Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types) ③Utility Cycle

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In the previous two posts, Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types) ①Heavy-duty Cargo Cycle, and, ②Light-duty Cargo Cycle,we looked at two of the six main single gear rod brake bicycles.  In this post we continue our look into Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types) and will examine the third type Utility Cycle.
①Heavy-duty Cargo Cycle
②Light-duty Cargo Cycle
③Utility Cycle
④Ladies Cycle
⑤Gents Cycle
⑥Unisex Cycle

Utility Cycle
These were one notch down from the light-duty cargo cycles and by far the most common model. Utility cycles were the mid-range, do-it-all bicycle, human powered station wagons on two wheels.  They were capable of carrying loads and even hauled trailers. (↓click on photo to enlarge ↓)

Specifications varied depending on the manufacturer and model; however, there are common characteristics.
Let's look at 10 common characteristics.
  (↓click on photo to enlarge ↓)


① Midsize wheelbase
Frame designs were relatively similar as this model was the mid-range all-purpose model.
Typical diamond (double-triangle) bicycle frame design.
Note how the top tube runs straight and level between the seat tube and head tube, and has no bend like the heavy-duty and light-duty cargo cycles.

②Saddle
The ＃800 "hammock saddle" and the #750 saddle (both shown below) were typical saddles on utility cycles.　

The #900 saddle, which a combination of the above two types, were found on higher end utility cycles.

③Handlebars
Handlebar styles varied depending on the intended use, wide-flat if carrying or pulling loads, raised if the bicycle were to be used mainly for transportation, and flat for in-between. 

Wide-flat

Raised

Flat

④Midsize rear rack with two or four stays
The utility cycle rear rack shown below is shorter and narrower than the light-duty cargo cycle.  Typically, these did not have a backrest as was common on light-duty and heavy-duty cargo cycle rear racks.

⑤Truss rods (Front fork stabilizers)
Unlike the heavy-duty and light-duty cargo cycles, utility cycles typically did not come with truss rods.  However, if mainly used to carry heavy loads truss rods were added to help absorb shock while at the same time stiffen the fork.  


⑥The full chaincase is far more common on utility cycles; though for economy models the half chaincase was optional.
 

⑦Drivetrain
Crankwheel (Chainwheel): 42 teeth or 44 teeth

Freewheel: 20 or 22 teeth
Chain: 116

⑧Stand:
The channel stand shown below was the most common style of stands on utility cycles.  However, if mainly used to carry heavy loads, the box stand was used to provide greater stability for loading and unloading the bicycle while parked.

Channel stand

Box stand

⑨Rear wheel
B/E (Beaded Edge) rim, tube and tire: 26" x 1" 3/8

#14 gauge spokes
Band brake, or, rim brake for economy models


Rim brake

⑩Front wheel
B/E (Beaded Edge) rim, tube and tire: 26" x 1" 3/8

#14 gauge spokes
Rim brake 

It should be noted that utility cycles were the most common model and they ranged from "economic" models to "high-grade" models.
However, a comparison of the "economic" and "high-grade" model specifications from the same year and manufacturer reveals only slight differences. Frame and fork tube thickness and lug thicknesses were the same. 

Economic model:  Front and rear rim brakes, half chaincase and #750 series leather saddle.
High-grade model:  Front rim brake and large rear band brake, full chaincase and #800 series hammock saddle.

In the next English post, we will continue our look at the six main single gear models with the next model being the ladies cycle.