Bicycles of the USSR: popular models of a bygone era (8 photos)

Almost everyone now knows about the variety of bicycles. These include powerful MTBs for off-road touring, stunt BMX, high-speed road bikes, hybrids, road singlespeeds and high-speed models…. However, the great man was not always so well represented in so many faces. In the USSR, for example, the bulk of the population was content with single-speed models.

High-speed modifications were less common, and mountain bikes generally existed in single quantities.

Soviet bicycles occupy a special place: you cannot simply take them and forget them. Moreover, some continue to actively ride the old two-wheeled horse, improving it in every possible way. You can see a Soviet-made bike on bulletin boards. This is a popular and sold product on the Internet.

For a bike from the 70s and 80s, it is absolutely normal to ride on it for several generations; the supporting structure and wheels retain their original appearance. Of course, subject to normal storage conditions. We can safely say that a Soviet bike is a kind of museum exhibit, a rarity and a reason for pride. Let's plunge into the past and remember what kind of bikes were produced in those days.

Soviet bicycles did not have any super-differences from modern ones, but they are immediately noticeable. They have, perhaps, their own magic that preserves the memories of long-gone years. But seriously, the frame of ordinary bikes was presented in several versions:

straight;

convex top tube;

open.

The road bike was always produced only in a straight version and was lighter than a regular singlespeed. True, almost all bikes of those times had more weight compared to current models. This disadvantage was compensated by the high strength of both the frame itself and all other parts. It’s not without reason that they say that bicycles from the USSR are practically indestructible and can withstand any road and weather conditions!

Single speed bicycle frames were thinner than today. The presence of wings was a must. They were present on both city and racing bikes. Wheel sizes ranged from 20 to 28 inches. However, the latter size could be found more often.

Traditionally, the bicycle had a foot drum brake; even now you can hear the expression “Soviet brake”. It was put into operation by moving the pedals backwards. The brake is convenient, designed to last a long service life, and is comparable in efficiency to a rim brake. The V-brake type was installed only on high-speed racing models. The dimensions of the rear sprocket on singlespeeds could also differ: it was slightly larger, and the chain was several links longer.

But an accessory that was extremely rare on Soviet-era bicycles is a kickstand. For those who use this cycling option, parking is not very convenient. However, you can correct this drawback and install the step yourself.

They tried to teach cycling in the USSR from childhood. This transport was positioned for children and teenagers for a long time, until it broke free and conquered all age categories.

It is simply unrealistic to teach a child on an adult or even a teenage bike, so manufacturers initially began producing special children's models on three wheels. The characteristic features of these bikes include:

rear axle frame beam;

rigid fastening of wheels;

“front-wheel drive”, pedals are attached to the front wheel;

the rear wheels are smaller in diameter than the front wheels;

Neither the saddle nor the handlebars are adjustable.

A tricycle was a favorite transport for children: it is easy to learn, ride quickly, and active rides improve your health quite well. It is worth mentioning the excellent build quality of the “babies”. They could easily withstand not only children, but also “heavy” teenage hooligans. Children of the 90s also learned about these bicycles, because the design not only withstood any load, but was also well preserved.

So, let's move on to teenage and adult bicycles. Their names reflected not the manufacturers, but common nouns and proper names: “Schoolboy”, “Stork”, “Eaglet”, “Salyut”, “Ural”, “Kama”. This is another significant difference from modern bicycles.

The schoolboy is a popular two-wheeled vehicle among the younger Soviet generation. Its history began in 1956 and lasted almost 40 years. In the dashing 90s, production of this model was stopped.

The audience for the bike is children from 10 to 13 years old. Everyone knows that teenagers are not very careful with things: it’s their parents who buy them anyway. However, this bike is an exception. The lucky owner cherished it like the apple of his eye, because bicycles were not cheap at that time; adults would hardly have given such a gift a second time. A schoolboy is not a completely individual bike. One bike could easily carry two more passengers without breaking down.

Specifications:

open straight frame;

20-inch wheels;

road tires;

foot brakes;

high adjustable steering wheel;

chain guard, fenders;

weight about 10 kg.

Another prominent representative of a teenage bike is the “Eaglet” produced by the Shuliai bicycle engine plant (Lithuania). The curved frame tubes gave the bike a cruiser look. In general, the car looked beautiful and neat: an even azure color of the frame and wings, a two-color saddle, a simple steering wheel shape. 24-inch wheels are just right for a growing cyclist. “Eaglet” is an amazing endurance, strength of parts and high-quality assembly.

“Salyut” is a road bike for active trips around the city. The brand and general design have survived into modern times. You can find bikes in any store that sells singlespeed bikes. During Soviet times, these bicycles were produced in several versions:

folding frame, medium wheels, curved steering wheel;

collapsible design;

rum-shaped non-folding frame, straight steering wheel, large wheels.

Now only the first option is on sale, but in general the old Salyut models are still quite popular in villages and regional centers.

“Ural” is a variation of the awkward “Salyut”, a classic version of a single-speed bicycle. It is easy to use, accelerates well on its 28-inch wheels, is unpretentious on the roads (like all other bicycles from the USSR), and is also equipped with a special bag for storing tools and medicines. If you compare any road singlespeed, then with the Ural!

But “Kama” received the most recognition. This small compact bike was so easy to maintain and rode so well that it was bought on the fly and had long queues behind it. In addition to travel, the Kama also made it possible to perform tricks, thanks to its small wheels and frame mobility.