So i watched this TV show last night...

[fivecheebs]

... it was called "The Great Biker Build Off" and was an american show broadcast on Discovery Home and leisure. It was a competition to build a custom Bike within an alloted amount of time between 2 well known (i assume) custom bike builders called Chica and Hank Young.

Here is Chica's entry (http://www.chicacustomcycles.com/chicasite/bikes/links/bike24a.jpg) Wouldnt like to be a pedestrian hit by this one though! Ouchie:blink:

Hank Young's entry (http://www.youngchoppers.com/imgs/chops/dads/lrg/dads_full_rt.jpg) I think (it was red in the show but looked very similar)

Allthough the end products are not really what i would choose if money was no object (sports bikes are my thing) they were absolutely beautiful. The thing is i never really had a propper appreciation of them until i saw the work that goes into them. Amazing watching the process, especially the fabrication of the fuel tanks etc. These guys are artists, they just use different materials for working with and have something that can be used at the end of the day.

I just wondered what everyone else thinks. I know we have a few peeps here that allready have an appreciation for this kind of bike and i want to thank you because i probably wouldnt have watched it if it werent for you posting the occasional thread here. I Applaud both of them and will be watching the show again when i see its on.

[mnpctech]

Its an awesome series.. I bought the first 5 DVDs and plan to complete the collection. Don't miss any of the episodes cheebs! They all explore different techniques and builder philosophies.

Billy Lane is my favorite because his bikes are "off the cuff" He doesn't sit in front of a computer outlining his ideas. (although he may now) He draws inspiration by the resources at hand. "We're gonna make our exhaust pipes now. Lets see whats left over in the scrap bin." Describing his style of building makes you wonder how creations could win?! The results a true works of retro motorcycle pop art.

Indian Larry was in 2 of the epidsodes I own. You'll understand why his recent loss was a tragedy when you see this old schooler perform his masterful carb tuning and explain why chopper building is a form of art ;)

I strongly recommend you also see the first 2, Discovery Channel episodes of Motorcycle Mania I & II that focus on Jesse James and launched his career.

[scopEDog]

I absolutely love chicas bike, that tank is great and a very refreshing design. But if i had to put down my hard earned cash I would probably go for one of Russell Mitchell's creations. His no nonsense, clean cut approach to bikes is awesome, a real bad boys bike :h34r:

Glad you liked the show so much fivecheebs, good to see more people appreciate the fine art of bike building :)

[dutchcedar]

I absolutely love chicas bike, that tank is great and a very refreshing design. But if i had to put down my hard earned cash I would probably go for one of Russell Mitchell's creations. His no nonsense, clean cut approach to bikes is awesome, a real bad boys bike :h34r:Imagine that... I agree with everything you just said. :unsure: Exile does some real cool "raw" stuff.

I've watched every one of these shows a coupla times... always picking up a little something here or there. Good stuff. ^_^

[mnpctech]

Speaking of Choppers, I wish I was 12 yrs old again...

The new Schwinn Stingray (http://www.schwinnstingray.com/video/united60.wmv)

Spoiler Version (http://www.schwinnstingray.com/bike-spoiler.html)

[toby]

Thats a pretty cool push bike!

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

Excuse my ignorance but whats the difference between a bike and a chopper? :h34r:

[mnpctech]

whats the difference between a bike and a chopper?

The same realm as case modding.. Bikers wanted something other than factory made bikes. They would strip everything off, chop their frames, extend the forks.. Make it look different. Make it look :cool:

Great description of the American Chopper (http://home.earthlink.net/~sirkus/chop.html)

[fivecheebs]

:h34r: :cool: we need a smiley in leathers ...

I have discovered that tomorrow on UK, discovery Home and leisure they will be showing a full day (except it starts at 12 lmao) of this program :D gonna see how much i can get away with capturing before my wife and child get hte hump lol

[bigapl]

Exile bikes are soo much better than those trailer babies!

[Jewels]

Yeah, really do like the Schwinn bikes! :wub:

Definitely a collector's item in the future...would be nice to buy two and keep one in mint condition and use the other for cycling!