Bob does tricks during his spare time. Photos and captions by Nathan Carzon.

He had been a longtime customer of the shop, buying the low priced equipment from the owner and reselling it on the very website he found the bicycle mechanic ad years later. Wanting the chance to learn the craft, he agreed to work as an apprentice with no pay until he had gained the experience necessary to work at the shop. Nine months passed until the owner decided that it was time for Bob to be able to start getting paid for his work. For months, they both talked about what would happen when the owner wanted to retire and sell the shop. Even with many potential buyers, the shop was the owner’s baby, so he didn’t want to sell it to just anyone. The owner gave Bob the chance to take over the shop, but with not nearly enough money that other potential buyers had, Bob agreed to work towards owning the shop. The owner retried on January 1, 2012 and Bob has been flying solo ever since, with the exception of his co-mechanic, David. After three locations, the current site for the Bicycle Doctor’s shop sits on the corner of York Boulevard and N. Avenue 50.

Bob, 39, has been a long-time fan of bikes, ever since he was child. He used to hang out in bird and bike shops, asking to be their messengers. His passions have always driven him, owning a bird shop in Atwater Village in his twenties, eventually selling it in 1993 and leaving the shop in 1996, after first teaching the new owners how to run the store. 

Eager and excited when customers come into his shop, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to riders whose tires may have deflated or had their tire caps stolen. When experienced riders come in, his face lights up as he talks to them about the different components that make up their bike. Owning three bikes himself, he proudly shows how they look on his page on Velospace.org. 

He’ll continue working there until he will want to move on to his next enterprise. Maybe his co-mechanic David will take over the shop then. Until that time, the Bicycle Doctor will sit on York Boulevard as numerous customers come in inquiring about bikes and asking for help repairing their rides.

The Bicycle Doctor Shop sits on York Blvd. This is the third location since it was founded. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Bob, the Bicycle Doctor, hangs up a bike after a child and his father came in asking for a fixie-type bike. Bob is always eager to help out customers, especially children. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

A customer is looking for a new bike after his last 2 bikes were stolen. He's looking for a hybrid type bike that wouldn't be too expensive and flashy, for fear of a third theft. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Bob pulls down a frame for a customer who came in asking for a fixie with bullhorn handlebars. He builds all his bikes on site. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

As Bob tells me about how he took over the store 2 years ago from the original owner, he keeps a watchful eye over the front of his store. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Children always come in asking for some adjustments to their bikes. Bob is happy to oblige, as he remembers hanging out in bird and bike shops as a child. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

As if the bike was his own, Bob makes last minute adjustments to the custom bike. The back wall is lined with expensive bike rims that range in price from $50 to $1000. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Bob calls customers after finishing their repairs and builds for the day. In the span of one day, he had more than 3 repairs and 2 builds done. In a span 45 minutes, he sold three bikes, a not to shabby haul for a Saturday afternoon. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

The Bicycle Doctor wanted to show off his bar spins while still waiting for David, his other employee, to come back and watch the shop. This is 1 of his 3 bikes that he owns. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Bob enjoys riding and doing tricks on his bike any chance he gets, especially after work. This is his work bike. He keeps one bike at home, one in his car, and one at work. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Hopping a curb on York Boulevard, Bob rides back to close up his shop. (Taken by Nathan Carzon)

Reach Nathan Carzon here.