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Fall is the time of the year where nature yields itself to another cycle of renewal. Leaves on trees take on a beautiful hue of orange, red, and yellow, before ultimately shedding its glory in the cold winter months.
I was able to soak in some of these breathtaking sights, thanks to a work trip this November in the land of cruisers and live my American Cruiser Dream. Truly, there’s really no better place to be if you want to experience cruiser culture than in the United States of America! It’s here where you can fnd decades old gems lying around in unassuming barns and garages stored from generations past, like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Having only seen pictures of some of the most exquisite and rare vintage bikes on forums and Facebook groups, I was determined to go on a treasure hunt when I had some free time. And it’s not been a disappointment.
In short, it’s been an eye-opening and rewarding experience being able to meet likeminded and passionate fellow cruiser collectors and buffs – some of whom have given me a visual feast of their prized collections, and even delighting me with a ride on them!
Tis issue of SpokesPeople is dedicated to the American classics and vintage cruisers. I look forward to sharing some of the stories of SpokesPeople whom I’ve encountered, through the wonderful friendships I’ve made.
Be warned. Tere’ll be lots of eye candy, and I hope you’ll fnd them as rich and colourful as I have – like the beautiful colours of the season!
Cruising along… SpokesPeople Editor
At frst glance, one would not associate the face of this cherubic-looking young man with that of a vintage pasttime. Daniel Mosser, and all 47 years of his existence, is not your typical vintage guy. He is, in fact, the founder and owner of a vintage bike shop; and an Epic Bike Shop too while at it.
I had come across his online page while Googling for a vintage bike shop in Nashville, hoping to visit one while I was on my work trip there. To my delight, Daniel replied and welcomed me to pay him and his shop a visit.
It was a rather scenic drive, through small winding roads and open green felds, in what this city girl would consider a country adventure!
After nearly an hour of driving, not knowing where I was on this side of the world and wondering if I was hopelessly lost, my trusty GPS led me to a little driveway of a huge compound with the assuring voice, “You’ve arrived at your destination!”
I heaved a sigh of relief and triumphantly congratulated myself with the old adage – ‘Not all who wander is lost.’
mosser owner I EPIC BIKE SHOP NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Daniel was not quite what I had expected. He did not ft my mold of a vintage bike shop owner. With a big smile and warm handshake, he greeted and welcomed me into his world of vintage glory.
Displayed promimently in the front of his garage was the epitome of retro style itself – a 1955 Chevrolet Belair gleaming in the warm glows of the afternoon sun. He had bought it when he was 12 years old and had restored it several times. But even that was to be outshoned by all the treasures that stood proudly around it.
Daniel was excited as I was to begin our official tour around. I felt like a big kid in a toy store, ooohing and gushing as he introduced each of his bikes like a proud daddy to his two-wheeled babies.
I learnt that customising or ‘modding’ bikes was his specialty. He explained how he’d retroft a vintage bike with accessories or a motor to transform it into a lean, mean, riding machine. And true enough, many of his bikes look so bad a**, you could imagine yourself a hell-rider tearing down the streets on them.
SP: when and how did THE EPIC bike shop begin?
Daniel: I started this bike shop in 2017 because I noticed people needed transportation for work who could not afford a car. So we started with motorised bicycles and it became a huge blessing. Many were also asking if we did bicycle tuneups, so we just decided to offer full bicycle servicing to all kinds of bikes.
SP: How did you get into vintage bikes?
Daniel: When I was 14, I started collecting antiques, bicycles, cars and signs from gas stations. I’ve just always loved antiques because they’re of good quality, look cool and grow in value over time.
SP: Why do you choose to motorise them?
Daniel: If I choose to keep a bicycle for my personal transportation, I’d motorise it if it’s compatible. It does not harm the value of the bike, and you can have the most incredible sightseeing in comfort and quality on a vintage ride.
SP: This is a hard question, but which is your favourite bike?
Daniel: My favourite motorised bike is the 1956 JC Higgins Jet Flow, the one with the disc wheels on it. It looks out-of-thisworld and sounds amazing! Tere’s nothing else like it on the planet and every time I ride it, my adrenaline shoots up!
SP: What do you enjoy about your job? Assuming you do a lot!
Daniel: What I enjoy most about my job is the people. I love meeting people, serving their needs and just listening to them! I really love people and fxing their problems.
SP: DO you have Any epic future plans for your bike shop?
Daniel: It’s my dream to start a museum in the shop. But before that can happen, I’ll have to declutter, and eventually build another building large enough to hold my entire collection and make room for more!
I hope for it to be the greatest blessing this community has ever seen in a way that glorifes God. We’ll continue to give bikes away for free and to those in need, and continue providing quick and reliable bike servicing to the community.
top: 1933 western flyer
Originally a skip bicycle.
1933
Tis 1933 Western Flyer was originally a skip tooth bike (every other tooth is missing on the sprocket). I converted it to a Nexus 3-speed rear , and put a modern crank and sprocket on it. I then added the alligator seat, because the old one was rusted through and added a few cool accessories. One of my favourites is the clam shell exhaust tip which came from a vintage car.
Spaceliners were designed by renowned industrial designer, Victor Schrekengost, and were produced between 1964-68, by Murray for Sears.
It was introduced as the new top middle-weight model when Sears discontinued production of the Flightliner at the end of 1963. Prior to this time, bikes sold by Sears were branded J.C. Higgins, but beginning in 1964 (the year of the frst Spaceliner), branding of all bikes was changed to Sears.
(Source:‘ Te Ultimate Sears Spaceliner Reference’ Te Cabe, BrentP)
Tis was a stock bike when I started with it. My intention was to create a muscle bike, so I added a 100cc two-cycle engine, a banana seat, a tall sissy bar, high-rise handlebars, suspension front fork, grip shifter, and lots of little accessories which makes it look unique!
Tis is a customised 1969 Schwinn Stingray muscle bike. I put a hot engine on it. It does wheelies and is really loud and fast like how a muscle bike should be!
Tis bike is a 1957 Evans/Colson badged as an Orville fyer. Some of them kind of mutts straight from the dealer, this one has been modifed with a Micargi front end.
J. C. Higgins is a Sears, Roebuck, and Company brand name. Sears used it for a wide variety of items, especially sporting goods. John Higgins, who worked at the Sears headquarters as the company’s comptroller from 1908 until 1930 when he retired, is the brand’s namesake.
Sears, Roebuck, and Company used the J. C. Higgins brand for bicycles produced after World War II. Higgins bicycles were made from Americane bikes featured a rounded, exuberant design and were highly
Higgins bicycles were among the frst to incorporate coaster brakes into popular models. Sears contracted with Murray Ohio Manufacturing Co. and the Westfeld Manufacturing Co. to produce its brand of bicycles.
e late 1940’s through the 1950’s was the Golden Age of J. C. Higgins bicycles.
e J. C. Higgins brand disappeared on recreational and sporting goods when Sears aligned itself with Ted Williams in 1961.
1956 j.c. higgins jet floW Moon eyes aluminum disc and a SSR 2-cycle engine on 110 octane.
Monark Silver King Inc. created some of the coolest bikes of the balloon tire era. One of the most popular models during the late 1940’s and 1950’s was the Monark Super Deluxe.
Te bike shown here is a hybrid of both the Super Deluxe and Holiday models.
Top (Left): Monark horn tank with crown medallion.
(Far Right): Train light and Rocket front fender ornament.
(Right): Cheese grater rear rack with the signature Monark Holiday rear turn signals.
Originally a 1955 Monark Firestone Holiday. It features paperboy bag hangers, a signature train light, rear blinkers, and a 25-tooth front sprocket (originally a 52tooth). I’ve also put on a Nexus-3 wheelset.
Ask any collector what they consider to be the holy grail of vintage cruisers, and I can assure you the list will include a Monark, Schwinn Phantom, a J.C. Higgins, or an Elgin, to name a few. Tese are the bikes that set bike forums and cruiser groups ablaze whenever they’re showcased. And needless to say, they can also cost a little fortune if they were to go up for sale on eBay, bike auctions or on Facebook Marketplace.
Clint is someone whom I’d consider an avid collector. In his years of cruiser collecting, he has amassed a neat feet of rare bikes in his stash. I came across a bike he was selling on FB Marketplace, and reached out to him. As we chatted about the bikes we each owned, I told myself I needed to meet this guy! Especially since he was going to be a short 10-min drive from where I was staying for my work trip in Nashville.
We met at his home, set in a serene and idyllic neighbourhood surrounded by lush greenery and manicured lawns. Te Singaporean in me couldn’t help but envy the spaciousness and possibilities with having a garage that could easily accommodate an endless collection of bikes.
Clint greeted me warmly and welcomed me into his secret lair, aka mancave garage. Like old friends who didn’t need much introduction, we exchanged greetings and quickly adjourned to the centre of our focus – his prized collections. I could already sense my heartbeat palpitating and my adrenalin rushing through my bloodstream as I spotted his neatly-arranged bikes from the corner of my eye. I felt like a kid in a candy store with the thrill of a sugar rush. I reminded myself I shouldn’t act like a ‘sua koo’ Singaporean
of his trade and vintage collections, which includes vintage cars, motor scooters, classic boats and old tin cars. Te frst prominent OFD (object of desire) in his garage was an old British Triumph classic car from the 60’s. Being an old soul who loves anything vintage with wheels, it also brought out a squeal of delight in me.
SpokesPeople met with him and was given a visual treat of his sweet collection.
SP: When did you start collecting vintage bikes? how did it come about?
Clint: I've always had an appreciation for vintage bicycles, but got heavily involved in collecting them in 2009. I had the opportunity to buy a Swing Bike like one a childhood friend had. However, when that didn’t materialise, I decided to build my frst custom Swing Bike, which eventually evolved into building Rat Rod style custom bicycles. I also developed an appreciation for original unrestored vintage bikes.
SP: Which is the crown jewel of your collection? How did you come to own it?
Clint: Te crown jewel is defnitely the 1936 Elgin Bluebird! It was advertised on Facebook Marketplace by a gentleman who lived about 1.5 hours away. His ad simply said ‘Antique Bicycle’ and had very poor pictures. Te frst thing I noticed was the incorrect Shelby Airfow front fender and made me study the pictures in-depth. When I fnally fgured it out, I couldn't believe that I was actually looking at a Bluebird.
I was fortunate enough to see the ad just 11 minutes after he posted it and was lucky enough to be the frst caller. He was an extremely nice gentleman who agreed to immediately remove his ad and let me meet him on the Saturday afternoon before Easter Sunday – ‘because he didn't want to do business on Easter.’
SP: Any plans on your hobby in the future? What’s next in your collection? Any dream bike you’d love to get your hands on?
Clint: I've never really had a plan for my hobby. Part of what I enjoy the most is fnding unique things that spark my interest without searching for anything specifc. I’ve found that the randomness of running across something special is far more enjoyable than diligently looking for something that I might never fnd!
With an Elgin Bluebird in my collection and having previously owned a couple of Shelby Airfows, I really don’t have a special bike that I think could top those that I've already been blessed with.
Te true great thing about this hobby is the people I've met and friendships I've made. Tere’s no bike that can top that!
The true great thing about this hobby is the people I've met and friendships I've made. There’s no bike that can top that! ”
“(Left): 1949 20” Shelby Donald Duck
Te 1938 Hawthorne, sold by Montgomery Ward stores, was manufactured by Te H.P. Snyder company, makers of Rollfast bicycles. Many Hawthornes were made by the Cleveland Welding Company and looked nearly identical. Some identifying features that pin this one as being the Snyder version is the duck-tail on the front fender and the sprocket style.
Monark Silver King made a line of iconic aluminium bicycles, as well as some of the more obscure models of the pre-war era. Tey also produced some basic steel frame cruisers in the pre and postwar era. Te aluminium bikes were marketed under the Silver King name, while the steel bikes typically marketed as simply Monark, though both were produced by the Monark Silver King company.
Te Western Flyer Super was produced by Cleveland Welding Co. for Western Auto Supply Company. Te ‘Super’ model was the most deluxe Western Flyer bicycle of the early post-war era.
Elgin was the brand manufactured by Sears, Roebuck and Co. during the midto-late 1930s. Te Elgin Bluebird is considered the premier pre-war collector’s bike because of its unique art deco styling, frame design and rarity. Elgin produced about 4000 of these bikes from 1935 to 1937 and they sold for a cost of $52. Tis was about two month’s salary for the average worker if you were lucky enough to have a job during the Great Depression. But with the Depression on, Sears did not do very well with their hyperstylised Bluebird series. Sales were low and production decreased, making the Bluebird one of the most elite classics available today. In top restored condition, Elgin Bluebirds are among the most valuable classic bicycles in the world. Tey came in Blue, Red and Grey.
(Source: ‘Cruisers’ by Jonny Fuego, Michael Ames & www.garyrestorations.com)
When in America, do as the Americans do. And what do Americans do? More specifcally, what do cruiser folks in America do? Tey bike and they do bike shows and swap meets! Well, at least that’s what I’d do.
So one of the things I looked for when I realised I was heading to the States, was to look for a swap meet to attend. I’ve always wanted to do one of these, and when I found one in the vicinity of where I was, right smack in the same weekend of my trip, I jumped for joy and marked it on my itinerary.
Te Get-A-Grip Bike Show was set in Cleaveland, a 3-hour drive from where I was in Nashville, Tennessee.
I did my mental calculations and rationalised, “What’s a mere 3-hour drive, compared to a 30-hour ight?” I decided it was well worth the travel time.
Te long-awaited Saturday came. Armed with snacks for the journey, I set off early at 7am. Tanks to a local bike friend I had come to know, I was advised of the 1-hour time zone change in Cleaveland (one of the wonders of a country like America).
Te show was to start at 12 noon and I’d arrive just in time, with perhaps a gas stop along the way. After what seemed like a very long drive, my GPS (with its Indian accent) fnally directed me to pull up into the parking lot of a school compound.
Tere was a banner outside that read, ‘Get-A-Grip Bike Show’.
My heart raced with anticipation as I approached the booths in the outdoor arena that were already chock full with people… and bikes. Lots of them!
It was like visiting ‘Bike Disneyland’ – the happiest place on earth for bike enthusiasts like myself.
Immediately, my senses were innundated by the sights of all kinds of cruisers, most of which I’ve only ever ogled over on bike forums and Facebook groups which I follow. It was vintage bikes galore!
I made my way around each stall, where vendors were parading their bikes and all kinds of accessories and parts to sell or trade.
From colourful banana seats, to antique bike lamps, bells, tires, grips and pedals, there was a piece of something for every treasure-hunter seeking a prized fnd.
I was given a visual treat, especially at a tent where a pin-stripping artist was displaying his craft. With dexterity and patience, he demonstrated how he would – with a special brush – meticulously add a custom design to the fender of a bike.
Ten came the bikes. Te drool-worthy bikes. I wished I could cart one home and make it a piece of my own collection. But alas, I was nowhere near home. For now, I had to just get-a-grip of myself and settle for ogling. It was truly one of the most memorable moments of my US trip.
Top: ‘STEAM BIKE’ –
A whimsical mish mash of parts resembling a steam engine; hence the name given by the event organiser.
I’d have called it the ‘Time Machine’ Bike, from the rotary dials and time pieces welded to it.
A total piece of creative genius, if you ask me!
Right: ‘CROSS BIKE’ –Winner of ‘2022 Best Out of the Box Tinking’ & ‘Best of Show’ category.
Te bike’s creator, David Luth, designed and made it in memory of his late mother.
Truly an amazing showcase of artistry and design.
Top: More fascinating custom builds. Tis one reeks patina all through! It says ‘David Bradley’ on the rear fender frame, which is a brand known for gardening tractors and equipment. Whoever rat rodded this bike probably recycled parts from his gardening equipment.
SP: tell us the story behind get-a-grip bike show. when did it begin and why?
David: GET-A-GRIP Inc. Bicycle Show was started in 2012 by my brother, Cullas, and I as a way of raising support for the fght against cancer. I’ve always been actively involved in this cause, partly due to seeing a close friend and family member lost to cancer.
Also, we see the annual event as a way of promoting the love of bikes in our community and advocating strong family ties, which is the bedrock of society!
Tis is our 11th year organsing GET-A-GRIP and it’s growing from strength-to-strengh.
SP: what’s in the name?
David: Te name GET-A-GRIP Inc. came about one day at work. I just started writing down everything that came to mind. One name I really liked was ‘Out Spokin’, but it was already taken by a bicycle shop in Atlanta, Gerogia. So we decided on this instead.
SP: what did you do prior to this?
David: I’ve retired for the last seven years at the age of 57, having had a 30+ year career in Customer Service with a local utility company. I collect and build custom bicycles and antique Ride-On Toys along with other vintage toys. I love customising everything I get my hands on. I can never leave anything stock! Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you it’s just the way I ride. I also spend a lot of time serving in my local church.
SP: how is get-a-grip bike show different from others?
smoother with guidelines and some sort of structure. Most shows we know operate on a very fuid timing basis, whereas we adhere to a fxed 12pm to 3pm time frame. And for a reason. Cancer patients often get out of bed around 10am and don’t usually feel like getting out until after lunch. With that and them in mind, we think it’ll be nice having the crowd around when they do come for the show at 1-2pm.
Another thing we do is we block off the street from 12 noon till after the show. Tis allows people to walk around freely and ride their bikes in the premises while staying safe from traffic.
SP: what are some highlights of the show?
David: A day at the GET-A-GRIP Bicycle Show includes Kids’ Ride-On Wars, ‘Bun Run’ (where show participants ride their bikes with a chance to win cash prizes) and lots of cool displays. Prizes are given for the Best Dressed Bikes, Bun Run winner and other categories.
SP: what is your greatest takeaway and satisfaction as an organiser?
David: My biggest dream is that there’ll be a cure for cancer one day! I want to see families do things together such as riding bikes; a place for folks to show off what they’ve built or restored, and to take pride in what they’ve accomplished. I want to show others you can never dream too big! Like the wellknown quote in the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ goes –‘Build it and they will come!’ I want to be the best I can be in promoting a bicycle show for everyone to enjoy and have a great time!
exclusive with david orr
founder I get-a-grip bike show cleaveland tennessee, USA
david orr
Freight companies specialising in bike shipping, like BikeFlights, ShipBkes, would offer point-to-point bike shipping services without much fanfare.
Tis has been so, until recent years, where Covid and the ongoing Ukraine war, has caused the cost of shipping to spike considerably, owing to over-the-top rising fuel and logistical costs.
Not that I’ve attemped to do so, considering the price of shipping a bike can easily cost more than the bike itself these days! Even domestic shipping within the States is not as it was before, with many sellers insisting on local pickup only.
Like many, I had my bucket list of ‘dream vintage bikes’ I’d love to get my hands on. But due to distance and the cost of shipping, I’ve had to put this on the backburner and can only admire them from afar through forums and Marketplace.
But my trip to the US this time pretty much changed this for me and helped me discover what it actually takes to ship a bike 9,500 miles (or 15,000 km) back home… myself! Tis way, I fgured I could save on shipping costs and still make my bike dream a reality without breaking the bank!
As it turns out, it was not an impossible feat – but not without careful planning, lots of due diligence in doing my homework, a stroke of luck and a bunch of very helpful local folks and friends!
Here are my 5 steps to shipping a bike home if you’re travelling abroad (and you don’t have to be a Tour de France cyclist!).
step
step
step step step
and make sure it’s not a scam deal and vice versa (assure the seller you’re not a scam).
check around for a local bike shop nearby who could pack the bike to make it fight-worthy.
Find your dream bike strike up a friendly convo if there’s a potential deal work out the logistics
In my case, it was from from Point A-to-Point BPoint C – the seller’s, to the bike shop, to the airport. Tis is where having very nice friends with wheels (and a big compartment) really helps! it arrives in one piece at your fnal destination!
pray Weeks before my trip, I found Bob on Facebook Marketplace through an ad he had posted for a J.C. Higgins Colorfow. I had been in search for this beauty for some time now and fnally, it seemed like the stars were lining up nicely for me.
By a stroke of vintage bike destiny, Bob was located near where I was going to be spending a few days visiting some friends in New York, before heading back home to Singapore.
I reached out to him and did accordingly (see Step 2). He seemed genuine and to make him know I was, I o FaceTime him. On hindsight, maybe I seemed all too eager. I was very glad he didn’t get turned off by my advances! Long story short, everything panned out and I was to contact him when I was in New York. Te deal was cash upon collection and that worked out perfectly for me.
Finally, the day arrived when I met Bob. He was friendly in person, as he had been on the phone. It was like a meeting of old friends, except that this was over an old bike.
Te 1952 J.C. Higgins he was letting go for adoption ( Tat’s how I see it. You can never sell your ‘kids’… you can only entrust them to others whom you know would care for them the same way you did.) actually belonged to his uncle – the bike’s frst owner. His dad (Bob’s grandparents) had bought it for him brand new at the Sear & Roebucks Department Store as a birthday present. Upon his passing, Bob had inherited this and kept it since.
Bob was an avid collector in his day, but had to scale down some of his collections for personal reasons. He still maintained the cream of his crop collection, which he was kind to showcase to me and the American friend whom I had shamelessly troubled for this occasion (see Step 4).
He led us into the basement attic of his house, and nested in a small boiler/laundry room were some pretty impressive bikes he had stashed so neatly away, safe from prying eyes and itching hands. I was awed.
And there she was. Te bike I had travelled all the way from Singapore for! Tere she stood, waiting for me to pick her up, like a doting parent picking the sweetheart from a childcare centre.
Bob and I exchanged some bike stories, bade our
farewells, and packed the bike into my friend’s stationwagon which managed to snugly ft the bike in. Te bike shop that was to help pack the bike was located just a 10min drive away, and was expecting us. It sold a wide genre of bikes, provided bike servicing, and were experienced in packing all sorts of bikes for shipping. I felt very assured leaving her in their good hands.
It was homecoming day. We had picked up the bike the day before from the bike shop, and were all set to head to the airport. I was travelling United Airlines from JFK – Japan –Singapore. All excited to go home after two weeks away, and also a tad anxious with who’s coming home with me! Was she going to make it alright? Would I fnd her wrecked in pieces or dented from mishandling?
I made sure I marked the professionallypacked box with a marker I had, penning a gentle reminder – ‘FRAGILE! HANDLE WITH CARE PLEASE!!). It also wrote, ‘THIS WAY UP!’ – leaving nothing to chance. After all the horror stories I’ve heard about United Airlines, I couldn’t help but execute Step 5 with great precision.
e lady at the counter greeted me and noted I had a carry-on luggage and another BOX to check in. She proceeded to check my luggage in and to my dismay, noted that I had carried an excess of 1.5kg weight on it.
She then matter-of-factly requested for me to remove all 1.5kg from the bag so that I’d not incur a penalty charge. To which I promptly did by removing a toiletries bag and something else of little concern.
I was getting a little antsy at this point. over 1.5kg. I wonder how much that would cost!
“35kg”, she muttered. She then looked at her monitor and stared hard at it for awhile. “Oh, it says nothing here. Te system says you don’t have to pay for this.”
I stared at her in disbelief (the irony of it all) and before she could change her mind or fnd a bleep in the matrix, I gave her a big grin, thanked her and gleefully went my way to the Immigration Counter.
More than 25 hours and 9,500 miles later, the box fnally arrived at the Singapore Changi International Airport the day I did.
My heart sank when I saw it being wheeled out by the airport handlers. It was turned upside-down with the box cut open (for inspection, I assumed). So much for my painstaking and meticulous effort in labelling the box with THIS SIDE UP markings.
Still, they could’ve at least taped it back decently like the TSA folks did at JFK Airport. Well, at least it arrived, as foretold by an Apple AirTag I had stuck in the box to track its location.
Tankfully, everything seemed to be in place and nothing was broken as far as I could see.
With the ever-changing air transportation landscape, one cannot know for sure if rules would change in future for carrying bikes on board fights. But I, for one, am hugely thankful that I was able to own my dream bike and enjoy the process it took to bring it home.
As an Ancient Proverb goes, “ Te journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In my case, “ Te journey of 9,500 miles began with a dream bike!”
While you ponder over that, I’m off Googling my next dream bike.
Sears 1952 J.C. Higgins Colorfow
Roadmaster Luxury Liner taken at Punggol Waterway Park Connector ‘Loving Robots’ Mural
Te world of custom bikes is stacked with myriads of bespoke bicycles known as rat rods – each as unique and different from the other. No two are quite alike and everything relies entirely on the imagination and creativity of its maker. SpokesPeople had the privilege of interviewing one such custom-maker, known as Te Renaissance Manufacturing Co., or TRM in short. Here’s a behindthe-scenes conversation with Jim Henderson, founder and brains behind the eye-catching, head-turning TRM bike models.
SP: What is TRM? What does it stand for and how did it come about?
Jim: Te name originally came from my being known as ‘ Te Renaissance Man’ on a couple of online bicycle forums. Tat was eventually shortened to TRM and when I decided to start making custom bicycle parts, it just seemed logical to use the same moniker since many in that bicycle community were already familiar with me.
SP: Who are your customers and how do they come to know about you?
Jim: Simply put, our customers are people with a creative desire to customise a bicycle. To some degree, I think that everyone likes to add their own personal mark on whatever they can and do it by whatever means that they’re able to achieve. Even as kids, who didn't like to put stickers on their bikes? Or get really crazy with a can of aerosol paint at some point!
I believe that we all like to take something that’s common and make it into something that we can call our own. Te convertible tanks have offered a way for our customers to build a unique custom bike without the need for extensive skill sets or expensive tools. Te kits do require just enough work though to make it rewarding to the sense of pride that comes from doing it yourself.
Almost all of our customers have come to us by way of social media. As our Facebook followers have grown, it’s been amazing to see just how many countries from around the world are represented. At last count, there were bicycle enthusiasts from over 50 countries and every continent except for maybe Antarctica! If you think about it though, custom bicycle hobbyists are a fairly niche group of people in any single given location. However, in today’s world, it’s much easier for small factions of cyclists to fnd each other and to connect all around the globe. Much the same way that you at SpokesPeople found us. Tanks to the internet, we’ve been able to make our products available to practically anyone with a shipping address!
SP: How does one go about customising a TRM convertible tank?
Jim: Te frst thing is to fnd a suitable girls’ bike to start with. Girls’ bikes are generally less expensive and vintage examples are easier to come by than the boys’ bikes from the same era. As a bonus, girls took better care of their bikes, so they’re typically in good condition! Back in 2014, I had the idea to make a ‘convertible’ tank that I could easily install on my wife’s early 1960’s Spaceliner bike.
When people contact me about purchasing a tank, I try to help them to determine if it’ll be a good ft for the bike that they have in mind. Even though the tanks can be made to ft many types of girls’ bikes, some fow better than others. Once the customer has the tank in hand, there’s an instruction sheet that explains the steps involved in mounting it. Basically the two halves of the tank ft together like a clam shell. Te customer has to match the tank up to the frame and then cut away notches in the fberglass so that the halves clamp together over the bike’s frame. All of the work can be achieved using common tools like a drill or jigsaw and a fle or sandpaper.
Once the tank fts the bike, it’s like a blank canvas ready to fnish in any way that one sees ft. I'm always intrigued to see how everyone approaches their custom bikes using our tanks.
brat
Te SPEEDLINE
BRAT was built using the fberglass reproduction TRM Speedline tank, chainguard, and rear carrier on an original 1930’s Shelby wishbone frame.
Rather than build up a stock version of the classic Hiawatha Arrow bike, TRM decided to take some liberties with the design and create a brat-style custom.
SP: What is your most ambitious/satisfying project to date? And why?
Jim: Tat’s a really tough question. I pour myself into every project that I take on, so each one has its own challenges and rewards. I suppose that if I had to choose just one, it’d be the Elgin ‘Decoluxe’. I'm a huge fan of the 1930’s art deco styling and with that bike, I got to really immerse myself into the mindset of the great designers from that era. Before I started any work whatsoever, I did a lot of research and knew exactly what I wanted. It was very satisfying to work through the process and see it come together. Tat bike was eventually sold to an art collector in San Francisco that specialises in art deco pieces. Tat was confrmation to me that I had achieved the styling goals that I had set for it.
SP: Has TRM taken part in any custom bike competitions?
Jim: Tere’s an online build competition held annually at RatRodBikes.com that I participate in. In the years since TRM started, I’ve used the RRB build-offs as a showcase to demonstrate what can be done with our products. It's a great way to promote our parts and motivates me to get a bike built within a specifc time frame. When the competition ends, I end up with a new bike to ride and to take to shows! Te competition requires you to keep a running journal on the builds, so it has also been a good way to show the process of installing parts in a step-by-step fashion as the work is happening.
SP: Any plans for the future of TRM?
Jim: After the success of the convertible tanks, we started producing a few hard to fnd vintage parts. Te most recent being our TRM Speedline Parts which includes fberglass reproductions of 1930’s Shelby Airfow and Hiawatha tanks along with the Shelby Speedline chain guards and rear carriers. Tere are a couple more parts that I’m looking into adding to our vintage reproduction series for 2023.
Top: Jim and his signature – Elgin ‘Decoluxe’
Find out all about TRM at
Bike restoration is an art, as much as it’s a craft that can be polished through hard work and experience. It takes time and patience, and can sometimes cost a fair bit. From amateurs to masters, restoring bikes is something that can be enjoyed by every bike lover. Tere are few things in life more satisfying than seeing a beaten up old bike get a new lease of life – especially those that have been around for generations! SpokesPeople asked our readers if they had any swear-by products and bike resto tips, and here are some they gave.
Important: Recommendations given here are by no means exhaustive. Results may vary according to usage and user. As always, when unsure, make sure to test products on a small area frst. SpokesPeople Magazine bears no liability for any ‘oops!’ from experimentation.
Tis unassuming and inexpensive household item works magic against rust like David Copperfeld –except it’s made of aluminium (get it?). Take the shiny side, dip it in a little water and rub on rust surface. It’s pure chemistry as it chemically dissolves iron oxides by attracting oxygen molecules to itself and is less abrasive than some other methods of rust removal. What could be simpler?
You’ll need to have some of these around if you’ve rust issues, or just want to buff metal fnishes. Made of ultra fne steel abrasives, it does the job of polishing delicate surfaces without leaving a mark.
is is a friend of every bike restorer and collector that needs no introduction. As indicated on the ective for many purposes from getting rid of irritating squeaks to loosening rusted parts. Good to have one around for every tricky situation.
Used on common household items to remove stubborn stains and rust. A rather powerful chemical made of oxalic acid, so make sure you’re sufficiently protected with rubber gloves when handling. Works best on chrome (not paint!). Wear gloves and read the instructions before using. Always test on a small spot before applying, avoid letting it sit on the applied surface for too long. A good wipe and rinse o and another rust bites the dust!
A modern marvel that comes in all shapes and sizes! Essentially a melamine sponge (better known as ‘Magic Sponge’), this wonder cube cleans out the toughest dirt or grime when used with just water and a light rub. Bingo! Word of caution: Avoid using on stainless steel as it might result in a dull or sometimes scratched patina.
Judging by the number of positive reviews, this seems to be a tried and tested method for de-rusting. Have some crusty rusty bolts, chains, derallieurs that is might be the go to solution. Dip it for a day or two and see them shine gloriously again!
Great for giving your bike frame a nice gleam and shine, and for removing minor scruffs and scratches. Simply apply sparingly with a microfber cloth after wiping down your bike clean of dust and dirt.
Research and identify American made vintage and antique bicycles from the 1880’s through the 1980’s.
www.ratrodbikes.com
Te perfect community for those who enjoy a twist and something different in their bikes. For sharing bike talks, custom builds, out-of-the-box ideas and events.
www.thecabe.com
Te classic and antique bicycle exchange with articles, archives and a forum for discussion about everything bike-related.
www.bicyclechronicles.com
For those looking for pre and post-war balloon tire bicycle restoration and distressed restoration. Also features the an extensive gallery of vintage Schwinn bicycles.
A 2-volume series on everything you need to know about vintage American balloon tire bicycles. Te compilation of old adverts by Schwinn, Colson, Monark, Columbia/Westfeld etc provides a rich history and information on models and parts. Every vintage bike geek’s must-have textbook!
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