Our Story

The Bikesmiths began in 1981 when two brothers, Scott and Kirk, took a leap of faith and purchased King Cyclery in Milwaukee—guided by the shop’s former owner and a shared love for bikes. Scott’s passion started years earlier, building bikes at JCPenney, and together they jumped into the chaos of running a business with little more than determination and grit. Over the years, the shop grew into three locations before ultimately streamlining into a single East Side storefront, paired with a thriving online store that now serves customers across the country.

What’s never changed is our dedication to creative, honest service. When a rider recovering from back surgery couldn’t find a mechanic to modify his bike, he was sent to us—and rode away pain-free. When a father asked if we could build a bike for his son born without arms, Scott customized a handlebar solution that gave the boy the freedom to ride independently. We’ve been named one of the best repair shops in Milwaukee multiple times, and our loyal customers—some traveling across the state just to see us—tell the story better than we ever could. Still proudly family-owned (this was written by one of their sons), The Bikesmiths continues to grow through word-of-mouth, skilled repair, and a deep love for the ride.