As Singapore’s grand cycling masterplan finally coalesces, we ask: What makes a great city bike?
Ditch the luxury sedan and get on that saddle. That’s what William Butler-Adams, CEO of United Kingdom’s largest bike manufacturer Brompton Bicycle UK, advocates. The strapping Brit who looks a decade younger than his actual 45 years, certainly pedals the talk.
The engineer-turned-CEO cycled to his CBD hotel from the airport, both to take in the sights and to prove that travelling with – and on – the brand’s award-winning foldable bicycles is a breeze.
On top of the obvious health benefits, he offers one more reason for top execs to join the cycling movement. “Time,” he says simply. “We have no time to sit in a gym, pedalling on a bike, going nowhere. That’s nuts! You may as well get to work (on a bike).”
Butler-Adams is fresh from a think-tank dinner appointment with the Singapore transport minister, where the topic bandied about was on bringing the nation up to speed with other metropolises on the “livable cities” front. He thinks that the continued investment in cycling infrastructure here is fantastic, although notable change will take 10 to 15 years, as mindsets are the slowest to evolve.
“The CEOs and politicians - if they drive a massive Mercedes to work every day, everyone aspires to that,” says Butler-Adams, who believes that exemplary leaders are key in driving deep-rooted change. “Get on a bike!” he urges.
On Brompton’s part, it is beginning to explore partnerships with businesses here, by offering some bikes for employees to loan out. Pedal your way to the next big presentation? It certainly is one way to get the adrenalin pumping.
“WE’RE LIVING IN CITIES, WE’RE WORKING HARD, WE’RE AT OUR DESKS ALL DAY. AND THEN WHEN YOU’RE IN A CAR, YOU’RE IN A LITTLE ZONE. WE NEED TO GET OUT!” - WILLIAM BUTLER-ADAMS OBE, CEO, BROMPTON BICYCLE UK
INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE
The legendary ergonomics of Brompton’s folding bikes have won the brand many awards. Here’s what makes its bikes such great rides in the city.
ROLLER WHEEL It allows you to wheel the folded bike easily, like a piece of luggage.
SEAT HEIGHT It’s positioned high, for better visibility and comfortable pedalling.
GEARS Two-speed is sufficient for urban cycling.
REAR SUSPENSION This means smoother rides, as the bulk of your weight is on the seat.
HANDLEBAR It’s M-shaped or straight, for more upright posture so you can see and be seen.
FOLDING CLASPS They enable easy storage in the home, office or car trunk.
FLARED MUD GUARD It keeps your riding attire and shoes clean.
CHAIN GANG
Experts from other bike stores on which bicycles to consider for urban commuting, and why.
SCOTT SUB CROSS 30
“A city bike for those who fancy the off-road caper. It’s got front suspension and a 27-speed shift should you want to hit the dirt, and sports tyres without the usual aggressive knobbing so the ride isn’t too ‘rough’.” – Francis Sim, manager, Kian Hong Cycle
PINARELLO TREVISO DISK
“The prestigious Italian racing brand’s urban wheels boast an easy-to-carry carbon fibre frame, and the disk brakes are indispensable for our rainy weather.” – Kenneth Tan, SEA Games cycling medallist and owner, Cycleworx
CANNONDALE BAD BOY 1
“Cleanly integrated LED lights in the fork and seatpost ensure that you’ll always stand out. Plus, with its stiff Lefty fork, high-volume tyre and agile point-and-shoot handling, (the) Bad Boy is built to take the city by storm.” – Christopher Bray, triathlete and owner, Cannasia
TEXT LIAO XIANGJUN
