I’m sure the last time you rolled through Silver Lake you hit Intelligentsia for some espresso while you were shopping for kicks…but if you are shopping for a moped there is a far better espresso waiting for you at Choke. I’m privy to the Cappuccino myself. Serious.

Choke is a straight vintage motorcycle shop where bikes are fixed in the back, mopeds are sold out the front, and espresso is served from the counter. Adorned with an old soda pop machine, a community pack of Lucky Strikes, and a signed Evil Knievel poster, this mom and pop joint is the spot for the moped packs on the Eastside. No Mom & Pop tho – Jeff & Nick opened the place about a year and a half back and cater to the serious moped enthusiast. Their bike of choice is a TOMOS, which originated with the Puch 250 SGSS, a racing bike manufactured in Slovenia back in the early 1950’s. TOMOS evolved rapidly and developed several trophy-winning racing bikes in the 60′s and 70′s in the up to 50 cm3 class. These racing mopeds transformed into two-wheelers for the average biker and hit big in the US in the late 70’s when gas prices soared and people desired an alternative ride to their high gas consuming four-wheel vehicles…anyone hear an echo?

Choke stocks an assortment of bikes – a Sprint or two usually, and on some days there may be a Streetmate R to see. TOMOS are quality machines that have a long history of reaching and exceeding EPA standards and sport a modern look while not compromising comfort. They do have off-road lines, and a few years back even made a deal with BMW to have them produce some component parts for some of the bikes. Visit Choke for an awesome portal to these European classics and a great ol’ school neighborhood vibe.