Unknown Bike
I JUST GOT A BIKE AND I WANT TO KNOW THE YEAR, HISTORY OF BIKE COMPANY AND POSSIBLE VALUE. I CANT FIND ANYTHING ON THE WEB OR BOOK STORE. THE BIKE IS A "NO.1" BY F.K.I. CO. LTD.
WITH JAPANESE WRITING UNDER THAT. THE BIKE HAS 26" RIMS, ROD BRAKES, THE FENDERS AND ENCLOSED CHAIN COVER ARE COPPER PLATED, THE BRAKE PARTS ARE BRASS, ON THE LEFT LOWER SEAT DOWNTUBE IS SERIAL # RF50278, ANY HELP WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED |
mjkerk,
Personally don't know anything about it, but the rod brakes makes it sound like a city bike, guestimate (i.e. wild guess!) its a 70's bike boom refuge. I would also suggest you check out Classic Rendezvous, they might have some info on it. FYI all capitals is SHOUTING, and considered poor ettiquette (or however thats spelled). Marty |
Well, a quick Google search led me to find out that it is a Taiwanese bike, not Japanese. Rod-brake bikes are (were) very common in China from the pre-Mao era onward, and I'd assume that the same is true for those on the island of Formosa. The company is known as the Fong Kee Iron Works, Ltd., and they don't apperar to make bicycles any longer. Chances are, it's only value is as an oddity, not as a serious collectible.
BTW, are you sure the rims are 26", and not 28"? |
1 Attachment(s)
THANKS FOR THE INFO AND COMPANY NAME, THE TIRE SAYS
26X1 3/8 IWAO RUBBER CO. GORIKI COMMERCE "9". I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP IN DATING THIS BIKE. NOW I HAVE A PICTURE |
It's an Asian imitation of the "classic" English Roadster (3 speed). They were often referred to as "English Racers" in the US market though Sheldon Brown takes serious objection to that.
On the English bikes, rod brakes could put the bike back into the 1930s and probably wouldn't be any newer than the 1960s. With an Asian bike though, who knows? Could be really new or fairly old. I understand there are Raleigh copies with rod brakes still being made in India. Check out www.oldroads.com and scroll to their "English Roadster Discussion Area" and describe your bike and link to this picture you might learn more there though those guys have ALOT more interest in the Euro bikes. BTW those 26X1 3/8 were the common size for the later models, esp in the US. The 28 inchers Alex referred to would indicate either an older bike or a really faithful replica. |
Since the company in question was formed in 1953, I'd hazard a guess, and say that it's an early 60's bike-from a time when such designs were still more-or-less commonplace. FWIW, the writing may actually be Japanese, since Japan has always had close ties to Taiwan (actually occupying it from the late 1800's until the end of WW2), so it's possible that the bike was actually made for the Japanese market.
Now, as far as that stem is concerned-I'm going to have to call the stem police on that one.............. |
Now, as far as that stem is concerned-I'm going to have to call the stem police on that one.............. |
Now, as far as that stem is concerned-I'm going to have to call the stem police on that one.............. Ever been to Holland? I bet the Stem Police are pretty busy over there - most of their bikes seem to look like that... |
Originally Posted by MJKERK
THANKS FOR THE INFO AND COMPANY NAME, THE TIRE SAYS
26X1 3/8 IWAO RUBBER CO. GORIKI COMMERCE "9". I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP IN DATING THIS BIKE. NOW I HAVE A PICTURE |
That chain guard is cool, not my style...but as far as chainguards go -IT ROCKS!
Why the little steel bar under the handlebars? Roadster drops? |
Originally Posted by jeff williams
Why the little steel bar under the handlebars? Roadster drops?
|
Originally Posted by randya
That's the brake lever. :)
..and you pull the bar up towards the handlebars to actuate the cable... Far out. . |
Originally Posted by jeff williams
..and you pull the bar up towards the handlebars to actuate the cable...
|
Originally Posted by D*Alex
FWIW, the writing may actually be Japanese, since Japan has always had close ties to Taiwan (actually occupying it from the late 1800's until the end of WW2), so it's possible that the bike was actually made for the Japanese market.
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:31 AM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.