Marukin Bicycle (Extra)

次回、この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

This is a short extra-post to the previous two Marukin Bicycle posts (First Half) and (Second Half).

The restorer, M-san, from Shizuoka Prefecture, sent in additional photos in hopes of helping people see and understand how well vintage Japanese bicycles were built.  The photos provide an invaluable opportunity to view portions rarely visible to vintage Japanese bicycle enthusiasts.  Let's take a look.

These are photos of frame cut-out models actually used for sales purposes by the Marukin Bicycle Company.  In the 1950s, with automobiles still out of reach for the vast majority of households, the main mode of affordable private transportation was the bicycle.  The emphasis was on utility.  Being made of steel, bicycles had to be strong, waterproof, and rust resistant as they were used in all types of weather and paved roads were the exception rather than the rule.

Cut-out models were used not only by Marukin but by many manufacturers to highlight these important qualities.  
The enamel paint, chrome parts, gold pinstriping, badges (link Japanese only) and decals are attractive, but rarely can one get a peek at what is under the paint and on the inside.

The cut-out models allow salespersons to visually show potential buyers the quality on the inside of their product.  Thickness of the undercoats, frame (butted) tubing and lugs, and measures taken to prevent rust.

Not only head tube cut-outs as shown above, but also the all-important bottom bracket cut-outs were used to drive home the quality of a manufacturer's product.

Note the triple butted tubing.

These cut-outs make it easy to understand why Japanese vintage bicycles are so rugged and often outlive their original owner.

Finally, on a side note, M-san even found himself a pair of genuine vintage Marukin coveralls to go with his beloved Marukin bicycle.
 

Happy wheels M-san!