The BJ Bicycle Renaissance Starts Here

Serk Space

With China’s motorways becoming more congested by the day, it’s unsurprising local cyclists and conservationists alike are singing the praises of a two-wheeled lifestyle – just ask Beijing-native Liman Zhao and Australian expat Shannon Bufton. The cycling culture advocates and co-founders of local leg-over initiatives Smarter Than Car and Beijing Bike Week are back with their latest project, Serk Space. Situated in the Beixinqiao San Tiao Hutong, with a polished concrete, blonde wood, hanging bicycle installation and decked terrace fitout, the hybrid café-bar-shop space aims to promote BJ’s bicycle renaissance, while simultaneously eating, drinking and shopping, naturally.

They host regular cycling events, including the weekly Beijing Bunch Ride, a 75km/slow or 100-140km/fast journey (depending on riders’ experience levels) into the mountains that mercifully takes place post a very strong Serk Sunday morning coffee. They also stage live musical performances, offer bike mechanic courses, present talks by pro-cyclists, and throw tasting events for some of their favourite local libations including Gold Cider. A bike accessories and repair shop, reasonably priced foreign beers (including Belgium’s Chimay Red) and cocktails, tasty coffees and the hip indie soundtrack, all make this a fun and relaxed drop-in spot that functional, recreational and professional cycling enthusiasts alike can enjoy.