Rear Carrier (Luggage Rack)

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

One of the many distinct features of vintage Japanese bicycles is the rear carrier, aka rear luggage rack.

The rear carrier was standard equipment which varied in size according to the type of bicycle.
Large rear carrier on heavy-duty and light-carrier (cargo) cycles.

Medium size on utility cycles.

And, slimmer and lighter versions on ladies' and gent's models.

Apart from size, there are two basic styles, 2-stay and 4-stay rear carriers.

2-stay type

4-stay type

I have mentioned numerous times that nearly each part of vintage Japanese bicycles from the 1950s bore the manufacturer's name or trademark, right down to the tiny fender stay screws.   This is also true for rear carriers.

Often the the rear carrier bore the manufacturer's name or trademark more than once.
Here is a fine example of a rear carrier bearing the manufacturer's trademark more than once.

 First, on the neck (Hikari trademark)


Second, on one of the slats (Hikari trademark)


Third, a badge on the back of the rear carrier.

In addition, as mentioned in the previous post Black Enamel Spokes, many products when first introduced start off in black, including, automobiles, motorcycles, sewing machines, telephones, laptops, etc.  And the same is true for bicycles.  So, naturally, rear carriers were also first black.  And, like the frame, fenders and chaincase, in some cases even the carriers were black with gold pinstriping.  

And for the high-end models, the rear carrier was chrome plated.


Mizutani Seraph with chrome rear carrier (luggage rack).


Fuji Feather

There were even models with built-in suspension.

I find the rear carrier indispensable.