My story as a mechanic started in college, commuting to class on my mom’s old Raleigh Sprite. My apartment was right down the road from Krank-It-Up Bicycle Community Bike Shop, and I’d take the Sprite there whenever it was having issues. The local volunteers would guide me through the repair, and after months of their instruction, I started volunteering as well. From there I got a part-time job in a local bike shop, which quickly turned into a full-time job since I much preferred the work to my studies. After my best friend Koral (who was one of the volunteers who first taught me to work on bikes) and I were hit by a truck while riding, we moved to Asheville to be closer to better riding and the cycling industry. That was six years ago, and I've worked in several bike shops since then. Each one has been a place of growth, where I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors. These individuals have taught me the technical aspects of bike mechanics and shaped my vision for what a bike shop can be: a space that combines unmatched attention to detail with a personal, customer-focused approach.
This journey has been deeply rewarding, and I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of my clients. Over the years, many of you have trusted me to care for your bikes. No matter which shop I was working at, your loyalty and encouragement have given me the confidence to take this leap and start Stoker’s Studio. This shop is also the result of a unique combination of resources that has made this dream possible—clients who went above and beyond, even helping to fund the studio, an SBA loan, support from my family, and the insurance money I received after being hit by that truck driver.
The origins of the shop's name are personal and metaphorical. My first exposure to bicycles as a kid was on my dad’s tandem, holding on for dear life and pedalling as hard as I could on the gravel roads of Tallahassee, Florida. That’s where the “Stoker” comes from, it refers to the rider on the rear of a tandem bike. The stoker provides extra watts, leans into corners, and supports the ride without the distraction of steering or shifting. That’s the aim of this endeavor—to be your stoker. We provide the technical support and motivation so you can focus fully on your ride, worry-free.
Stoker’s Studio is located at 170 Broadway Street, just north of downtown Asheville in the Montford Historic District. The space itself is a two-story building with large, floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the shop with light, and a history that made it clear this would be one of the most unique bike shop locations in Asheville.
This building has a fascinating past—it was most recently home to Moog Music’s recording space, the Moog Sound Lab. Right next door to their former factory and offices, the studio invited artists to record a track in its upstairs space. Moog’s YouTube channel features nearly 50 of these recordings, offering a glimpse into this creative history.
I’m thrilled to be joining a vibrant block alongside Atomic Furnishings, Daytrip, and High Five Coffee. Both Atomic and Daytrip have inspiring comeback stories after losing their previous locations during Hurricane Helene and are now part of this wonderful neighborhood. Plus, the old Moog factory next door is being transformed into Resurrection Studios Collective, a space for Asheville’s talented local artists to create and showcase their work.
We’re counting down to the grand opening of Stoker’s Studio in Spring 2025! Follow us on Instagram @stokersstudio for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and announcements as we get closer to welcoming you into the shop. Stay tuned, and we’ll see you soon at 170 Broadway Street!
