The Secret Sipper loves it when essential businesses combine forces; hence, our trip on a balmy Friday afternoon to Red Lantern Bicycles on Myrtle Avenue.

It's here that we can get our java infusion and scope out the bikes on sale at the same time, as well as soak in the shop's homey auto body shop-like atmosphere.

And according to owner Brian Gluck's wife, Elena, one day visitors will also be able to drink beer while waiting for their bikes to get fixed... just not quite yet.

Gluck, formerly of Prospect Heights' Brooklyn Bike and Board, opened this custom-made bike shop last summer in a storefront located in a rapidly gentrifying section of the neighborhood.

Red Lantern Bicycles is located at 345 Myrtle Ave. between Carlton Avenue and Adelphi Street.