Situated on a gently sloping plain, most of Barcelona is easily biked. Combine that with abundant public transport and mild weather, and you have a recipe for a great cycling city. While not as bike centric as some other EU cities, tthere’s bike infrastructure everywhere and a dynamic local scene.
The Poblenou district, where we stay, has a sporty vibe as it fronts Barcelona’s 3mile (5k) long beach. Everyday the beach area hosts loads of runners, boarders, skaters, cyclists, and walkers. As you’d expect, there are many bike stores, from big flashy to small neighborhood repair shops.
I’m lucky to have met Davide Frassine via the global wheel building network. Visiting his impeccable workshop is a highlight of every visit. Tómas Montes recently visited him and took some nice photo’s, published in Radavist. Davide came to Barna from Italy for skateboarding, a very demanding career that evolved into bike shop work and, eventually, highest end wheelbuilding. With only part time help, he’s a classic professional wheelbuilder—taking no shortcuts when designing and building.
To satisfy his appetite for quality and variety he builds for:
A juggling act to be sure, but what a great area in which to build expertise and a network!
60m (100km) NE of Barcelona is Girona, one the cycling’s ultimate destinations. It’s home to many pro’s, hosts amazing cycling accommodations, and an abundance of shops. It’s where Russ of PathLessPedaled relocated 2yrs ago from Montana.
Last week Davide and I visited Ricardo, the excellent mechanic and owner of Bikexpress in Poblenou. We were joined by Jésus, who’s wrenched with both Ricardo and Davide. As Ricardo said, “lots of talent per square metre today at the workshop.”
I’ve not seen a better organized and balanced shop—I could work there, no doubt! Ricardo seems more a healermechanic, than the other types—engineer, ex-pro, merchant, brand dude, etc. He takes any and all sick bikes, from flats to major refits, in his neighborhood. But is also sought out for high end MTB and road bike work. Building more and more wheels, he’s acquiring an SCT machine in 2026!
We’ll revisit this thread again soon, especially as the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ is Barcelona!
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