Steve Reed Builds Custom Strider for the 2019 Flying Piston Benefit Builder Breakfast
Steve Reed Builds Custom Strider that is a totally unique Strider bike for the 2019 Flying Piston Benefit, with a strong twist to the left. What does that mean, you might ask?
Well, Steve’s bike went full single-sided – from a single-sided front fork to the single-sided, fully functional swingarm. See, the “swingarm” portion of a stock Strider is fixed, so there’s no suspension.
Steve set out to change that, using a CAD design program and 3-D printer to mock up the parts, and finally a CNC machine to create the swingarm out of billet aluminum. He added a small shock to the rear as well.
Want to meet all the Strider Custom Builders? Surf over to the 2019 Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast page.
Up front, the fork matches with a single-sided billet aluminum piece. He also designed new rims with hubs designed to be supported by the single sided parts.
The frame was sandblasted, then powder coated white. He then chose a fun character patterned print, which was applied to the frame with a process called Hydro Dipping. Steve wanted something different than just paint, and this is definitely it!
Steve then enlisted his friend Curt Greene of Bare Bones Leather to hand tool the unique seat, giving this bike just a little more oomph and a badass edge.
Steve runs a small shop, more for the passion than the profit, he notes. He enjoys giving back and supporting good causes whenever possible. He was very excited to participate in the Flying Piston’s custom Strider program and has been a sponsor of the Flying Piston Benefit’s Builder Breakfast, held at the Buffalo Chip, for a number of years.
Steve said he was excited to work alongside the other builders, friends, and people he respects to further the same cause – building cool little bikes to promote new ridership through AllKidsBike.org. He remembers spending time on his bicycle from dawn till dusk as a kid, so he found it very fun and personally fulfilling to build a small bike for such a big cause.
Flying Piston Benefit Custom Strider Class of 2019
The Flying Piston Benefit 2019 Custom Strider Bikes
The 2019 star Strider builders are Steve Reed, Xavier Muriel, Devin Henriques, Brian Klock, Jessi Combs, Roy & Nikki Martin, Eric Hermann, Todd “Gilby” Gilberson, Count’s Kustoms, James Washnock, and Motorcycle Missions.
About Flying Piston Benefit: The Flying Piston Benefit is produced by Marilyn Stemp of Iron Trader News and Jeff Najar of Horsepower Marketing. The event and silent auction supports veterans issues and the motorcycle industry through fundraisers for non-profits and individuals.
Each Flying Piston Benefit provides a silent auction that is art-oriented and also includes unique and collectible items.
Each event also doubles as an industry get together where enthusiasts, businessmen and women, custom builders, athletes, and artists come together to socialize, enjoy breakfast and support a worthy cause.
To get involved, contact Marilyn Stemp at our contact page or text her at 828-205-8482.
Watch the Flying Piston Facebook page for our latest updates.
About Strider: Strider designs lightweight bikes that build two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence in children. Strider is helping kids learn to ride and developing new motorcycle riders through the AllKidsBike movement which makes bike-riding a part of the kindergarten curriculum. www.allkidsbike.org, www.striderbikes.com.
Auctioned Off at Mecum Auctions
The 2019 class of Strider Rider Customs were auctioned off by Mecum Auctions during their auto and motorcycle event. (www.Mecum.com) The 2020 class of builders started after the auction. Check them out here.
Flying Piston Strider Customs 2019:
Steve Reed
Story by Savannah Rose
