This passionate bike enthusiast has a collection of 17 classic and modern cruisers

Key Concepts:

• Cruiser bikes: Distinctive bicycles with a curvy frame, upright riding position, coaster brakes, and often heavier build.
• Coaster brake: A braking system activated by pedaling backward.
• Vintage bikes: Older bicycles, often with unique designs and historical significance.
• Spokespeople: A magazine created to chronicle the journey of cruiser bike collecting and riding, and to connect enthusiasts.

1. Introduction to Cruiser Bike Collecting

• The speaker, Reaping, is a cruiser bike collector and rider with approximately 17 cruisers.
• His interest began when he wanted to cycle with his daughter and found a unique yellow "nerve bike" in collaboration with Paul Frank on Facebook Marketplace.
• The nerve bike had a coaster brake system, which took some getting used to, but ultimately sparked his passion for collecting.

2. Defining Cruiser Bikes

• Cruiser bikes are not as common in Singapore, so Reaping seizes opportunities to acquire them.
• Key characteristics of a cruiser bike:
  • Curvy frame
  • Upright riding position
  • Coaster brake
  • Clunkiness
  • Heavier weight compared to road bikes or folding bikes

3. Sourcing Cruiser Bikes

• Reaping primarily finds cruiser bikes on Carousell, where sellers are letting go of bikes from when they were more popular.
• He also imports bikes from the United States, considered the "mecca of cruiser bikes." He has brought back three bikes personally and had a friend help with a fourth.

4. Case Study: 1952 JC Higgins

• Reaping highlights a 1952 JC Higgins cruiser bike made by Sears and Rob (a departmental store).
• Unique features of the JC Higgins:
  • Weight: Approximately 35 kg (heavy steel construction)
  • Bedwing light: Integrated light on the front fender
  • Honeycomb suspension: A unique suspension system
  • Jewels: Decorative jewels on the bike
  • Cheese grater rear rack: For carrying items
  • Skirt guard: To prevent skirts from getting caught in the wheels
  • Fat tires and white wall tires: Similar to old automobiles

5. Spokespeople Magazine

• Two years ago, Reaping started "Spokespeople," a magazine to chronicle his cruiser bike journey and connect enthusiasts.
• The goal is to create a voice for the small cruiser bike community in Singapore and increase knowledge and understanding of this type of bike.

6. Community Engagement and Education

• Reaping enjoys riding his bikes on Park Connector Networks (PCNs) and sharing information with people who express interest.
• He wants to showcase vintage bikes and educate the public about their historical significance.
• He believes vintage bikes show us where we've come from as a society.
• He hopes to expand the cruiser bike community and encourage more people to join rides.

7. Conclusion

• Reaping's passion for cruiser bikes stems from a desire to connect with his daughter and a fascination with the unique design and history of these bikes. He actively seeks to expand the cruiser bike community in Singapore through his collecting, riding, and the "Spokespeople" magazine, aiming to educate the public about the cultural and historical significance of vintage bicycles.