It all started when I was looking for some racing shoes to buy. (Gaerne Shoes) They're not mainstream cycling shoes like you find in all LBS that carry all the usual brands. I visited their website to find out which bike shops carry them and low and behold Wheelfine Imports pops up. Now of course I'm intrigued, a shop that gets it. Doesn't carry brands that are required in order to sell their bikes. A little about me, 57 yr old masters racer, been riding for 40+ years and a broad knowledge of bikes in general old and new. Decided to make the ride to Lambertville NJ from Bethlehem Pa on a rainy afternoon in December to try on the shoes in question. It takes about 10 min out of Lambertville on Rt 518 which turns into Brunswick Pike to find the shop which is on the right. It doesn't look like much from the outside but when you step through the door you see bikes everywhere and not the usual fare like most of the big names, very refreshing to say the least. The owner whose name is Michael led me through a maze of bikes to the back room which had my prized Gaerne shoes but unfortunately not in my size. What he does have is a very Italian collection of clothing and bikes, many Aluminum frames and Steel in addition to Ti and Carbon. This IS NOT a fufu bike shop, nor is it pretty. This is a walk down memory lane and a real bike junkies paradise! Even though i didn't purchase my shoes, I still found myself not leaving for 3 hrs because he is so knowledgeable about many things, not just bikes. He was justifiably proud of a set of wheels which he had just built which he shared with me, and told me something about gluing tubulars that I didn't know. He was the wheel builder for a local Pro road team in the 70's which should tell you the extent of his knowledge. He only carries Campagnolo which should tell you that he likes things that last, like I said earlier not mainstream, Shimano shops are a dime a dozen. I inquired about a set of wheels that he had on a display bike and he asked if I'd like to give them a ride on my own bike, to which I replied, absolutely! Every time I tried to leave I found something else that I hadn't seen because the shop is so crowded with stuff, and of course that prompted another conversation about someone that we both knew from the old days. Will I go back to his shop again? absolutely, I felt like I had known this man for a long time, but most of all appreciated the wealth of knowledge that he brings to the consumer, so if you're a lemming like most cyclists these days, avoid this shop at all costs it's not for you. If you want a shop that "gets it" then by all means make the trip and see Michael in his bike paradise! read more

This is not your average bike shop. Let's be very clear about that. Whether you are a "Steel is Real", Brooks saddle riding hold-over with a Tubasti-stained wool jersey, or a died-in-the-wool Weight Weenie who prides themselves in creating a bike that will earn them a place in carbon/Ti Nirvana, YOU NEED TO GET YOURSELF TO WHEELFINE. The owner, Michael, has a seemingly infinite well of knowledge, and a catalog of self-crafted and esoteric tools to match. I have relied on his expertise to get me through some difficult issues I encountered when building up a Carbon Campy superbike, but please don't think this shop is only for those who consider themselves bicycle snobs. No, no. This is a place you can walk into as a complete novice and simply ask for help in finding the right bike for you. Need something to hit the canal trails with? Mike has that. Looking to resuscitate an old bike so you can hit the road in the Spring? You won't find a more trustworthy guide than Mike. Mind you, you can also walk in and say you need a new fork for your 1953 Cinelli track bike, or perhaps you need the headset re-tapped on your Waterford - Mike is probably your best bet regardless of the biking need. Wheelfine also sells bike clothing. Real wool jerseys. One last thing. When you do walk into this shop, prepare yourself. This is a working shop, and somewhat of a wonder to behold. Bikes occupy every last inch of the place. They are hanging from the ceiling, they are lined-up on every inch of available floor space, they're clamped in work vices in the tool room. They range from carbon-framed modern wonders, to vintage road racers, to comfortable hybrids and gravel bikes. It's the Alladin's Cave of cycling. read more

Few local "Bike Shops" have Wheelfine's selection of bikes, frames, components, clothes, nutritional products and other bike related products. The shop is owned by a passionate, educated cyclist, gifted mechanic, and a bicycling historian - Michael. Every time I visit his shop and discuss cycling maintenance or training, I feel like I have been schooled...in a good way of course. My first time visiting this shop was out of necessity. I was into a metric century on a very hot & humid day and hit the wall hard after climbing the hill out of Lambertville. Michael told me to have a seat and gave me an electrolyte drink and told me to relax. Once satisfied that I was okay, he sent me on my way. I don't think he even asked for any money. He understood what I was going through. After all, he is a cyclist. I would recommend to anyone a visit to Wheelfine to experience what a real bike shop is. Spend some time discovering cycling gems in every nook & cranny. NOS treasures and state of the art items are stocked to the rafters and like a good movie, seeing it once just doesn't do it. So, if you want a bike like the next guy's, you know those mass produced Asian imports with name badges that once meant something, go to 1 of 100 local bike shops. If you want a real bike that is as much art as it is function (check out the De Bernardi frames), go visit Wheelfine and talk to Michael. read more

No one matches "Cycle Michael" for knowledge and skill. His amazing inventory of high end European racing bikes -- many of which I suspect he never intends to sell --is worth a visit simply as an art museum. Unlike the chain stores with rotating staff, Wheelfine is a small, privately owned, one man shop. In addition to the bikes, important accessories and fascinating library, there's a room full of the coolest jerseys you'll find anywhere. Maybe most important of all, he's brilliant at figuring out ways to attack and resolve any repair or maintenance challenge. Michael's worked on my bikes for 15 years now, and helped me win five state championship titles. The rainbow stripes of the side of his small building are the indication that he's helped others win World Championship crowns -- the only way you're allowed under UCI rules to display them. But he's just as happy to help your kid choose and maintain his/her very first bike :-) read more

There are not enough stars to properly rate this business. Michael is a maestro of bicycle knowledge, bike upgrades and bike repair. The first maestros were the Wright Brothers. Michael diagnosed a ten year problem with my rear tire going flat when nobody could figure it out, he also straightened out a problem with the gears, recommended better tires which he had on hand and said later he could do some custom gearing for me to make it easier to go up hills. I could not believe all the stuff this guy knew about bikes and how to take care of a bike. He also has a nice shop full of pretty cruisers and hydrid bikes which is worth a look. Located right off the Delaware Tow Path, WheelFine is a place an avid cyclist should not miss. Ten stars for this guy, five stars is not enough! read more

I honestly don't know what the poster above me is smoking (no ofense). This is as good a bike shop as you're likely to find this side of Belgium -- Michael's knowledge of all aspects of how to work on bikes is astounding. His has been the prime builder and mechanic for national champions, which tells you something (I myself won five consecutive NJ annual Time Trial championships thanks to his skill and advice). But he's just as comfortable helping you find the right bike for weekend rides along the canal path -- and helping you maintain it. If you're driving between Hopewell and Lambertville on #518, stop in for a second. His collection of books and jerseys alone is worth a look. read more

I brought my road bike to Michael Johnson's Wheelfine bike "emporium" for a much needed overhaul. He and the fellow Scott Tarbuck, who works with him, set about working on the bike as if they worked in a hospital emergency room. In the space of just over an hour, the wheels were trued, cables and chains removed, lubricated, adjusted, and replaced when necessary. Wheel axles were cleaned and lubricated. The frame received the special Windex cleaning treatment. My bike left Michael Johnson and Scott Tarbuck's care running "smooth as silk." Michael Johnson's shop is close to Lambertville. The overhaul is worth the trip. Colin Brennan read more

If most bike shops are a six pack of Miller, this shop is malt whiskey. It's a taste worth acquiring. Michael talked me into an Italian steel bike and it provides a one-of-a-kind ride. I have had my bike serviced there for 12 years; the work is honest and reliable. Michael will tell you what he thinks and that is half the fun of going there. Put down that beer and try something a little more distinctive -- and if it costs more, it's worth it. read more