Scraper Bikes: Cycling in Style
by Andrew Posner, Providence, Rhode Island 
on 09.27.08
Scraper Bikes Become a Sensation Thanks to YouTube
NPR brings us this interesting story about how Scraper Bikes--bicycles that "have rims so big that they scrape the inside of the wheel well"--have become a sensation thanks to a group of teenagers who made a music video about their creations and posted in on youtube. Interestingly, the "scraper" movement started with cars, but since many of the people involved can't afford cars (and in particular gas), Tyrone Stevenson Jr., an Oakland youth, took the aesthetics of scraper cars "and applied them to bicycles, fitting large wheels on small frames."
So why should we care about these tricked out bicycles?
Why Should We Care About Scraper Bikes?
As I've argued in the past, cycling suffers from an image problem: either you bike because you can't afford something better, or you are an altruistic idealist. What's more, cyclists are typically portrayed in mass media as nerds and losers. So to have a movement taking shape among America's youth that makes bicycles cool is undoubtedly a positive thing, regardless of the fact that scraper bikes are less practical than they are unique and interesting. Of course, it should not be forgotten that high gas prices have helped shed light on the prudence of choosing a bicycle for recreation and transportation purposes.
Lastly, building these bikes has provided an outlet for many youth to express themselves without turning to violence or drugs. As Mr. Stevenson, the self-proclaimed "Scraper Bike King" put it, "The true meaning of a scraper bike is basically, I want to give back something positive to the community. . .Because there's so much going on. Drugs and killing and stuff, this is a way of giving the kids a way to a positive future, but being creative at the same time."
Via: ::NPR
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I am speechless.
I can only hope there is a future episode of The Boondocks that rips this idiocy to shreds. :D
I saw a whole family riding some tricked-out, chopper-style bikes yesterday.
I say, if it makes someone make a better choice, then it's all good. Even if it's not the greenest possible choice they could make because the fancy paint has VOCs or the bike is made with excessive metals, the fact of the matter is, it's keeping someone from driving a car. It's getting them some exercise. It's getting them outside, where they can learn to appreciate nature, if they don't already.
I Like !
I'm going to make one too! :-)
I love this! Bike-art-tech worth singing about! It made me happy at the end of a long day.
I think it's cool. Imaginative, positive, creative and a forum to admire others achievements. And the medium - bicycles - is one that is financially accessible to many more people, especially when compared to electric guitars or blinged out BMW's & jewelry. When more cash becomes required in order to participate, you get all the ills of having to obtain it - drugs, crime, etc. Creating a new artform for meaningful expression is something to celebrate.
I actually support this.
Its just harmless fun, not to mention a good way to get around.
Next time you are at the bookstore, check out "LowRider" for bicycles.
I know, I didn't believe it at fist myself.
A "Continental kit" for a bike?
@Willy... Er... Why? Seems innocuous, funny, clever, and positive to me. What's your objection, and why would Boondocks trash it. Really, I'm curious. Do explain. Thanks.
Great I think more youngsters in US must portray bike riding as a cool sport so people come out of the mindset that bikes r for those who cant afford 4 wheelers. I think ads can play a major impact on such people and contribut towards saving fuel.
Satish KS
Save Our Planet
@Willy: why you gotta hate? These guys made a video about cycling, where is the negative?
Awesome video. Awesome bike. Keep ridin' and keep rappin'.
not bad!! not bad at all!! kudos to the crew... I checked out some more pix of these guys on the web and like some guys idea of putting speakers into a front carry basket... BIG ones!!
I dont get the scraper part tho... whats scraping?? I get the rims are supposed to be big enuf to be grinding the road, but the pics I saw dont show big rims... I can't open the video. office computer..