Rebecca Patrick's bike stood out from the rest as she joined friends and fellow cyclists at a Ball State University Cycling Club gathering.
Her blue 1972 Schwinn Varsity bike frame's handlebars were wrapped in bright pink tape, a contrast from the black, red and green hues of the other members' bikes.
Patrick, club treasurer, said her bike was "an amalgamation of parts" recycled from other bikes that were no longer being used. Instead of buying a cheaper, more basic bike from a department store, she chose to build her own because it would feel personalized, she said."I spent a couple hundred on it, but it's more dependable," Patrick said. "I had more options when I was building it myself, and I appreciate it more."
The Trend of Creation
Kyle Perry, co-president of the cycling club, said higher-quality bikes, such as single-speed and fixed-gear ones, have transformed into a subculture in the Muncie community. Higher-quality bikes have become more popular because parts can be added or removed to their owners' liking.
"It's like the 'en vogue' thing to have this kind of minimalistic bike," he said. "Most of the parts are gone, except what we actually need to function."
Bikes bought from specialty bike shops also have more longevity than mass-produced bikes, because bikes made in manufacturing plants tend to rust or break within a couple of years, Perry said.
Swapping Parts and Personalities
Finding spare parts can involve scanning garage sales or asking friends and families for old, unused bikes.
In Perry's case, transportation came with less cost and effort. Perry found his bike abandoned on the side of the road and combined it with parts from other bikes to create his own.
The ability to swap and recycle bike parts helps the environment while allowing bikers to express themselves in their mode of transportation, he said.
Ben Hanus, co-president of the cycling club, said Muncie bikers are at a disadvantage compared to people living in more bike-friendly cities like Portland because Muncie does not have a bike co-op. Bike co-ops use funding from outside organizations to provide bikers with older bike parts that can be attached to newer frames. Experts are also available to help beginners piece a bike together and ensure bikes are put together properly.
"There's a big need in Muncie for a bike co-op," Hanus said. "We've been talking about setting one up, but the facilities, funding and resources might be tough to find."
Accommodating Non-Traditional Tastes
Jason Allardt, manager of Kirk's Bike Shop in downtown Muncie, said he usually sees a few Ball State students in his shop each day.
Business has increased in recent months partly because of fiscal factors, he said. The uncertain economy and high gas prices have forced some people to find cheaper, alternative ways to get around. Other reasons involve getting in shape or improving overall health, he said.
Allardt said his store has added extra inventory to accommodate bikers with tastes beyond the traditional. One such addition is a collection of "retro" cruisers, a bike model popular from the 1930s to the 1950s that has seen a resurgence in sales among Ball State students.
How to Make Your Bike Yours
Allardt said buyers who are looking to upgrade their bikes piece-by-piece should consider what other functions they would prefer their bikes to have.
"For students, they should be looking for versatility, but also for whatever they want to do, either off-roading or distance riding," he said.
Hanus said the main point of personalization is to create a bike to fit what each person needs and wants. He and his club members have seen bikes with attached stereos and "chopper bikes" with long, high handlebars.
Despite his group's affinity for efficiency and minimalism, he said he thinks bikers who personalize in a different direction are following the same principles of expression.
"We're trying to push individuality here," he said. "This look is what we like, but if you like flowers and all that, then that's OK, too."
For more information visit cycling.iweb.bsu.edu
Pimp your rideThe key to creating a personalized bike begins with a solid foundation. Bikers should avoid major department store brands and search for a bike with better quality, Allardt said.
- Bags and baskets can come in handy for carrying around textbooks and folders.
- Wrapping bike tape in your favorite color around your handlebars or adding flowers to a rear basket can provide some personalized flair.
Cycling clubBall State University Cycling Club meets Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. in the WBusiness Building lobby.
The club participates in rides and races around Delaware County.
For more information, visit the club's Web site at cycling.iweb.bsu.edu/index.html
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