Latest find, another KOBA side stand!

Today I was feeling kinda of lucky so I decided to pay a litle visit to my favourite hang-out, Sungei Road. This place is a "one-of-the-kind" place in Singapore. It was once called "thieves market". Maybe because back then if you lose something, you'll definitely able to find it back at this place. It's a place where money changes hands quick and buyers won't question where the goods comes from. You sell, I buy. No question asked. Sometimes you can really get real good "deals" at this place, if you know who to approach.
Anyway, as I was walking along the many stalls selling knick-knacks and what-nots, I noticed something familiar lying in one corner, among a stack of old clothing put up or sale. Went straight for it.....
The wording says "Deluxe", I think because some of the words have faded. But what the heck, right? You don't find a KOBA side stand up for sale everyday...

Comparing my 2 KOBAs....

One seems to be longer than the other...

The Beginning of a passion and journey...

I have always been interested in 2 wheelers. Either motorcycles or bicycles. The thing about these 2 wheelers are that they evoke a kind of special feeling between the rider and the riden. Over the years, I have collected and sold off quite a few classic bikes and have even built ( or customize ) a MTB on my own, from scratch. Then one find day, everything stopped. Got married and settled down. Family life took over and as the saying goes, the rest is history.....

Until one fine day, as I was surfing the net, I accidentally stumbled on to this website, The Flying Pigeon Project. This spells the beginning of my journey into the world of 3 speed bicycles and given me a new prespective at looking at antiquated bicycles lying, rotting in the neighbourhood.

Sturmey archer AB hub

This is my 1st set of Sturmey Archer, AB hub with brakes. It was marked 54 3. I guess it means 'Made in 1954, March'. Bitten by the 'Flying Pigeon bug', I immediately set off to searched for the now elusive Sturmey Archer hub. Went to several old bicycle shops to ask around and
1) either the owners are not willing to search for it
2) or they just don't see to point in helping this poor fellow (me) realise his dream..
I eventually went to one very old bicycle shop and chatted with the old man. He was scratching his head as to what I was trying to tell him ( in Singapore, many senior citizens can't speak English. Even if so, I think my explanation wasn't clear). Anyway, as I was talking to him, I noticed a weird looking piece of gear on the floor, tucked in a dark corner. I took it out and 'Lo-and-behold!' A Sturmey Archer!!

Told the old man that this is what I have been searching for and he now understands. As the conversation grew, he started to show me more pieces of accessories related to the gear hub, eg. pulley, cables,etc.. I was smiling from ear to ear and after that paid up for all the parts and requested that he carry on searching for more of these gear hubs and keep it for me. The old man agreed and we parted. Upon reaching home, I immediately set up my work bench and started to strip down the gear hub.

Let me remind you that I've never handled one before, let alone strip it down. But being mechanically inclined, I proceeded with the 'operation'.

This is the part of the planetry gear system. All this years, the parts are still in good condition, except for a chipped gear tooth. Other than that, everything seems ok to me.

I was cautious enough to lay the parts in accordance to the sequence of 'disassembling'.

Koba Side stand

Like I always said, the 'Flying Pigeon' blog is my source of inspiration. I have been following it without fail. The author is good at details and as such, I have gained a new insight into collecting and hopefully one day, built my complete antique/retro/classic bicycle. It might not be a 'Flying Pigeon' brand but as long as the parts a 'antique', that's fine with me.

Got this 'Koba' brand from a local bicycle dealer. Told me it's made in Japan. Cost me quite a sum, comparing to the other makes of side stands available in the market. But I loved it. Not because it's Japanese but the make is very solid. The chrome. The weight. Real 'old-skool' stuff. soild and heavy as hell...keke..

As for the make, I really have no idea. I've tried searching on the internet but whenever I type 'Koba', someone's name will appear...please do show me the 'path' if you happen to read my blog. Thanks.

Koba kick stand, Part II

Latest addition to my KOBA stand collection. It's meant for a 26 inch bike. Love the way the designer used the KOBA brand to cover up the spring.

Decided to add a piece of tinted red acrylic to the back. Now the words look more visible from far. Can't wait to add this to my bicycle...