Handlebars

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In a recent video post on spinning bells a few sharp-eyed people contacted me about the handlebars, noting that they did not appear to be the standard rod-brake type.

The handlebars used in the video are a recent find.  For lack of a better name I will refer to them as bull-horn brake levers.

One look and you will note that the handlebars employ a unique design.
As those who contacted me correctly pointed out, they lack the hoizontal rods that typically run parallel with the front of the handlebars. Instead the mechanism is internal, or "through-the-bars".

The grips are made of celluloid signalling 1950s or earlier.

The open end of the levers is the opposite of conventional levers.  As pointed out by a fellow enthusiast, this makes perfect ergonomic sense since the strongest part of the hand is applied to the portion of the lever that is at the greatest distance from the fulcrum; ie providing optimum braking leverage.

The force from the levers is conveyed to the brake rod via a small internal chain.

The front proudly displays the manufacturer, Nichibei Fuji.

I have seen this type of handlebar on the infamous Fuji Hao.
The photo below is from a 1953 export catalog. Click on the photo below.
The Fuji Hao is a story in itself but I will save that for another day.
Also, for all of you who are going to contact me about the “transparent （see-through） celluloid chain case” yes I do have one and will save it for a future post I am planning to do on chain cases.

I will continue with the topic of handlebars in the next English post.
Kindly note that the next post will be the Japanese version of this one.