Cover photo and additional images in this article by Hannah Bodsworth. Instagram: @hannahbodsworth Website: www.hannahbodsworth.com
Hi Sam, thank you so much for being here with us! It’s truly a pleasure to have the chance to talk with you and learn more about your story. Your project, The Floating Bike Shop, is something truly unique in the cycling world. It becomes clear from the very first glance: not only have you transformed a narrowboat into a mobile workshop, but you’ve done it with a free-spirited, creative soul that has captured the attention and admiration of so many. Your work has the charm of a poetic tale: rescuing forgotten bikes from the canals, bringing them back to life, traveling with the rhythm of the water, offering repairs and smiles along the way.
There’s something deeply inspiring about all this, and that’s why so many of us, myself included, feel both curiosity and deep respect for what you do. Can you briefly introduce yourself? Where are you from, and how did your passion for bikes begin?
Heya Emanuele, my name is Sam Skinner. I’m from the UK tbh… I’ve travelled a lot though, so I don’t always feel like I am solely British. I started riding 2-wheelers at age 3 at the local school playground… apparently, I was the only one who could ride the single 2-wheeler! From a young age, I also remember learning maintenance, such as fixing punctures, from my clever mother! After that, I’ve had many bikes, from BMX to MTB, road…
From land to sea… and then to the canals. You have a fascinating past working on superyachts. How did you go from that world to living and working on a canal boat?
Yeh, I always loved bikes and boats together / equally, so I strive to have both. After finishing my apprenticeship in the UK in mechanical engineering, I went travelling, then worked in Greece for 3 years as a flotilla skipper, then some super yachts for a while…
The problem with all these boats is that you can’t have a bike lifestyle at the same time (having more than 1 bike). That’s when I realised that canal boats / barges are in some ways better, mostly because you’re in the city and have a flow of bikes rolling by. Not like a yacht anchored in a bay! (Awaiting a floating bike.)
“Anyone who rides a bike has a story.”
How did the idea for The Floating Bike Shop come about? What inspired you to merge bikes with boat life?
Originally, I set out to only do repairs, because I knew that space was always gonna be an issue. That’s why, at the start, the business was called Floating Bike Repairs. After a while, I started getting tonnes of bikes for free and surplus stuff — so obviously started selling complete bikes too… Realising I could get a trade license on the river was a game-changer, because it meant I could be a proper bike shop — without the high street cost!
Your floating workshop is also a soul workshop.
What kind of people do you meet? What stories do the bikes you repair seem to carry with them?
To be honest, I used to do a hell of a lot more repairs, opening up each morning around 8am and seeing lots of action. These days, after 8 years of bike repairs, it’s more about videos I guess… if only I’d started filming from the very beginning!! But yeah, I still meet loads of cool cyclists and have a lot of chit-chat. Anyone who rides a bike has a story…
In a way, you’re also a “Save The Rat Biker”! That’s how we call people who rescue old, forgotten, or worn-out bikes and bring them back to life with dignity and style. Do you see yourself in that idea?
Yes, definitely am a rat biker…
Although the amount of times I see an old piece and think “WTF, that’s F’d!”, and then, after a few hours of tinkering, I’m still surprised how they turn out. It’s all about getting started, believing, uncovering parts, finding parts, and completing the job.
Lately, you’ve shown a new, more playful and provocative side of yourself.
You’ve shared photos with a sexy and cheeky vibe… and you even launched an OnlyFans!
How did that idea come about? Is it just a fun creative outlet, or is there a deeper message behind it?
Yeh, tbh I’ve always been into nudity and photography…
All this makes an appearance in my videos ‘cause otherwise I get bored!! Why would I omit such shots? There are plenty of girls doing it… The OF I have is more a place for me to share whatever I want, without it just sitting in my phone xxx
“Keep the tyres hard and the chain oiled, and you’ll love any bike, even if the gears and brakes don’t work.”
What kind of reactions have you received?
Did you expect that kind of attention? Do you see it as part of your public identity, or is it simply another way to have fun with your audience?
I think most people are jealous, tbh. Plenty of curious guys give me the eyes of jealousy, they just would’ve never grown up thinking they could be some kind of porn star… Whereas I did.
If you like my Instagram videos, then OF is next level. I post videos, extras, let people pay a little bit to watch… Otherwise it’s just a waste.
Three boats, many miles, and a job outside the norm. What are the biggest challenges you face day to day? And what are the moments that bring you the most joy?
The biggest challenge with having multiple boats is that you get sidetracked into other boat-related stuff… and that means less bikes. Thing is, I usually get bored after an hour anyway, so I’m always looking to change it up for the afternoon, etc. I seem to spend a lot of time talking to people, which is a time hoover too! lol
But honestly, the most joy I get is when someone who’s bought a bike from me rides past a few weeks later and tells me how much they love it.
They’ve given it a name, big smile on their face, and the bike looks just right for them.
What would you say to someone who wants to create an alternative, independent project like yours? Does it take more courage or more madness?
Wouldn’t say it takes madness… but experience with both bikes and boats is definitely a must.
Mostly, I reckon people wouldn’t do a great job of keeping the place tidy and organised, for me, it has to be ship-shape to feel right. Every other bike shop I come across has customer bikes lurking around after service, I’m like nahhh, get these things out and back on the paths! When I was starting out, most people said, “Why don’t you just get a garage or something?” But garages are expensive, boring, fixed in one place, and way too urban for me! You don’t need what I have, really… just a lil’ bag of tools, some pads, and some cables.
Is there one bike you’ll never forget? One that has truly stuck with you?
I’ve had loads of bikes — jump bikes, BMX, road… it really depends on what I’m riding to say which one sticks out most.
But yeah, I had a DMR Rhythm 24″ that got a lot of respect — queues of people waiting to take it through the jump sets. (I did feel nice, not gonna lie.) Truth is, I kinda love all the bikes I’ve had. Keep the tyres hard and the chain oiled, and you’ll love any bike, even if the gears and brakes don’t work properly in the end!
And finally… what does Sam dream of for the future?
Any new plans or ideas? Or are you happy to simply let the current carry you forward?
I feel like I’m still a couple of years away from proper middle age, so I definitely want a few more adventures before settling into anything more chilled. One thing’s for sure: it’ll involve bikes, boats… or both.
