Our Story

  …at any time of year, even when the blackwater floods occur and the eternally unpredictable winds of Virginia Beach are swirling, numerous swaths of two-legged creatures of all ages can be observed performing a ritual dating back as far as 1817. For some, tis an odd ritual to behold; the required balancing of the machine of choice beneath oneself, the necessary effort to propel creature and machine forward as one whilst in the position normal beings take to rest. You may have heard utterances of the machines used in the ritual if you are not of the kind which dwells beneath nature’s largest and hardest creation, a rock. It may make a sound such as “Velo” or “Bike” which in some lore is short for “Bicycle”. Despite the perceived absurdity of this ritual, it is vital to those who participate in it. But why perform such a ritual during such hellish conditions? Why does this peculiar species voluntarily subject itself to these conditions while fastened atop such a simple and archaic machine? The elders offer one resounding word… “FREEDOM!”

Since Joe Vizi opened our doors in April of 2002, a lot has changed. Many people and many seasons have come and gone. But one thing hasn’t changed, we continue to be the catalyst for the timeless celebration of New Bike Day. And, we continue to ensure that even when the new wears off the Joy and Freedom ushered in that day remain ever-present. Eventually Joe retired, passing the torch (and keys) to his daughter Nina and son-in-law Chuck. Then in April of 2023 a new vision for the shop’s future was realized and we became Freedom Bike Works.

Many have asked, “Why change after 21 years and why get rid of the Frog? We love Fat Frogs.” 

Well, we are the same family-owned, family-oriented, laid back, coffee drinking, bagel eating, bike loving shop we’ve always been. Freedom Bike Works is the epitome of a “mom-and-pop” bike shop. But we needed to reorganize and modernize to keep up with the inevitable change that is happening all around us all the time. We wanted to be able to keep selling what we’ve been selling the entire time… Freedom! So, we embraced the change necessary to keep ourselves from being left in the past; a past we are grateful for but one that could not and should not be our identity or define our goals as we look to the future. 

As far as the Frog is concerned, maybe this will help. We’re sure you’ve heard of the old “lipstick on a pig” bit. Well, try a facelift on a Frog.