There are few other bicycles as quirky, flashy as a low rider bike. They
are similar in appearance to many chopper-style motorcycles, in other
words a take off on cars and motorcycles of the same style.
A lowrider bike often features high handlebars or Apehanger
handlebars which are long handlebars that position the hands at
eye-level or higher. Banana seats are typical modification done to lowrider bicycle.
They have a long wheelbase with wider white-wall tires, and a more laid
back riding position. This low riding position is, of course, desirable
and the cause for most of the modifications. These bikes are not
designed for performance cycling or racing; rather, their purpose is
simply cruising through the neighborhood on a fun and creative bicycle
or commuting with flash.
Lowriding began as a cultural element of Chicano Americans, part of
the street culture of the American barrio where Mexican immigrants
maintained a lively urban culture. low rider bicycle are one of the most splendid and unique products of this culture. They
are a cross between the Harley and the cruiser bike, decorated with
paint and chrome and streamers and often can be found in any
all-American hometown parade. Despite the fact that these bikes originated within the poverty of
the barrio, lowrider bikes are anything but cheap. The makers of these
one-of-a-kind creations regard their bicycles as much as an artwork and a
mechanical marvel as a means of transportation. Part of the joy of
creation though has always been parading them down the street when they
are completed. These are not pieces of art meant for life in dusty
museums, for the most part. Each part is usually carefully selected for
its utility as well as its beauty with the resulting bike is a
breathtaking example of technical and artistic ingenuity.
As you are already aware I’m sure, low riding bikes hug the ground.
The highest points on a lowrider bike are almost always its two hand
grips and the seat of a low rider bike is down at wheel level. While it’s pedals are sometimes higher than the
seat! These bikes are typically a highly individualized creation. Most
of them are ridden with enormous pride by their creators. Though you can
buy some standard models and a few elaborate models in a good bike
store, especially in cities of the American West.
Lowrider bikes are becoming a presence in more and more cities.
Perhaps they have been made more “respectable” among the affluent
bicyclists (who drive the market) by the increasing popularity of their
cousin, the recumbent bicycle. We may even see more as the baby boomer
generation ages and feels increasing twinges of back pain riding on the
dropped handlebars of a road bike.
Those of you who have just gotten your first basic lowrider bike,
don’t be too surprised if you find yourself flipping through magazines
or online pages of a low rider parts catalog. Probably wondering how
that golden sprocket or some other part would look on your bike?
Low rider bikes will bring out the creative side of you as you embellish your bike and
the inventor in many of us as you try technical improvisations. They
truly are unique and a wonder to look at and show of to your friends
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