SpokesPeople (2022/issue1)

Electra-fying!

– Interview with an Electra Lover

SP: When did you start getting into cruisers?

Bill: I bought my frst cruiser in 2016 – a 2nd Gen Rat Fink.

SP: Has it always been Electras and why? Do you own other types of bikes or brands of cruisers?

Bill: Yes, always Electras. After I bought my Fink, I was hooked on the brand. Tere’s not another bicycle company before or since that makes bikes the way they do. Te frame designs, paint schemes, and matching accessories make them unique.

SP: How many Electra cruisers do you currently own? Can you name some?

Bill: I currently have 57 men’s cruisers in my e early ones include the Flying Sue, Jester, Hollywood, Revil, Rally Sport, Dirty Rat Rod, Jeremy, and 1st generation Rat Fink, which are all steel frame bikes. Te later ones include the Zarape, Punk, Indy, Mod, Rockabilly Boogy, Lakester, Straight 8, and others, which are all aluminum frame bikes.

SP: If there's only one bike you can save in a fire, which would it be? And why?

Bill: I could never choose just one to save, they’re all special to me. My all-time favorite though is the Jester. It’s an early steel frame with incredible colours: the red, black, white, and chrome look phenomenal together.

One of my favourites was finding the Zarape on the Electra Lovers Facebook Page. The beauty was shipped from Australia to Ohio, having traveled over 1,000 miles by van to get to Sydney to be airflown by plane to several countries and arriving within a week!

Electra Zarape

SP: I understand you've an Electra Showroom of sorts. Can you tell us more about it?

Bill: It’s a showcase of Everything Electra, comprising parts, accessories, signages, display racks and posters, along with all the bicycles.

SP: How do you find time for this hobby?

Bill: It’s a great hobby. I’ve taken many weekend trips in search of Electra treasures!! Many hours spent after work and on weekends searching for and working on bikes.

SP: Any interesting stories/memories in your cruiser journey to share?

Bill: Many great stories, and so many awesome f nds. But one of my favourites was fnding the Zarape on the Electra Lovers Facebook Page. Te beauty was shipped from Australia to Ohio, having traveled over 1,000 miles by van to get to Sydney to be airfown by plane to several countries and arriving within a week!