It matters not the bike you ride, it’s the journey that counts. We speak to 8 urban cyclists about their journey with their bike, whether it’s a fixie, foldie, or a fatbike.
By Daniel Loy
Cross Country
Grace, 29, Production Assistant
Tell us more about your bike!
I got this GT Avalanche at a steal from my friend. It may be heavy but it’s sturdy and even has a suspension seatpost to smooth out the bumps.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
It suits my character as I am an outdoors person. This bike takes me places, whether it’s on the roads or trails.
Where do you normally cycle to?
Anywhere, really. Most of the time I cycle through the Punggol Park Connector located just a stone’s throw away from home. Otherwise it will be to the neighborhood shops if I need to run errands.
Downhill
Chris, 36, Project Executive
Tell us more about your bike!
A made-in-Canada Knolly Podium downhill bike that has the longest suspension travel amongst all other bikes. There’s a newer version now but this one is still pretty good.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
It can handle any terrain in any trail, so I don’t have to worry about being restricted by the bike. It’s like the ultimate bike for me, since I also like to cycle down stairs.
Where do you normally cycle to?
I usually cycle in the local trails with my cycling group, Having Fun With Wheels. We go to places like Mandai’s T15, Bukit Timah Mountain Biking Trail and even urban rides to town. There are also occasional trips to overseas trails like Batam’s Dangas Hill Downhill Track.
Fixie (Fixed-gear Bicycle)
Yang, 21, National Serviceman
Tell us more about your bike!
This is a HTG fixie which can also be run as a singlespeed. It’s a no-frills, affordable bike which suited my budget at that time.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
Fixies are easy to ride as it doesn’t have a complicated gearing system. I was looking for simplicity and a light bicycle to commute and this was the most suitable.
Where do you normally cycle to?
Nearby cafes or bookstores to chill. I’m serving National Service now so I don’t have as much time to ride as I did before.
Foldie (Foldable Bicycle)
Axel, 20, Student
Tell us more about your bike!
I just got the Dahon Formula S18 recently, having not cycled for years. It’s performing pretty good so far although the small wheel size needs getting used to.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
It’s the most convenient among all other bicycles. I can fold it and transport it around with my family car and ride at places further away from home.
Where do you normally cycle to?
Park connectors are the usual places, but I have rode it to the Marina Barrage several times.
Road
Jace, 24, Sales
Tell us more about your bike!
My bike is a 2014 S-Works Amira SL4 with a Lululemon edition frame. The frame is a replica design of the Lululemon women’s cycling team and is a limited edition piece, with only 200 produced worldwide.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
I started with BMX when I was about 10 years old and eventually tried mountain biking, although it didn’t work out for me. Three years ago, I decided to try something new, went on a road bike, and never looked back. I am a true convert and I guess it’s the speed that got me hooked on it.
Where do you normally cycle to?
Definitely Changi Coastal Road. I would occasionally ride through the Punggol area or when I’m feeling more up for it, Upper Thomson Road all the way to Mandai Road to do some climbs.
Trail
Sangerthan, 23, National Serviceman
Tell us more about your bike!
I’m riding a Specialized Pitch for now, but might be changing to another bike in future.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
Cycling was just a hobby until I chanced upon a local trail. From the first ride with an older trail bike, I got hooked and have never turned back since. The adrenaline I get going fast and getting air-time is unexplainable. I’m looking forward to a career in this sport.
Where do you normally cycle to?
The one closest to my heart, where it all began…Tampines Trail. There are also other trails that I’ll go to, but Tampines is nearest to home.
BMX
Nasthasia, 22, Student
Tell us more about your bike!
I’m currently riding a 2014 Haro Race LT, under the sponsorship of The Zackalls Bike and Team Haro Singapore. I really like the color scheme of the frame and its light weight. I matched it with some red and pink parts.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
I’ve been riding BMX and have been racing since young. I was influenced by my dad and also by the Youth Olympic Games that helped the BMX racing scene pick up again.
Where do you normally cycle to?
For BMX racing, the only training facility is the BMX track at Tampines Bike Park so I mostly ride there.
Fatbike
Dennis, 44, Trading Manager
Tell us more about your bike!
Surly Moonlander. The one that set the definition “Go Big” several years back. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun, though. Larger tires afford more float and basically gunning around just about anything the terrain has to offer.
Why is this your preferred type of bike?
It’s not my only bike but it’s fast becoming my go-to bike. I’ve clocked more saddle time on this bike than I have all the other rigs combined. Given the muddy monsoon months, it makes a lot of sense to have a bike that literally smiles at everyone that gets bogged down on the trail when things gets all mucky and sticky.
Where do you normally cycle to?
Anywhere and almost everywhere. From urban riding, trail riding on weekends to solo exploratory rides into lesser travelled path in all parts of Singapore to see what little wonders of nature or things that have yet to be discovered.