First Encounter

次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。

In a recent post I mentioned that I grew up in the US in the 1960s and had never saw an actual rod-brake bicycle firsthand until I came to Japan.  At the time I was a US Marine stationed at USMC Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan.  Rod-brake bicycles were the standard, literally everywhere in Japan.  On base the rent-a-cycle shop rented one type only, utility cycles, immediately recognizable by the standard red frame with blue rear carrier, fenders, chaincase and stand.
  

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the actual rent-a-cycle I rode back in 1982. 
These photos I stumbled upon are from an online auction, the bicycle is from around the year 1999.
But, very similar to the one I rode in 1982.

Rod-brakes and revolving bell.

No fender ornament.
Generator (dynamo) to power the headlamp.
BE (Beaded Edge) rim and tires.

Hub brush

Generator powered headlamp.
Note the chain stitch used to take up slack in the wire.

This brazed-on plate was a standard feature on base rent-a-cycles.

Standard lock, band brake, rubber block pedals and cottered crank arms.

Although the saddle is sprung, doubt it is a leather saddle.
The grips appear to be vinyl, not celluloid.

The number and off-base bicycle shop with telephone number.

At the time, I looked down on these bicycles as old-fashion. Mass marketing promoted expensive featherweight composite frame tubing and rims, drop handlebars, hunched over riding position, thin high-pressure tires, 10-speeds, racer-fashion bicycles with no fenders or chaincase.   Sort of the flashy high-end sports car of bicycles.  Fine if you are doing 100km and you are either a racer or focused on speed.  On the other hand, the rent-a-cycles were the antithesis.  Inexpensive, heavyweight all steel tubing and rims, single gear, sprung saddle, upright riding position, rod-brakes, balloon tires, full fenders, chaincase and luggage rack.  Kind of the low-end pickup truck of bicycles.  I have found that for me, since I rarely ride over 50km, the utility cycle is fine.  However, I admit, occasionally I encounter a hill that is too steep and I have to dismount part way and push it the rest of the way.  But, that too has its merit, it keeps me humble.