Pedersen bikes in the US?
11-06-22 | 12:12 PM
#1
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From: Plano, TX
Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3, HP Velotechnik Scorpion
Pedersen bikes in the US?
Have these style of bikes ever been sold in the US? I am currently traveling in Europe and I have seen a few here in Copenhagen.
I really would like to get one of these. But shipping from Europe would probably kill it.
I think the company Pedersen was one of the leading companies with these.
There is now a German company still building these.
I really would like to get one of these. But shipping from Europe would probably kill it.
I think the company Pedersen was one of the leading companies with these.
There is now a German company still building these.
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11-06-22 | 01:57 PM
#2
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From: Plano, TX
Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3, HP Velotechnik Scorpion
That photo was actually taken in Christiania today. Found it at one of the houses. It might have been one of those bikes. But buying a used one in Europe and shipping it to Germany is cost prohibitive.
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11-06-22 | 05:19 PM
#3
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Paging [MENTION=185430]dddd[/MENTION] .
11-06-22 | 05:49 PM
#4
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From: Parts Unknown
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mr. Pedersen died in 1929 and his cycle manufacturing company is long defunct. All Pedersen design bicycles built today are reproductions/knockoffs/inspired by.
A reproduction "Pederson" (sic) was sold at the Copake Auction in October.
https://copakeauction.hibid.com/lot/...cycle?cpage=10
The Solu Duke Pedersen (manufactured in Taiwan) was-and-maybe-still-is sold in the USA by a few dealers.
https://www.pcstore.com.tw/solu/S334472.htm
A reproduction "Pederson" (sic) was sold at the Copake Auction in October.
https://copakeauction.hibid.com/lot/...cycle?cpage=10
The Solu Duke Pedersen (manufactured in Taiwan) was-and-maybe-still-is sold in the USA by a few dealers.
https://www.pcstore.com.tw/solu/S334472.htm
11-07-22 | 04:02 AM
#5
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If you do like your Magic Carpet,
you will LOVE a Pedersen bike.
There is a German "keeper of the f(l)ame":
[Sorry, I can't post links.]
Utopia-Velo DOT de => "Pedersen-Fahrrad"
Also the wikipedia article "Pedersen_bicycle" is quite informative [some links are even linking].
you will LOVE a Pedersen bike.
There is a German "keeper of the f(l)ame":
[Sorry, I can't post links.]
Utopia-Velo DOT de => "Pedersen-Fahrrad"
Also the wikipedia article "Pedersen_bicycle" is quite informative [some links are even linking].
11-07-22 | 09:05 AM
#6
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,827
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From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
First I've seen of any Asian-sourced Pedersens or frames!
They are relatively rare and expensive over here in the US these days.
I've owned five in total, plus one additional frame.
In addition to the Christiania-built bikes, there was an English outfit called Individual Bicycle that made them (Cheltenham Pedersens) for five or six years during the earlier eighties. These are my favorites, especially for their all-leather saddles.
An outfit in Germany called Kalkhoff has produced/sold many as well.
At one time, I recall Gene Smith of Kool Stop being listed as a distributor for I believe the Copenhagen Pedersens in the late 1990s if not the early 2000's.
They're good riders even for sporting uses if the saddle is set up properly as shown below (more level and taut than is typically seen).
These bikes have an unsteady sway if the saddle isn't adjusted taut, the tension springs won't yield to bumps, and the front of the saddle will pull upward uncomfortably in front. A taut saddle however indeed gives the magic-carpet ride!
There is considerable physiological adaptation required getting a Pedersen up to a sporting pace, much like with a recumbent (the Pedersen is what I call semi-recumbent). There is more in the way of pulling on the bars required, possibly why I broke one handlebar during a cyclocross event!
The bottom bracket on a Pedersen is set low, since the rider cannot slide forward off of the saddle to find footing, and (for the same reason) an off-road Pedersen rider in difficult terrain needs to perfect their emergency "ejector-seat" style of dismount (the normal Pedersen mount/dismount is like mounting a horse or a bicycle).
Shorter cranks (and a saddle that is cinched downward at the forward end of the saddle strap) are essential in order to effect a strong sprint on a Pedersen:
They are relatively rare and expensive over here in the US these days.
I've owned five in total, plus one additional frame.
In addition to the Christiania-built bikes, there was an English outfit called Individual Bicycle that made them (Cheltenham Pedersens) for five or six years during the earlier eighties. These are my favorites, especially for their all-leather saddles.
An outfit in Germany called Kalkhoff has produced/sold many as well.
At one time, I recall Gene Smith of Kool Stop being listed as a distributor for I believe the Copenhagen Pedersens in the late 1990s if not the early 2000's.
They're good riders even for sporting uses if the saddle is set up properly as shown below (more level and taut than is typically seen).
These bikes have an unsteady sway if the saddle isn't adjusted taut, the tension springs won't yield to bumps, and the front of the saddle will pull upward uncomfortably in front. A taut saddle however indeed gives the magic-carpet ride!
There is considerable physiological adaptation required getting a Pedersen up to a sporting pace, much like with a recumbent (the Pedersen is what I call semi-recumbent). There is more in the way of pulling on the bars required, possibly why I broke one handlebar during a cyclocross event!
The bottom bracket on a Pedersen is set low, since the rider cannot slide forward off of the saddle to find footing, and (for the same reason) an off-road Pedersen rider in difficult terrain needs to perfect their emergency "ejector-seat" style of dismount (the normal Pedersen mount/dismount is like mounting a horse or a bicycle).
Shorter cranks (and a saddle that is cinched downward at the forward end of the saddle strap) are essential in order to effect a strong sprint on a Pedersen:
Last edited by dddd; 11-07-22 at 09:23 AM.
11-07-22 | 09:14 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 679
Likes: 148
From: Plano, TX
Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3, HP Velotechnik Scorpion
If you do like your Magic Carpet,
you will LOVE a Pedersen bike.
There is a German "keeper of the f(l)ame":
[Sorry, I can't post links.]
Utopia-Velo DOT de => "Pedersen-Fahrrad"
Also the wikipedia article "Pedersen_bicycle" is quite informative [some links are even linking].
you will LOVE a Pedersen bike.
There is a German "keeper of the f(l)ame":
[Sorry, I can't post links.]
Utopia-Velo DOT de => "Pedersen-Fahrrad"
Also the wikipedia article "Pedersen_bicycle" is quite informative [some links are even linking].
__________________
Not driving a stick but riding one.
Not driving a stick but riding one.
11-07-22 | 09:30 AM
#9
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 679
Likes: 148
From: Plano, TX
Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3, HP Velotechnik Scorpion
First I've seen of any Asian-sourced Pedersens or frames!
They are relatively rare and expensive over here in the US these days.
I've owned five in total, plus one additional frame.
In addition to the Christiania-built bikes, there was an English outfit called Individual Bicycle that made them (Cheltenham Pedersens) for five or six years during the earlier eighties. These are my favorites, especially for their all-leather saddles.
An outfit in Germany called Kalkhoff has produced/sold many as well.
At one time, I recall Gene Smith of Kool Stop being listed as a distributor for I believe the Copenhagen Pedersens in the late 1990s if not the early 2000's.
They're good riders even for sporting uses if the saddle is set up properly as shown below (more level and taut than is typically seen).
These bikes have an unsteady sway if the saddle isn't adjusted taut, the tension springs won't yield to bumps, and the front of the saddle will pull upward uncomfortably in front. A taut saddle however indeed gives the magic-carpet ride!
There is considerable physiological adaptation required getting a Pedersen up to a sporting pace, much like with a recumbent (the Pedersen is what I call semi-recumbent). There is more in the way of pulling on the bars required, possibly why I broke one handlebar during a cyclocross event!
The bottom bracket on a Pedersen is set low, since the rider cannot slide forward off of the saddle to find footing, and (for the same reason) an off-road Pedersen rider in difficult terrain needs to perfect their emergency "ejector-seat" style of dismount (the normal Pedersen mount/dismount is like mounting a horse or a bicycle).
Shorter cranks (and a saddle that is cinched downward at the forward end of the saddle strap) are essential in order to effect a strong sprint on a Pedersen:
They are relatively rare and expensive over here in the US these days.
I've owned five in total, plus one additional frame.
In addition to the Christiania-built bikes, there was an English outfit called Individual Bicycle that made them (Cheltenham Pedersens) for five or six years during the earlier eighties. These are my favorites, especially for their all-leather saddles.
An outfit in Germany called Kalkhoff has produced/sold many as well.
At one time, I recall Gene Smith of Kool Stop being listed as a distributor for I believe the Copenhagen Pedersens in the late 1990s if not the early 2000's.
They're good riders even for sporting uses if the saddle is set up properly as shown below (more level and taut than is typically seen).
These bikes have an unsteady sway if the saddle isn't adjusted taut, the tension springs won't yield to bumps, and the front of the saddle will pull upward uncomfortably in front. A taut saddle however indeed gives the magic-carpet ride!
There is considerable physiological adaptation required getting a Pedersen up to a sporting pace, much like with a recumbent (the Pedersen is what I call semi-recumbent). There is more in the way of pulling on the bars required, possibly why I broke one handlebar during a cyclocross event!
The bottom bracket on a Pedersen is set low, since the rider cannot slide forward off of the saddle to find footing, and (for the same reason) an off-road Pedersen rider in difficult terrain needs to perfect their emergency "ejector-seat" style of dismount (the normal Pedersen mount/dismount is like mounting a horse or a bicycle).
Shorter cranks (and a saddle that is cinched downward at the forward end of the saddle strap) are essential in order to effect a strong sprint on a Pedersen:
__________________
Not driving a stick but riding one.
Not driving a stick but riding one.
11-07-22 | 10:08 AM
#10
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Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Copenhagen, Denmark
Bikes: 1991 Centurion Oxygen, 1997 Centurion Invincible, 1995+- Fondriest Wind, 1982 Grand Master Nissan Pro 2000, 1992 Olmo Racing (The racing part of the name HAS to be a joke).
And just to add to the German made ones, you can also still get a new one made in Copenhagen. Copenhagen Bike Factory have four different models, you can even get disc brakes on electric power, if you feel like it. https://copenhagenbikefactory.dk/?gc...BoCB3cQAvD_BwE
Pricing seems to be roughly comparable to the german made ones.
Pricing seems to be roughly comparable to the german made ones.
11-07-22 | 10:14 AM
#11
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Bikes: '38 Schwinn New World, '72 Peugeot PX-10, 78 Raleigh Comp GS, ’80 Peugeot TH-8 tandem
Royal H Cycles had a spankin' new aquamarine-blue Pedersen at the Philly Bike Expo last weekend.
There was one for sale near me on FB Marketplace for most of the last year. Looked kind of rough, and they were asking $2500 for it.....
I can't find it now, though with FB MP's awful search algos, that doesn't mean it isn't still around. Though maybe it was the one that sold at the Copake auction.....
There was one for sale near me on FB Marketplace for most of the last year. Looked kind of rough, and they were asking $2500 for it.....
I can't find it now, though with FB MP's awful search algos, that doesn't mean it isn't still around. Though maybe it was the one that sold at the Copake auction.....
04-18-23 | 09:08 PM
#13
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 77
From: Steveston, BC
Bikes: Giant Escape 3, Giant Cadex CFM3, ZiZZO Liberté, Vorlad VRX01D
There's a Solu Duke Pedersen for sale locally. Initially I dismissed it as some hipster bike, but on further research found quite a lot of intriguing information on the design.
Solu Duke Pedersen Bike
Solu Duke Pedersen Bike
Has anyone ridden one? Thoughts, cautions, or encouragements?
Solu Duke Pedersen Bike
Solu Duke Pedersen Bike
Has anyone ridden one? Thoughts, cautions, or encouragements?
04-19-23 | 12:33 AM
#14
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,827
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From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
The Copenhagen Pedersen outfit moved I believe to Ebeltoft
A German firm Kalkof(?) still builds them I think.
In the UK, Individual Bicycle made nice Pedersens (I've owned and raced two of these) in the 1980's.
Gene Smith of Kool Stop was taking orders for Pedersens about 25 years ago at Interbike I recall.
These bikes can be set up for spirited riding if that's your thing, even ridden off road. Mine are set up with triple chainrings, the chainline is no problem because the chainstays are very long.
The saddle should always be tensioned taut, not sagging and swaying! Saddle height adjustments are a little complicated, by the need to also tension the strap.
04-19-23 | 12:33 PM
#15
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Joined: Jan 2023
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DDDD, amazing how you've adapted to these bikes.
Had sampled one, although a short ride it was unlike any conventional lightweight racer, or even a townie. I forget the brand but believe it was Dutch, had Shimano group w/ grip shifter and V- brakes, 700c, jazzed up with wood laminate plank mudguards.
Anyways, first impression was the odd ergonomics, high handles and that hammock sway! Best I could explain, felt like a conventional bike with all its tubes coming apart. Unnerving.
That said, it was very comfortable and surprisingly good low speed handling. I suppose if the eccentric is in ones self, this bike will suit well.
Had sampled one, although a short ride it was unlike any conventional lightweight racer, or even a townie. I forget the brand but believe it was Dutch, had Shimano group w/ grip shifter and V- brakes, 700c, jazzed up with wood laminate plank mudguards.
Anyways, first impression was the odd ergonomics, high handles and that hammock sway! Best I could explain, felt like a conventional bike with all its tubes coming apart. Unnerving.
That said, it was very comfortable and surprisingly good low speed handling. I suppose if the eccentric is in ones self, this bike will suit well.
04-19-23 | 12:44 PM
#16
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 77
From: Steveston, BC
Bikes: Giant Escape 3, Giant Cadex CFM3, ZiZZO Liberté, Vorlad VRX01D
A view from the rear of the Solu Pedersen bike for sale locally.
Detail on the saddle tensioning strap.
Solu Pedersen rearview
Solu Pedersen saddle tensioner.
The fellow listing it for sale seems motivated, he's dropped the asking price $250 after a few days.
Detail on the saddle tensioning strap.
Solu Pedersen rearview
Solu Pedersen saddle tensioner.
The fellow listing it for sale seems motivated, he's dropped the asking price $250 after a few days.
