Saturday, 10 May 2014

Antique Postman and Baby Carrier Bicycle

There are many bicycles out there, Merida, Mongoose, MTB, Giant, GT, Haro, BMX and etc. Depending on your preference. You get one that suits your needs, style and budget. As for me I prefer the classics or antiques. Something you rarely see now days on the road. New Hudson, BSA, Excelsior, Hercules, Robin Hood, Sunbeam, Raleigh and etc. 

These old bicycles are not only rare but high in demand due to their uniqueness, sturdiness, built quality and one of a kind design. Expect to part with big bucks to get it in mint condition. 

So for Mother's Day, I got my wife, two old bicycles. Why two? Its a long story but to make it short, below is a summary of events leading to the purchase. 

Initially I got her the Nitto Japanese Red Postman bicycle. This is the real deal. With serial number imprinted on the frame, handle bar, rims and even the pedals. It comes with the postman basket in the front. This is the most sought after model. I noticed after I had introduced the model to her, she had expressed some interest in it based on its uniqueness. So I made up my mind and said why not.

After payments had been made, off course without her knowledge. I noticed that she had expressed interest in the Japanese Bridgestone Baby Carrier Bicycle. She was of the view that it would be great to bring along our daughter on our rides. 

Hence, a few days later, I decided why not. Get her the Bridgestone bicycle as well. After all, this is for the mother of my beautiful children. She deserves the best.

Sometimes I may be strict even with her but I am a very lucky man to have such an understanding and loving wife. She has sacrificed a lot for me and also our two children. Happy Mother's Day. I hope you like both bicycles. It is a small price to pay for such a wonderful mummy and wife like you. Lots of love, hugs and kisses. 11 May 2014.   

The said Postman Bicycle


Nitto Japan (Imprinted on Stem)


Serial No on the brake lever


Serial No on the Headset


The Mail carrier basket


Serial no on the break line bar


Serial no on the brake pad holder


Classic front  hub


Bridgestone tire


Classic white reflector on the spoke


KSM Japan Cow hide saddle


Reflector on the pedals


The seat from a different angle


Classic brake lever and bell. The bell has a unique sound, when the bell handle is depressed, it ring only once imitating a house door bell, ting tong  


Imprints on the rim


If you look up close you can see imprints on the inside of the pedals


The rear hub


There's also a basket at the rear


Nikko lock


Spring seats


Imprints on the frame






Imprint on the stand


The Bridgestone Baby Carrier Bicycle




The rear hub






Touch up job was poorly done




 Front hub for the built in dynamo


Rear red reflector


Classic bell


3 Speed gearing with throttle shifters 




The bottom of the baby carrier when opened will allow baby to put their legs through


Inside view of the baby carrier, with leather inserts and safety harness to keep baby comfy and safe


Baby basket in the closed position can be used to load groceries


Front white reflector


Front hub


Dynamo light. It functions on the principal of friction. Hence a power cable is connected to the wheels to create such friction to generate electricity


The nostalgic feeling when everyone were using these types of bicycle once in a long bygone era, Ibrahim Din, A. R. Tompel and the legendary P. Ramlee


This classic Hercules bicycle belonging to Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh, P. Ramlee's birth name is located at his birth house at No. 4A, Jalan P.Ramlee, Pulau Pinang




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