Mulund's one-of-a-kind bicycle studio and cafe will get cyclists excited

A road trip illustration

As I soak in the vibe at Mastermind Bicycle Cafe, I'm tempted to believe that Mulund might have turned a corner. Being a longtime resident, I have known the suburb for its trademark VFM joints that thrive on the one-menu-for-all-taste buds template. The few that veered off-track had to shutter soon. So, when I learnt about a new theme-based cafe, my curiosity was piqued. Noticing the tasteful bicycle decor, I am looking forward to my chat with siblings Namrata and Mukund Thakkar about their philosophy that translated to the space.

Treadmill to decode correct shoes

"In 2014, I participated in a triathlon from London to Paris. I was the lone Asian in the pack; that event was an eye-opener," recalls Mukund. "When it comes to education and accessibility, they are in a different league." Mukund wanted to use this experience as a springboard to introduce high-quality models to Indians and also offer them the 360-degree package, including awareness about the design, engineering and geometry of models. On completing a bicycle mechanic training course in Singapore, he set up Mastermind Bicycle Studio in Mulund in 2015. "Since I am a chemical engineer who was engaged in the family business, I imagined it to be a part-time passion. Instead, it became a full-time obsession," he smiles. The European approach, he says, is "all about intent and road sense. If 60-70 per cent of the population become cyclists, they will respect them while driving their cars." In the next six years, he expanded this idea to five Indian cities; today, they are the sole India distributors for nearly 38 international brands. Over time, loyal clients have emerged from Mulund and beyond.

Confit of chicken, caramelised onion and arugula with paprika Parmesan pizza

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Namrata, a physiotherapist and self-confessed foodie, already had one foot on the pedal (literally). "I was in sync with cyclists' lifestyles. Thanks to Mukund, my own Bachelors' project that involved their training, and my travels across Europe with him, I was exposed to the synergy between cyclists and coffee and wanted to introduce the concept here," she explains. She got herself certified as a barista and manual brewer, and took up a course in baking before the cafe took shape. "It had to be a hub for cyclists and non-cyclists keen to take their first steps in the sport. I felt healthy, wholesome food could be the catalyst. My father is vegetarian, Mukund is vegan, while I am an experimentalist, so the menu reflects our tastes; it includes keto and smoothie bowl options. There's a 10-flavour gelateria, for the sweet-toothed," she adds. Throughout our chat, their father, Umesh's name crops up. Thakkar senior played a key role for the siblings to realise this cycling-meets-coffee dream.

The bicycle experience studio

While our order at the cafe gets prepared, Namrata gives us the grand tour, starting with the main studio on the fifth floor of the same complex. It's a cyclist's Disneyland; the lab-like vibe offers fascinating insight into the art and the science of bicycle mechanics; their qualified staff ensure first-timers and professionals are at ease. There's a maintenance workshop where cycles are repaired, or even customised from scratch. "Often people drop their bicycles for servicing, and grab a coffee or snack at the cafe while it's being tended to," she adds. Not meant for the pocket-pincher, these hardcore models can cost anything from Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh. On the same level, they own a smaller space that retails triathlon gear; Namrata rattles off the technicalities of choosing the right equipment for this endurance event. Finally, we arrive at their third space, on the ground floor, where a special treadmill with sensors and an algorithm decodes the best shoe fit based on your running technique.

Having worked up an appetite purely from the adrenaline rush, it's time for our feast. First up, we try the confit of chicken, caramelised onion and arugula with paprika Parmesan cheese (Rs 685) served on a cracker-style super-thin crust. The soul-pleasing sound effect of the crunch is the highlight, as is the sinful chicken and melted cheese dance. Next, we tuck into the large-ish grilled chicken and sherry shallot ciabatta (Rs 425) that is sure to please the sandwich fan. "All our breads are baked in-house," Namrata reveals. The Brussels style classic waffles (Rs 340) served with homemade Tahitian vanilla gelato is grid-filled goodness. The citrus cheesecake (Rs 285) is equally delish. We sample one of the pour over coffees (kalita, Rs 190) - this is a manual brewing process where hot water is poured over a bed of freshly ground coffee. Ours extracts a clean, medium-bodied coffee and makes for a soothing stirrup. Their iced teas (all Rs 220) and herbal teas (all Rs 150) are a hat-tip to serious tea drinkers.

Mukund and Namrata Thakkar. Pics/ Sameer Markande

The young restaurateur shares her roadmap as we tuck into the fare, "From weekend screenings of big-ticket races to cyclist chat-ups and coffee-making sessions, I want to familiarise this culture in Mulund and beyond." She also plans to introduce wine and craft beer to elevate the evening vibe. Mukund chimes in, "When we see a family come in to celebrate at the cafe after their purchase of a high-end bicycle from our studio next door, we know that we have helped to make a small difference."

At: LG-37, 38, Mastermind Bicycle Cafe, Avior Corporate Park, Nirmal Galaxy, LBS Marg, Mulund West
Call: 40069715
Time: 11 am to 11 pm (all days)