Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types) ④Ladies Cycle

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In the previous three posts, Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types) ①Heavy-duty Cargo Cycle, ②Light-duty Cargo Cycle and ③Utility Cycle, we looked at three 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 fourth type Ladies Cycle.
①Heavy-duty Cargo Cycle
②Light-duty Cargo Cycle
③Utility Cycle
④Ladies Cycle
⑤Gents Cycle
⑥Unisex Cycle

Ladies Cycle
Ladies cycles were human powered compact cars on two wheels, designed specifically for women. 

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 Step-through and laidback frame design
First note the step-through design.  Unlike the previous models we've seen so-far (①Heavy-duty cargo cycle, ②Light-duty cargo cycle, and ③Utility cycle)，this model has no top tube (crossbar).  In the the 1950s the majority of Japanese women, if wearing western-style clothing, predominantly wore skirts or dresses and this design facilitated ease of mounting and dismounting.  Second, note the length of the head tube.  The long head tube raises the difference in height between the top of the seat tube and head tube which provides an upright laidback riding position. 

	Ladies Cycle Frame	Cargo Cycle Frames Utility Frame
Top tube (crossbar)	None （step-through)	Top tube (crossbar)
Head tube	Extra-long	Short

These two features are standard on Ladies models.





②Saddle
The  #750 series was the most common saddle on ladies cycles; however, the ＃600 and #800 series were also an option.　

③Handlebars
On ladies cycles, raised bars also know as North Road were standard.

Raised (North Road)

 ④ Rear rack
Midsize rear rack with two or four stays 

⑤Truss rods (Front fork stabilizers)
No truss rods.


⑥The full chaincase is far more common on the ladies cycle; though in some cases the half chaincase were also used.
 

⑦Drivetrain
Crankwheel (Chainwheel): 44 teeth

Freewheel: 20 
Chain: 108

⑧Stand:
Channel stand shown below was standard for ladies cycles.

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

#14 gauge spokes
Band brake or rim brake


Rim brake

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

#14 gauge spokes
Rim brake 

In 1956, ladies cycles accounted for less than 10% of the market, and, only around 60% of women could even ride bicycles.  However, as we shall see in a future post, this soon changed with the advent of what is known in Japanese as the Mama-chari.  The ubiquitous Mama-chari is the Dutch Omafiets of Japan. 

In the next English post, we will continue our look at the six main single gear models with the next model being the gents cycle.  Also view the four part series on Fuji Feather.