Gilbert High student creates custom beach cruisers
Iliana Deanda
Gilbert High senior Shayne Martella not only has a passion for racing but for building bikes as well. It all started a few years back with a trip to California.”A couple of years ago when I was in California I saw some guys on the boardwalk with some custom beach cruisers. I asked them where I could get something custom like that and they told me that I couldn’t,” Martella said.
“They only built just a few for themselves and weren’t willing to sell them. They always got attention with those bikes so I thought maybe I could make them since they weren’t willing to and that’s how I got started and took it from there,” said Martella.
Currently working out of his fathers shop, building these custom beach cruisers involve multiple steps including welding and bending which is a favorite for Martella.
“I wanted to base the bikes off as much of a real chopper as possible. I build five bikes at a time because it’s easier that way. It took me about a month to complete all five bikes,” Martella said.
“The building process starts off with 20-foot-long sticks of round tubing, then cutting the tubing into different lengths, bending and welding the pieces, as well as taking them to get painted and finally assembling all of the parts and put it all together,” Martella said.
“My favorite part of building these bikes is the welding and bending process. I’m not only building bikes but I am also building my skills as a welder, said Martella.
These custom cruisers will set anyone apart from the crowd whether it’s a custom bike or just a simple one.
“I think people would want these bikes because they are different and they stand out from the rest. I know a lot of families that go to California every summer and everyone is trying to out do the other person. Anyone who is riding these cruisers especially since I only have one of each color will be the only one with that bike and that color and no one else is going to have it,” Martella said.
It’s Martella’s goal to build up anything that someone’s heart desires, whether it’s some crazy paint job or really cool rims.
“The frame itself is really my signature on the bike everything else is just add ons. If somebody wants custom rims it’s a little extra money but they can do whatever they want to the bike,” Martella said.
Martella’s custom cruisers vary in price depending on add on’s and paint jobs.
“The bottom line bike which is one flat color along with regular rims start at 700 dollars, anything else is an add on and will range in different prices,” Martella said.
“I can do custom seats, custom paints, flames, or billet rims. Whatever anyone can dream up I can do it for you.
For those interested in Martella’s bikes, visit 13kustoms.com.
