The newest addition to the Fitzroy/Collingwood bike shop enclave is Tokyo Bike, a small independent bike brand hailing all the way from Yanaka, Japan via Sydney.

I’ve previously written about Tokyo Bike’s Sydney store on The Design Files and now husband-and-wife team Fuyuki and Yuki Sagahara have headed south to bring their colourful steeds to a lovely light-filled shop off Smith Street.

The fitout is simple but thoughtfully furnished with small tokens of Japan, from the sprig of cherry blossom at the entrance to the series of overhanging Japanese fisherman’s lamps.

Tokyo Bikes are made with the urban cyclist in mind. The wheels are designed smaller for more stop-start riding through city streets and are perfect for moving through Tokyo’s and Melbourne’s back alleys. The pared back frames are super-light and the colours are eye-catching. In fact, a Tokyo Bike is one of “50 things to improve Your life” according to the July 2011 edition of Monocle!

Four styles are available – the classic CS, Bisou step-through for the ladies (and enlightened gents), SS single speed and Sport for the speed demons. You are encouraged to test ride any of the bikes in streets around the store, hence the deliberate choice to have a shop off a main street.

The shop also has a neat curated collection of accessories, from Knog lights and locks, Gropes leather grips from the UK and Tokyo Bells.

Tokyo Bike Shop Melbourne, 5 Peel Street, Collingwood +

Monday 11:30am-5:30pm
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 11:30am-5:30pm
Thursday11:30am-5:30pm
Friday 11:30am-5:30pm
Saturday 11:30am-5:30pm
Sunday 12pm-4pm