Originally Posted by
50PlusCycling
3 Rensho bikes are common enough (and cheap enough) in Japan that there seems no point in trying to fake one. The folding pedals are kind of popular in Japan, as many people like to take their bike by train or bus to the countryside. Bikes have to be put in bags to be brought onto trains and buses, and folding pedals make the process easier.
After more research, the bike appears to be a 3 Rensho Cyclone ST, with the lugs, fork, and seat stays consistent with this model. Serial number is OSR 33,
I have folding pedals on one of my bikes, a non-folding 27" rim bike because sometimes pedals get in the way when I'm transporting my bike, or in the garage where the pedals tangle with other pedals or even hit chainstays. I bought folding pedals to see how they would work out. I have them for almost a year now and can say that I like them a lot. It is a platform pedal and there is no indication that I'm riding on anything but a solid touring pedal.
The bike looks great. It's a good find and a good story behind it. It's is a shame that it ended in a scrapyard, however, it is even better that the scrapyard was wise enough to recognize it, sell it and then do so at an price that would get it gone quickly enough.
Keep the updates coming on this bike. I suspect that it will be looking even better soon.