Welcome

INFORMATION		REMARKS
FB COTY 2011 #	001
NAME BIKE	MY BASMAN
BY	CHUCK BRADFORD

FACEBOOK	Photo file
PHOTOBUCKET
BLOG/WEBSITE
OTHER	Chopaderos forum	contact
PRESENT AT COTY 2011	NO
COMMENTS BY John Brain	This is it; this is the bike that knocked people dead at the Sacramento “Cyclefest” last weekend. Chuck Bradford is the owner, and it’s obvious that he demands nothing but the best when it comes to the planning and execution of a bikes fabrication. California is where kustom cycling began back in the late 1950’s, and the overall design of this machine pays real homage to those first bikes. Classic it is; but not because the bike itself is old - it’s not. This bike is a full blown example of modern thinking wrapped in timeless aesthetics. Everything starts with a frame, and the choice for this bike was inspired. Chuck insisted on building this project around a Dutch “Basman” cruiser frame –which is rare even in Europe, and especially so here in North America – and highly desirable. This frame has the pure raw potential this project needed. The “Basman” is a large frame, and has classic hints to its lines. It suits an owner who wants modern performance as well as looks. The choice of paint finish for the frame is very unique. Two layers of powder coat were chosen, consisting of a metallic grey basecoat overlaid with a transparent copper hue. The look of this combination is deep, and well as indestructible. Undoubtedly the most amazing kustom work featured on this bike is the hand formed aluminum tank paneling and rear fender - fabricated by the hands of Jeb Scolman; a man who is recognized as one of California’s top fabricators in this specialization. Of equal importance to the success of this bike is the amazing and beautiful kustom paint work applied by Manuel of “Cisneros Pinstriping” in El Cajon near San Diego. The paint was applied in multiple candy shades and metalflake – and perfectly accents the copper colored frame. Running up front is a modified JC Higgins spring fork dating from the early 1950s. Jeb Scolman massaged it with his metal skills to improve both its looks and strength. The choice of fork was an excellent one, it is unusual, and imparts a vintage look to the bike as a whole. Reaching above are the handlebars (which are also custom made) and are to some degree reminiscent of classic narrow Z bars. They are about 14 inches high and are show chromed to perfection. Another interesting feature is the gear shift mechanism hidden inside the tank paneling. This feature is actuated by a gear lever protruding from a specially formed tank accent in the aluminum panel. Topping all this off is the shift handle - which matches the paint scheme to a tee. Rounding out everything else is a “Brooks” saddle which imparts an old school look - in keeping with the classic feel. Quality components, gearing and a -take no prisoners- attitude in demanding the best, makes this bike one of the top contenders of 2011.

Note: Four pictures p/bike on this presentation page.
If you as builder want other pictures in this gallery, tell somemore about the bike or have other remarks contact us or add a comment.

Reacties-Comments (0) »