Vintage Japanese Bicycle (Model Types) ⑤Gents Cycle

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

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

①Heavy-duty Cargo Cycle
②Light-duty Cargo Cycle
③Utility Cycle
④Ladies Cycle
⑤Gents Cycle
⑥Unisex Cycle

Gents Cycle 
The Gents Cycle, aka Roadster, is the sports car of the single-speed vintage Japanese bicycle.
Note in the specifications how the focus is on lightweight (frame wheelbase, chaincase, stand, rear luggage rack, rims, tires, fenders, spokes, etc.)
(↓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 Short wheelbase
The gents cycle is a slimmed down version of a utility cycle, with high-end models being roadsters.
Typical diamond (double-triangle) bicycle frame design.








 

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


The #900 saddle, which a combination of the above two types, was also found on gents cycles.

③Handlebars
The style of handlebars on gents cycles and roadsters was typically a raised or slightly raised type.



④Slim rear rack with only two stays
The gents cycle rear rack shown below is shorter and narrower than those on utility cycles.  
Some roadsters came without a rear rack.


⑤Truss rods (Front fork stabilizers)
Gents cycles typically did not come with truss rods.  The example below is an exception. 


⑥Chaincase
With the emphasis on light weight, gents cycles typically came with one of the following chaincases.

Quarter

Half

Full (transparent celluloid)


Full (metal)

⑦Drivetrain
Crankwheel (Chainwheel): 44 teeth or 48 teeth

Freewheel: 20 teeth
(Export models had 18 teeth)
Chain: Around 106 links

Rat trap pedals or rubber block pedals


⑧Stand:
With the emphasis on light weight, gents cycles typically came with a side stand or channel stand.

Side stand

Channel stand

⑨Rear wheel
Designed for speed the gents cycle came with narrow rims and tires (1" 1/4).
Even the spokes were thinner (#15 gauge).

B/E (Beaded Edge) rim, tube and tire: 26" x 1" 1/4
(Export model gent roadsters had 26", 27" and 28" rims.)

#15 gauge spokes
Small band brake, or, rim brake for economy models

Rim brake

⑩Front wheel
B/E (Beaded Edge) rim, tube and tire: 26" x 1" 1/4
(Export model gent roadsters had 26", 27" and 28" rims.)

#15 gauge spokes
Rim brake 

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