History of Kustom Biking

[ZygoteLittle]

This series of historical writings and photographs into the custom muscle bicycle scene was written by renowned custom bicycle builder, John Brain. I’ve enjoyed reading this for the last couple of years and would like to share it with all of you.

Volume One goes from the years 1958 – 1962; Volume Two goes from 1963 – 1967 (I entered the scene on Christmas Day 1966 with a Schwinn Sting Ray Deluxe w/springer and two speed kick-back hub, the bike’s color was Coppertone); there are four addendums at the bottom of the page covering the Birth of the Factory Muscle Bike (two parts) and Founding Fathers (two parts) including one on George Barris.

Enjoy everybody! History of Kustom Biking

 

[user 135]

Here is a member who started building these creations. viewtopic.php?f=21&t=29133

 

[Dorian]

I remember before those history articles came out there was really nothing out there to read about the early days. Most all that stuff was new to me. I'm so glad we know where it all started and how the whole kustom bike thing evolved. We have a history now, every classy movement needs to have a cool history. There is a 1968 page too http://bikerodnkustom5.homestead.com/br ... ory68.html

Those vintage kustom bike builds by Krate Mayhem are fabulous, history come alive with them .

Dorian

 

[ZygoteLittle]

I’m not surprised that some of you are cognoscente of the article's existence! The article has helped put in proper context, the evolution of custom bicycling, building and accessorizing here in the United States. We owe a round of thanks to the kids in Southern California for their initiative and creativity – after all they are the ones that, single-handedly, changed the cycling paradigm that continues today.

Those reproductions are outstanding!