Pedaloco?

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

What is "Pedaloco"?
Pedaloco is the name of a bicycle produced in the early 1950's by a Japanese manufacturer known as Hikari.  The name is derived from the combination of "pedal" and the abbreviated form of train, ie "loco" thus rendering "Pedaloco".

Take close look at the the pedals.
Notice anything unusual?
Yes, lever-action similar to what would be found on a train.

I received a request from Y-san who is looking for information on this very rare bicycle.  I remember years ago having posted this photo along with other Japanese vintage bicycles (Japanese only) from a 1953 export catalog shown below.

Years ago a fellow enthusiast, now living in Germany and working at a museum as a "restorer" sent me the following information. The below magazine is entitled "Science Club" from the early 1950s.  It provides a close-up of the lever-action pedals.

A brief article on Pedaloco.


A close-up of the unique lever-action pedals.

It would be interesting to ride one of these and experience firsthand the difference, if any, that this unique lever-action design renders.