Ah Joo - The Collector
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PHOTOS: Christopher Chen | WORDS: Adam Taylor-Campbell For quite some time I had heard murmurings about 'The Collector', an intriguing Singapore character with a magnificent bicycle collection to match. The first time I saw Ah Joo I was out riding with friends; as we rolled up to a small group of cyclists, he immediately stood out, riding a traditional steel frame and carrying a small bag over his shoulder. We greeted the group and carried on but mentions of 'The Collector' peppered the conversation thereafter. The next time I saw Ah Joo was at six o'clock in the morning, at the start of a Rapha Gentlemen's Race; again in Singapore, this time astride a beautiful Richard Sachs. I immediately went over and introduced myself; it's not often that you see someone riding a Sachs in Asia. I started to talk to him about his bike and he then described several more of his bikes and my eyes lit up. It was then Ah Joo kindly invited me to "the space upstairs", his car-restoration workshop, to view his collection of bicycles. Nothing could prepare me for what I found; it was like discovering a lost city. For suspended in the rafters, was row upon row of gorgeous road bikes, paintwork immaculate, chrome parts catching rays of light, casting reflections on the walls and ceiling. Every kind of classic marque, tube and component, all lovingly preserved in this humble workshop.
Comments
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"they all can be built back to their former glory"
Ah Joo... -
Cuánta vanidad y atesoramiento vano. Con tantos necesitados de una bicicleta. Cuánto desperdicio de recursos. Y dejo claro que soy amante a la bicicleta.
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que belleza de personaje , casi lo envidio, hacer que esas hojas perduren en el tiempo........ desde Caracas
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Very nice collection, would love to see them in person
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Amazing collection! Admire his great spirit
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FANTASTIC!
That's like heaven on earth... long may you continue Ah Joo, now... where is that three hour documentary I wonder? -
beautiful collection, keep riding in all weather is exactly right
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Drool
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Amazing!
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good job
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I wish you could teach me your ways!!
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WOW!! when my wife complains about my bikes, I show her this video. Fantastic collection!!
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hi Rapha! How do I get in touch with Mr. Ah Joo? would like to correspond with him and maybe visit him when I am in SG. Thanks!
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hi Ah Joo! you have a great collection of bikes there. Like you I value my Colnago Mexico. you're an inspiration to newbie bike collectors like me :)
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how many bikes you have now. You have very nice collection
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The Yoda of vintage racing bikes.
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Man of passion.
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Never judge a book by it's cover!
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Wow what a collection brother God bless...
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