

We also introduce two new voices in the shop:

🔧 Ari – our lead mechanic, wheel builder, detail-obsessed craftsman. Decades deep in bike culture and not afraid to call it how it is.

🛠️ Will – our apprentice, diving into vintage overhauls and learning the fundamentals the right way. Smart, curious, Iowa roots, and already fitting right into the rhythm of the bench.

Midway through the episode, things get very “bike shop.” An unexpected visitor, Alex, rolls in to pick up his wife’s beautiful vintage Peugeot mixte. We keep the mics hot and let you listen in as Will handles the interaction—real time, real shop energy. Then Alex throws on the headphones, grabs a mic, and suddenly we’ve got a three-man conversation about bikes, community, and why places like this still matter.

No scripts. No polish. Just shop noise, stories, and a reminder that bike shops are more than retail—they’re culture.

We close out with what’s ahead: more episodes, more consistency, more conversations about bicycle repair, and the business of running an independent bike shop.

We’re back.
One year later.
Let’s ride. 🚲🎙️

Want a shoutout on the pod, do you like to write letters?

Email us: mail@bikeshopsociety.com

Visit our website, or don't. bikeshopsociety.com

The new year is here, and so is a new episode of Bike Shop Society! Joe Torres kicks things off with a story about a domestic disaster. But don’t worry—Bike Shop Society is here to save the day as a friend of the shop steps in to lend a hand.

Joe and Joe are joined by young Victor Aletich, a bike shop alum who’s stopping by on his way to Spain. Discover his motivation for making the move and what he plans to do while he’s there.

And finally, hear the tale of how a massage therapist at the mall needed a volunteer for a group class—leading to an unsuspecting friend ending up shirtless in front of a crowd of strangers.

Top off your sealant, check your air pressure one more time, and let’s ride!

X us @bikeshopsociety @cyclingreporter @joegaspar

Want a shoutout on the pod, do you like to write letters?

Email us: mail@bikeshopsociety.com

Visit our website, or don't. bikeshopsociety.com

Bike shop employee Isa makes an appearance on today's show. Joe Torres is surprised to discover that she does more than just sit behind a computer and ring people up. Joe also shares his thoughts on trouble brewing in the world of professional bike racing—find out why he thinks the racing has become robotic and the racers lack personality. And finally, Joe took a road trip to Ohio to pick up a bike he’s been dreaming about for years. Find out what makes this bike so special that he drove over 300 miles to get it.

So, check your thru axles, make sure they’re tight, and let’s roll!

All this and much, much more. So lean back on your recumbent, and let’s go for a roll!

X us @bikeshopsociety @cyclingreporter @joegaspar

Want a shoutout on the pod, do you like to write letters?

Email us: mail@bikeshopsociety.com

Visit our website, or don't. bikeshopsociety.com