The story behind CycleLab

The mastermind behind CycleLab, Philipp Tholen, is an ETH engineer and passionate cyclist. As a working father, he often faced the challenge of getting broken bikes repaired quickly and easily. Long waiting times and limited flexibility led to the vision of a customer-friendly, digitalized workshop.

That’s when the idea for CycleLab was born.

“I quit my IT job to tackle the problem myself. With CycleLab, I want to revolutionize and consolidate the outdated bike repair market.”

The idea for CycleLab came from a shift in how we live—more digital, more on-the-go, and shaped by the pandemic. People are used to handling everyday tasks from home and expect services to be fast and hassle-free. Long waits turn customers away, and most prefer messaging over phone calls these days.

CycleLab is built for cyclists who want things simple and efficient. With just a few clicks, you can book a repair from your sofa. Your bike gets picked up and dropped off at your doorstep—no trip to the shop needed. CycleLab works with any brand and focuses on fast, smooth, and transparent service.

The first CycleLab in Altstetten is the foundation for a nationwide network of virtual workshops.