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Road Show

Valley bike builders are creating a whole new world of wheels

A A A Comments By Michele Laudig Thursday, Jul 24 2003

"The practicality of art is to remind you that linear is not the only way to go," says Oxford. "That bike is art, not just scrap thrown together."

One of Oxford's own stretched-out, handmade bikes lets the rider lean back in comfort, with handlebars conveniently located right under the seat. And his chi gong bicycle, with a metal pipe frame, wooden seat and foam-and-duct-tape back rest, is custom-made for chanting and resonating while riding.

Jackie Mercandetti

Cruising on mobile works of art is the payoff for Troy DiBurgo.

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Taking a spin through the streets of the Valley.

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DiBurgo on one of his custom bikes.

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Apartment life doesn't stop Patrick Englert from building bicycles. He keeps them in his living room.

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Patrick Englert's dog.

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David Luckey grabs attention with his cow bike and other custom creations.

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Billy Oxford, owner of Arizona Pedal Cab.

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Zen is riding a bicycle to Billy Oxford, whose passion is customized recumbent bikes.

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Alexander Chavez relies on his prized possession for transportation.

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Extreme exaggeration is key with chopper bikes.

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Cruisers brave the heat.

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"I can bring myself to this place where I even like BMXers and people in high-rider four-wheel drives," he says.

With bike builders like DiBurgo, Oxford shares the same drive to combine artistic expression with practical transportation. But while most guys would say that building custom bicycles is ultimately about fun, Oxford takes it to the level of enlightenment.

"There is a high to manifesting what the universe wants to happen. And when you're channeling the universe, you're surfing with God, right?"

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