For 25 years, Natural Cycleworks has been a hub for the cycling community in the Exchange District. Founded by David Geisel and his partners in 1999, Natural Cycleworks has evolved from its humble beginnings as a bike shop and repair company into a beloved local institution, transforming the way Winnipeg cycles. As David shares, it’s been quite the ride.
The Natural Cycleworks story begins in a small room in the lower level of 91 Albert Street. David recalls that back then, it was him, a multi-tool and a Crescent wrench getting things going and bringing new ideas to the cycling scene. “In the early days, we experienced exponential growth because we were doing innovative new things,” he remembers. Winnipeg lacked a commuter bike shop, and the market was dominated by sport and mountain bikes that didn’t meet the needs of the everyday rider. Single-speed bikes were not common in Winnipeg then, and David and his team saw an opportunity to bring them in to cater to commuters. They began custom-building bikes that were comfortable, reliable, and efficient for city riding. This forward-thinking approach quickly gained traction, and before long, they had outgrown their small space and taken over the entire lower level of the building. “I never thought we’d reach that place. It’s pretty crazy,” he shares.
“We want to empower other people to be able to have bikes that will take them out into the world and be reliable,” explains founder, David Geisel.
David has always loved the road, and his journey to becoming a cycling entrepreneur was a natural progression from his days as a motorcycle racer and bike courier. Bike couriering gave him the freedom to exercise outside while at work, and it helped teach him about building bikes that last. “Couriers know what works; they really put the kilometres on. If something is going to break, then they’re going to break it,” shares David. During its heyday in Winnipeg, dozens of people couriered daily, though now it’s somewhat of a lost art. David cites those experiences couriering as pivotal to the Natural Cycleworks journey.
Today, Natural Cycleworks is known for its custom bikes, hand-built wheels, and top-notch bike repairs. They take pride in helping their customers solve problems and make meaningful upgrades that enhance their riding experience. Their expertise in wheel-building is particularly notable, as it’s the most essential part of the bike. Their wheels are built to stand the test of time, and they guarantee that if you keep the rim in good shape, the spokes won’t come loose. They’ve seen courier bikes return after tens of thousands of kilometres with wheels that are still straight!
As David puts it, “We want to be a place the community comes to when they want a problem solved or an upgrade done on their bike.”
Another differentiator at Natural Cycleworks is their team, which comprises trained bicycle mechanics with a passion for cycling. Their goal is to inspire their customers to enjoy their bikes to the fullest, whether upgrading a rattley old bike into a smooth single-speed or fitting it with new components from their extensive selection. When you go to Natural Cycleworks, you’re being served by someone who knows how the bikes work, how they’re repaired, and who is a cyclist themselves. “We want to empower other people to be able to have bikes that will take them out into the world and be reliable,” explains David, and that’s the force that drives the team every day.
The success of Natural Cycleworks comes from its ability to stay flexible, meet the changing needs of the consumer, and create community. The shop has seen a lot of changes, from the decline of the courier business to the challenges of the pandemic, but they’ve remained resilient and focused on what they do best. Alongside their custom single-speed bikes, they’ve brought in Bassi bikes from Montreal, and Soma bikes from San Francisco. They’ve recently added bike paint to their products, which supports custom jobs and helps with frame repairs. They’ve hosted events to build community, like bike jams, and courier races with a bunny hop competition and prizes. Plus, they stay attuned to the changing needs of consumers depending on the season, preparing to repair and upgrade bikes in the spring and use their machinery to sharpen skates in the winter.
A lot has changed in 25 years, for Natural Cycleworks and for cycling in the city itself. When they first opened in the Exchange District, it was a central hub with a high density of cyclists. Back then, there were no dedicated bike lanes, so commuting by bike was daunting, even in this cyclist-dense area. Now, the dedicated cycling infrastructure has changed the landscape for cyclists in the city. David can now take a bike lane from his shop on Albert Street right to his home. “The way it changed my life is subtle but dramatic. I didn’t realize the weight I had been carrying,” he shares. Thanks to these improvements, cyclists can now pedal through major areas like the Exchange District with greater peace of mind, benefiting both seasoned and new cyclists. But the journey isn’t over yet—there’s still important work ahead to complete the bike network in Winnipeg and make cycling even more accessible.
The mission at Natural Cycleworks has remained the same throughout the years and changes. As David puts it, “We want to be a place the community comes to when they want a problem solved or an upgrade done on their bike.” Head to Natural Cycleworks for your next bike repair, upgrade, or custom build.
Visit them at 91 Albert Street in the Exchange.
Or check them out online:
Website: https://www.naturalcycleworks.ca/
Instagram: @naturalcycleworks