Bicycling Mag article about China's "Flying Pigeon" commuter bike
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 253
Bikes: 2006 Novara Randonee, 2009 Fuji Cross Pro, 2013 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 2013 Allez Smartweld A5 Frankenbike, 2021 Diverge Comp Carbon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
2 Posts
Bicycling Mag article about China's "Flying Pigeon" commuter bike
So Bicycling mag had an article in the latest issue about all the bikes folks ride in China, mostly in Beijing. I've been there and seen this, and that most of them are this "2 wheeled model T", heavy (50# acording to this article) single speed, black, braking challenged, and and built with a reinforced top tube "which was designed for carrying pigs".
I tried to google up a photo of someone carring a pig on their bike, and came up blank. Anyone got ideas where I might find a photo like this?
Incidentally, I've seen most everything else carried on either a 2 wheel or 3 wheeled bike. It's amzing to see a whole family on a bike there, Dad pedaling, mom riding sidesaddle on the rack, while holding the baby. Filthy air, no helmets, perhaps that's why they come up with 1000 dead, 10,000 injured while riding in Beijing (in 2004). And you thought YOUR commute had some chancy bits....
I tried to google up a photo of someone carring a pig on their bike, and came up blank. Anyone got ideas where I might find a photo like this?
Incidentally, I've seen most everything else carried on either a 2 wheel or 3 wheeled bike. It's amzing to see a whole family on a bike there, Dad pedaling, mom riding sidesaddle on the rack, while holding the baby. Filthy air, no helmets, perhaps that's why they come up with 1000 dead, 10,000 injured while riding in Beijing (in 2004). And you thought YOUR commute had some chancy bits....
__________________
-------------------------------
'06 Novara Randonee
'09 Fuji Cross Pro
'13 Specialized Roubaix Pro
'13 Specialized Allez Smartweld Frankenbike
'21 Diverge Comp Carbon
-------------------------------
'06 Novara Randonee
'09 Fuji Cross Pro
'13 Specialized Roubaix Pro
'13 Specialized Allez Smartweld Frankenbike
'21 Diverge Comp Carbon
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Herndon, VA
Posts: 592
Bikes: 05 Fuji Pro, 06 Mercier Serpens, 00 Ducati 750ss
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 605
Bikes: Batavus Old Dutch
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Bicycling Magazine can only dream on reaching the potential 500M~ riders in China. They are bitter because their advertisers don't cater to these riding masses.
#4
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
For some reason that article didn't interest me. I scanned through it and on to the next.
Although I did like Selene Yeager's article about "How to Get Showstopping Legs" and the 58 page ad from Veltec Sports.
Although I did like Selene Yeager's article about "How to Get Showstopping Legs" and the 58 page ad from Veltec Sports.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 253
Bikes: 2006 Novara Randonee, 2009 Fuji Cross Pro, 2013 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 2013 Allez Smartweld A5 Frankenbike, 2021 Diverge Comp Carbon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by Bikepacker67
At least it has a Brooks...
__________________
-------------------------------
'06 Novara Randonee
'09 Fuji Cross Pro
'13 Specialized Roubaix Pro
'13 Specialized Allez Smartweld Frankenbike
'21 Diverge Comp Carbon
-------------------------------
'06 Novara Randonee
'09 Fuji Cross Pro
'13 Specialized Roubaix Pro
'13 Specialized Allez Smartweld Frankenbike
'21 Diverge Comp Carbon
#7
Scott
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,393
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
A Flying Pigeon with an engine kit. Importers have been shipping these engine kits to the USA for a few years now and are very popular. There easily installed on most bicycles available here. The EPA tried to ban them but they're still entering the USA by the tractor-trailer load across the Canadian border on the weekends when all the border guards are home.
https://thatsdax.com/index.html
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Out of interest, I used to commute to work (about 9 km, all flat) on a single-speed flying pigeon, circa. 1970, and when it comes to carrying laptops, lunches and picking up beer after work, they can't be beat. I'd say 50 lbs. is a conservative estimate. It's like pedaling a small tank.
#9
Car-Free Flatlander
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Below 14th Street
Posts: 1,976
Bikes: Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Somebody's selling one of these on Craigslist
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/243980051.html
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/243980051.html
#10
Senior Member
Originally Posted by n4zou
A Flying Pigeon with an engine kit. Importers have been shipping these engine kits to the USA for a few years now and are very popular. There easily installed on most bicycles available here. The EPA tried to ban them but they're still entering the USA by the tractor-trailer load across the Canadian border on the weekends when all the border guards are home.
https://thatsdax.com/index.html
Those engines look nice, might pollute a bunch though.
#11
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Bikepacker67
At least it has a Brooks...
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by n4zou
A Flying Pigeon with an engine kit. Importers have been shipping these engine kits to the USA for a few years now and are very popular. There easily installed on most bicycles available here. The EPA tried to ban them but they're still entering the USA by the tractor-trailer load across the Canadian border on the weekends when all the border guards are home.
Ummmm, yea', sure, whatever. You can bring whatever you want in from Canada on weekends because the border guards don't work then. Why didn't I think of this???
Time for your medicine.
#13
J3L 2404
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 1,075
Bikes: 2007 Jamis Nova
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by n4zou
A Flying Pigeon with an engine kit. Importers have been shipping these engine kits to the USA for a few years now and are very popular. There easily installed on most bicycles available here. The EPA tried to ban them but they're still entering the USA by the tractor-trailer load across the Canadian border on the weekends when all the border guards are home.
https://thatsdax.com/index.html
Apparently Flying Pigeon quality suffered greatly from the late 80s into the 90s, but is starting to improve again. Still, my old LBS in Beijing said that the components are crummier than they were in the 70s and early 80s (the frame is still indestructible). I remember reading an article about how the Flying Pigeon company is diversifying in the face of lowered sales and increased competition -- they make a lot of "modern-looking" bikes now, in addition to their traditional models.
#14
Striving for Fredness
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 1,190
Bikes: Old Giant Rincon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by n4zou
The EPA tried to ban them but they're still entering the USA by the tractor-trailer load across the Canadian border on the weekends when all the border guards are home.
https://thatsdax.com/index.html
#15
my bike kills cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 78
Bikes: 1972 Schwinn Varsity, 1979 Motobecane Nomade
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is a Flying Pidgeon locked in Downtown Berkeley that has a bent back rim and has one of those old Kryptonite locks that can easily be wined and dined with a pen. It's totally abandoned, and was going to pinch it. When I went to do the deed someone stole the front tire.
#16
transport, not sport.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: indonesia
Posts: 351
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
sounds ironical, and gives the impression that the chinese cannot build proper and decent and light bicycles.
my diamondback parkway, bought in miami, 1996, has very loud and clear inscriptions
designed in Usa, MADE IN CHINA.
my diamondback parkway, bought in miami, 1996, has very loud and clear inscriptions
designed in Usa, MADE IN CHINA.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 389
Bikes: Pake fixie. Klein Reve (for sale, https://www.theveer.net/gordons_klein)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It was interesting to read about the increasing difficulties for transportation cyclists in China. I assume the government is trying to boost the country's fledgling motor industry. Britain did a similar thing in the 80's - hobbling buses, rail, and bikes in favor of roads, roads, and more roads. They're paying for it now. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for China.
#18
Sister Annie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hauraki Plains District, New Zealand
Posts: 1,519
Bikes: Retro Hercules adult tricycle, 1953 Hercules ladies roadster, 1950s Wearwell fixed gear 'Club' pathracer, 1980s Malvern Star 'Super Star', 1980s Healing GTX-105 Arabesque, 1980's Morrison Concorde & etc & etc.......
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
My Chinese market 'Wu Yang' bicycle has one of those too. The plastic top is real trial to sit on when it comes to longer rides.
__________________
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
#20
Sister Annie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hauraki Plains District, New Zealand
Posts: 1,519
Bikes: Retro Hercules adult tricycle, 1953 Hercules ladies roadster, 1950s Wearwell fixed gear 'Club' pathracer, 1980s Malvern Star 'Super Star', 1980s Healing GTX-105 Arabesque, 1980's Morrison Concorde & etc & etc.......
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Rod brakes are seriously robust and will work very well provided they are setup and adjusted properly. The problem is most folk these days don't know how to do that. I ride rod braked bikes all the time, - 1953 English Hercules roadster, 2005 Indian Hercules tricycle, 1947 Raleigh ladies sports, 1980s Chinese home market Wu Yang roadster bicycle, 1970s Chinese home market Phoenix agricultural bicycle, - and I've never had any problems at all with stopping in a hurry if I had to.
For serious utility and transport bicycle riding I'd always choose a rod braked heavyweight roadster (what folk tend to call a 'Dutch' bike even though the design is English) over the garish looking hyper-tech offerings that pass for a bicycle in these modern times.
For serious utility and transport bicycle riding I'd always choose a rod braked heavyweight roadster (what folk tend to call a 'Dutch' bike even though the design is English) over the garish looking hyper-tech offerings that pass for a bicycle in these modern times.
__________________
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Last edited by Sianelle; 07-04-08 at 04:49 PM.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC
Posts: 253
Bikes: 2006 Novara Randonee, 2009 Fuji Cross Pro, 2013 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 2013 Allez Smartweld A5 Frankenbike, 2021 Diverge Comp Carbon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
2 Posts
I guess since this thread has been dug up i should at least link the article (which was not available online when the thread started (2 YEARS AGO): https://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...5416-1,00.html
__________________
-------------------------------
'06 Novara Randonee
'09 Fuji Cross Pro
'13 Specialized Roubaix Pro
'13 Specialized Allez Smartweld Frankenbike
'21 Diverge Comp Carbon
-------------------------------
'06 Novara Randonee
'09 Fuji Cross Pro
'13 Specialized Roubaix Pro
'13 Specialized Allez Smartweld Frankenbike
'21 Diverge Comp Carbon
#22
Sister Annie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hauraki Plains District, New Zealand
Posts: 1,519
Bikes: Retro Hercules adult tricycle, 1953 Hercules ladies roadster, 1950s Wearwell fixed gear 'Club' pathracer, 1980s Malvern Star 'Super Star', 1980s Healing GTX-105 Arabesque, 1980's Morrison Concorde & etc & etc.......
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Brilliant article and just as interesting today as it was back then
__________________
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
OMNIPOTENS aeterne Deus, qui nos secundum imaginem Tuam plasmasti, et omnia bona, vera, pulchra, praesertim in divina persona Unigeniti Filii Tui Domini nostri Iesu Christi, quaerere iussisti, praesta quaesumus ut, per intercessionem Sancti Isidori, Episcopi et Doctoris, in peregrinationibus per interrete factis et manus oculosque ad quae Tibi sunt placita intendamus et omnes quos convenimus cum caritate ac patientia accipiamus. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
#24
King of Bartertown
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 8
Bikes: Flying Pigeon, Shanghai Forever
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rod brakes are seriously robust and will work very well provided they are setup and adjusted properly. The problem is most folk these days don't know how to do that. I ride rod braked bikes all the time, - 1953 English Hercules roadster, 2005 Indian Hercules tricycle, 1947 Raleigh ladies sports, 1980s Chinese home market Wu Yang roadster bicycle, 1970s Chinese home market Phoenix agricultural bicycle, - and I've never had any problems at all with stopping in a hurry if I had to.
For serious utility and transport bicycle riding I'd always choose a rod braked heavyweight roadster (what folk tend to call a 'Dutch' bike even though the design is English) over the garish looking hyper-tech offerings that pass for a bicycle in these modern times.
For serious utility and transport bicycle riding I'd always choose a rod braked heavyweight roadster (what folk tend to call a 'Dutch' bike even though the design is English) over the garish looking hyper-tech offerings that pass for a bicycle in these modern times.
Give me a Flying Pigeon or a Shanghai Forever any day; best value for the money.