Introduction: Where Rust Turns to Gold
In the Bello Horizonte neighborhood of Santa Marta, between the sound of the waves and the bustle of mototaxis, there is a place that smells of grease, rubber, and patience. Calle 30 is not just any street: it is the bike shop that repairs memories. Here, for over twenty years, Don Manuel "Mane" Pérez has been receiving battered, rusty bikes with bent frames and smooth tires, and bringing them back to life. He doesn't just fix chains and adjust brakes: he restores stories. In May 2026, this workshop remains the heart of Santa Marta's urban cyclists, a meeting point where people talk about routes, the breeze of Rodadero, and that bike your dad gave you when you were seven years old.
What makes this workshop special is not the technology—there are no computers or diagnostic machines—but the memory. Every bike that comes in tells a story: that of a mailman who traveled through Bello Horizonte for thirty years, that of a child who learned to pedal on the bay, that of a tourist who came from Medellín and fell in love with the city. Mane knows them all. "I don't repair bikes here, I repair memories," he says while adjusting the spokes of a 1978 Monark. And he's right.
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Owner Profile: Don Manuel "Mane" Pérez
Mane is 62 years old, with a gray beard that looks like a map of the Sierra Nevada and hands that seem like tools. He arrived in Bello Horizonte in 1998, when the neighborhood was still a cluster of fishermen's houses and Calle 30 was a dirt road. He opened the workshop in a space that was once a grocery store, with a Singer sewing machine for shoes and a wrench he inherited from his father. Today, the workshop is a gallery of bikes hanging from the ceiling, rusty tools hanging from nails, and a hand-painted sign that reads: "Bicicletería Calle 30. Bikes and memories repaired."
Mane is not just a mechanic: he is a storyteller. When he sees a bike arrive, he doesn't ask what's wrong with it, but who it belongs to. "If it's from someone who loves it, I fix it with care. If it's from a tourist who's going to abandon it, I charge double," he jokes. But seriously: his workshop has become a meeting point for cyclists in Bello Horizonte, a place where Saturday mornings are filled with impromptu rides and maintenance tips are shared.
Years in the Neighborhood
Mane has seen Bello Horizonte grow. When he arrived, the neighborhood had two stores and a soccer field. Now there are buildings, restaurants, and a bike path that connects to Rodadero. But he's still there, on the same corner, with the same wooden bench where he sits waiting for customers. "People change, bikes change, but stories don't," he says. And it's true: he has seen generations of cyclists pass by, from those who used cruiser bikes to those who now arrive with carbon mountain bikes.
What to Do at the Calle 30 Workshop
Mane's workshop is not just a place to drop off your bike. It's an experience. Here's what you can do when you arrive:
- Repair your bike: From a flat tire to a full restoration. Mane works with all types of bikes: urban, mountain, vintage, racing. Prices range from $5,000 COP for a patch to $150,000 COP for a basic restoration (reference prices from May 2026).
- See the gallery of repaired bikes: On the workshop ceiling hang bikes that Mane has restored over the years. There's a blue 1975 Monark, an 80s three-speed Raleigh, and an Italian racing bike that a tourist left behind. Each one has a story that Mane proudly tells.
- Attend the free basic repair workshop: Every Saturday at 10 a.m., Mane gives a free basic maintenance workshop. He teaches how to change a tire, adjust brakes, and lubricate the chain. Space is limited (about 10 people), so arrive early.
- Chat with other cyclists: The workshop is a meeting point. On Saturday mornings, cyclists from Bello Horizonte gather here before heading out for a ride. It's a good place to learn about routes, make friends, and share tips.
Gallery of Repaired Bikes: Stories on Two Wheels
Mane has a collection of bikes that look like they belong in a museum. But they are not display pieces: they are bikes he restored himself and that are now used by their original owners. Here are some of the most memorable ones:
- The blue 1975 Monark: It belonged to Don Pedro, a fisherman from Bello Horizonte who used it to carry fish to the market. It arrived at the workshop with a rusty frame and broken spokes. Mane restored it piece by piece, searching for spare parts in second-hand shops. Today, Don Pedro uses it for Sunday rides.
- The three-speed Raleigh: It belonged to a lady named Doña Gloria, who bought it in the 80s to go to church. The bike was in her backyard, overgrown with weeds, when her granddaughter brought it to the workshop. Mane made it look like new, and now the granddaughter uses it to go to school.
- The Italian racing bike: A tourist from Milan left it behind at a hostel in Santa Marta. The hostel owner brought it to the workshop to sell it, but Mane refused: "This bike has a story, it's not for sale." He restored it and has it hanging from the ceiling, waiting for the owner to return.
Where to Eat or Drink Near the Workshop
After dropping off your bike at the workshop, you can walk a few steps and find options to eat or drink in Bello Horizonte. Here are our recommendations:
- La Esquina del Sabor: A stall selling arepas and empanadas at Calle 30 with Carrera 5. Egg arepas cost $3,500 COP and beef empanadas cost $2,000 COP (reference prices from May 2026). Open Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Donde María: A natural juice shop on the same street. Mango with milk juice costs $4,000 COP. Perfect for hydrating after a ride.
- Punto de Encuentro: A lunch menu restaurant two blocks from the workshop, on Carrera 4 with Calle 31. They offer bandeja paisa, fish sancocho, and arroz con pollo. Dishes range from $12,000 COP to $18,000 COP.
How to Get There and Transport to the Calle 30 Workshop
The Calle 30 bike workshop is in the Bello Horizonte neighborhood, at Calle 30 with Carrera 5, a few blocks from the beach. Getting there is easy, whether by public transport, bike, or on foot.
- By bike: If you're coming from downtown Santa Marta, you can take the bike path that borders the bay until you reach Bello Horizonte. From Rodadero, it's about a 15-minute bike ride along Avenida del Libertador.
- By bus: Urban buses heading to Bello Horizonte run along Avenida del Libertador. The most common route goes from the Public Market to Rodadero. Ask to get off at Calle 30. The fare is $2,200 COP.
- By mototaxi: From downtown Santa Marta, a mototaxi will take you to the workshop for about $5,000 COP. From Rodadero, about $4,000 COP.
- Walking: If you're in Bello Horizonte, the workshop is a five-minute walk from the beach. Walk inland along Calle 30 until you reach Carrera 5.
Local Tips for Visiting the Workshop
To make the most of your visit to the Calle 30 workshop, keep these local tips in mind:
- Arrive early on Saturdays: The free basic repair workshop starts at 10 a.m., but people start arriving at 9:30 a.m. to secure a spot. If you arrive late, you'll miss out.
- Bring your bike even if it's not damaged: Mane offers free tire pressure checks and chain lubrication. Take the opportunity to have him look over your bike.
- Don't be afraid to ask: Mane is friendly and loves to talk about bikes. If you have an old bike at home, bring him a photo and he'll tell you if it's worth restoring.
- Bring cash: The workshop does not accept credit or debit cards. Prices are in cash, and sometimes Mane accepts trades if he likes your story.
- Respect the hours: Mane is open Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. He rests on Sundays, but if you see him on the street, he'll surely say hello.
Basic Bike Maintenance Tutorial
Mane taught us these basic steps to keep your bike in good condition. You don't need specialized tools, just a little patience:
- Check tire pressure: Use a hand or foot pump. The ideal pressure is marked on the side of the tire. In Santa Marta, with the heat, don't inflate too much because the rubber expands.
- Lubricate the chain: Buy a bike chain lubricant (at any spare parts store it costs about $10,000 COP). Apply a drop to each link while turning the pedals backward. Then wipe off the excess with a rag.
- Adjust the brakes: If the brakes squeal or don't grip well, loosen the screw holding the brake cable, pull the cable to tighten it, and retighten the screw. Test the brakes before heading out.
- Check the spokes: If a wheel is wobbly, tighten the spokes on the opposite side of the bend. Do it gradually, turning each spoke half a turn, until the wheel is straight.
- Clean the bike: After riding on the beach, salt can rust the frame. Wash it with fresh water and mild soap, and dry it with a clean rag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair a bike at the Calle 30 workshop?
Prices vary depending on the damage. A tire patch costs $5,000 COP, brake adjustment $10,000 COP, and a full restoration of an old bike can cost between $100,000 COP and $200,000 COP, depending on the spare parts needed. These are reference prices from May 2026. It is recommended to consult directly with Mane before leaving the bike.
Does the workshop accept electric or high-end bikes?
Yes, Mane repairs electric and high-end mountain bikes, but with some limitations. For electric bikes, he only does mechanical repairs (brakes, tires, chain). He does not work with motors or batteries. For carbon bikes, he recommends being careful because traditional tools can damage the frame.
Can I buy a restored bike at the workshop?
Mane does not sell the bikes he restores, unless the original owner has left them on consignment. Occasionally, he has second-hand bikes that he buys from individuals and restores to sell. Prices range from $200,000 COP to $500,000 COP, depending on the model and condition. Ask directly at the workshop.
Is there bike parking nearby?
The workshop has a space outside where you can leave your bike while you wait. There is no guarded parking, but Mane will lend you a lock if you don't have one. It's a quiet neighborhood, but don't leave valuables on the bike.
Is the free basic repair workshop for beginners?
Yes, it is designed for people who have never repaired a bike. Mane teaches from the basics: how to change a tire, adjust brakes, and lubricate the chain. You don't need prior experience. Just bring your bike and a willingness to learn. Space is limited to 10 people, so arrive early.