4 minute read
SpokesPeople (2022/issue1)
Cruise Control Mode
RUIPING TAN – Cruiser rider, collector, aficionado – SINGAPORE
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SP: Tell us about your journey into your cruiser collection. How and when did it all begin?
RP: Like many others, I got back into cycling during the Covid period at the start of 2021. It was actually my 9-year-old daughter who got me started as she had just learnt to cycle.
To join her for rides, I decided to get myself a mountain bike. Shortly after, I chanced upon an interesting-looking bike for sale on FB Marketplace. It was inexpensive but eye-catching with its striking design and colours.
This became my first cruiser – a Nirve Paul Frank Scholastic Women's Cruiser Bike, and like they say, the rest is history! Haha.
NIRVE Paul Frank Scholastic Women's Cruiser
I remember lugging it home on my car with a bike rack I had borrowed from a friend. It was really heavy and flthy! But after a good scrub and some tender loving care, it was restored to a beautiful shine. It took me awhile to get used to the coaster brake, but once I did, I loved riding it… even more than my mountain bike, which I eventually sold off.
SP: Why cruisers?
SP: Other than cruisers, do you own other types of bikes?
RP: I have a Schwinn Stingray chopper, and a vintage Japanese Tsunoda postman bike.
SP: Does your family share or support your hobby?
RP: I think they’ve come to accept my hobby, although I get the occasional comment from my kids, “Are you looking at bikes again?” They’ve been mostly supportive and even allow me to park my ever-growing bike collection indoors. And yes, I’ve even got them each a cruiser, just to win them over.
SP: Which is the 'Jewel' of your collection?
That would have to be the Schwinn B6 Autocycle – a vintage Chicago-made balloon cruiser manufactured by Schwinn in 1951. I bought it from another collector who had shipped it in from the States some years back.
SCHWINN 1951 B6 Autocycle
SP: Any dream bikes you wish to own? Name them.
RP: Oh yes! I’ve a few bikes on wishlist for sure… but these are pretty rare and can only be found overseas. The more modern range like the Electra Zarape, Felt Hot Wheels, and the classics by Monark, Columbia, Elgin just to name a few.
SP: What is the most rewarding part about your hobby?
FELT 1909 Battleship Cruiser
Also, I get to enjoy a combination of my passions – design, bikes and photography!
SP: Any funny or interesting accounts since you started collecting cruisers?
RP: I always get a kick from seeing the stunned expression on people’s faces when they realise I’m not a ‘bro’. LOL! It’s funny when I meet buyers or sellers in person and they end up expecting someone else. I guess I’m somewhat a rare breed of cruiser collector/ rider in Singapore as a female.
SP: If your bikes are like your kids, which is your favourite ‘child’?
RP: Oh, that’s a tough one! Like all parents would tell you… “Every kid is their favourite!” Haha.
But we all know there’s something special in the first child. So I’d say, my Paul Frank is definitely a fav. But to ride, I think the Felts and Electras rank on the top. Even then, I try to take each bike out on a rotational basis.
SP: What is your hope for the local cruiser community?
RP: I definitely look forward to the day when cruisers will be as popular as they were in the past. Bike shops like Cheap John and Treknology used to import cruisers brands like Electra and Schwinn, but no longer do so due to the waning interest in them. The ‘in’ bikes these days are of course the roadies and foldies.
My hope is that as cruisers gain popularity again, there’ll be more cost-effective options available in the local market for buying/selling and trading of cruiser bikes, parts and accessories. And group rides! Love to do those soon too, now that the Covid rules are eased.
