In this case the Singapore Flyer in question is not the famous landmark and Ferris Wheel, but rather a bicycle.
Ah Chow (Thomas Chow) of Singapore collects bikes. But what would any bike collection be with out a Roadster? This is no problem for Thomas who rides an excellent 1950's, bright red and black Raleigh Sports, AKA "The Singapore Flyer".
"I source most of my bikes at old bike shops in Malaysia or Indonesia which is where I found this bike" says Thomas.
Of course if you compare the state in which it was found and the state it is now, you know the amount of love that was poured into this project.
This is what the bike looked like before he restored it!!
Thomas says, " Of course it was repainted, along with some "custom" pinstriping, meaning, I did it myself."
But he didn't stop there."I like to accessorize my bikes", says Thomas. So once again he went to the well in upcountry Malaysia looking for the good stuff.
Today, The Flyer is fairly festooned with accessories: spoke lock, bottle dynamo and headlight, NOS "Wei-Li" Chinese pedals, drum brakes, horn, tire pump, a self-made front package rack, a Shanghai Phoenix rear package rack, and a genuine Koba sidestand.
The back of the bike also gets treated to an impossible to find Singapore colonial license plate.
So is that the end of it?
"No, I just recently found not one but two spinning brass bells which really have a pleasant sound."
The one picture below is a locally made "Tiger Brand" bell. Antique of course. Anything less would not be in keeping with the overall theme of the "Singapore Flyer".
Oh, and did I mention that Thomas also likes to write? Check out his other bikes on his excellent blog, Classic Two Wheelers.
Thanks JS! Well written. Hope I can do the same for you....FYI, it was your website that I stumbled onto some years back and it stirred up my passion and hunt for vintage bicycles. Just like all beginner collectors, I did pay my 'price' and 'school' fees.
Posted by: 12inchtoys | March 02, 2010 at 06:48 PM
Hey, I didn't know you still had this blog up! Cool! I will follow you now watch your bike happenings. Thanks for visiting this morning.
Posted by: Jackie | March 03, 2010 at 04:36 AM
This is a classic :)Nice Post
Hi there, I am very much interested in getting a classic bike in Singapore , I was wondering if you know of any specific location to find the Shanghai Phoenix :)
Posted by: Bryan Lee | July 18, 2010 at 03:37 PM
how much for that bike 1950 red i like it i want to buy it
Posted by: ceguy em | September 06, 2011 at 07:27 AM