Pat Patterson’s Strider Custom

When we pitched the idea of customizing a tiny Strider bicycle to Led Sled’s Pat Patterson, there was no hesitation. “Sure,” he said, “both my kids learned on them and never needed training wheels. They were riding pedal bikes by age 3.”

How he managed to fit the job into his other work is a mystery; Led Sled runs flat out all the time. But once the day of the unveiling got closer, Pat got to work and met the deadline, with at least a couple of hours to spare.

He told us he patterned the Strider Custom after his “Naked Truth” bike; that’s the full size custom motorcycle he built in 2015 for the Buffalo Chip’s Motorcycles As Art exhibition. Curated by Michael Lichter, the Naked Truth theme that year focused on bare metal, form, and craftsmanship – no paint or graphics.

So with holes drilled through the Strider frame and welded detail added to finish them off, the Led Sled Strider took on stealthy, badass leanings that belie it’s tiny size. The “swingarm” and front fork got similar touches to integrate the theme perfectly. Lastly, solid black wheels sealed the deal on a custom ride any kid would be stoked to pilot.

Tiny Strider custom bikes are an initiative of the Flying Piston Benefit. Unveiled at the Flying Piston Breakfast at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in August 2018, they are now touring to motorcycle events before being auctioned to benefit Motorcycle Missions and Technical Education Scholarships. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/FlyingPistonBenefit/