Bicycles "Kama": features and types

Many Soviet brands, under the influence of modern technologies and trends, have remained in history, having not received adequate funding or withstood foreign competition. However, this process did not affect such a famous bicycle manufacturer as Kama.

The first models of Kama bikes began to be produced back in the 70s of the twentieth century. The manufacturer of these two-wheeled vehicles was the Perm Machine-Building Plant named after the October Revolution under the leadership of the Perm company Velta OJSC.

For several years, Kama bikes have become the most popular and competitive on the market - all thanks to the presence of a new folding frame at the time. The first models of this bike had the simple name “B-815”, only later, through significant external and structural changes, this bike acquired a new index “113-613”, as well as its official name, by which we now know about it - “Kama” ".

In the 70-80s of the twentieth century, bicycles of this brand were simply wildly popular. If initially they were considered purely teenage, then very soon the representatives of the fair sex became interested in “Kama” models with red coloring.

Soon, the rumor of “miracle bikes” spread throughout the entire USSR, which led to their even wider distribution. The key feature of these vehicles was not even a folding frame and high strength, but the model’s unique universality at that time. These bicycles could be successfully used both in the countryside and within the city - any roads for these bicycles were not an obstacle.

Unfortunately, from the very beginning of the production of these bicycles, only very few could have access to them. In addition to the extremely high price at that time, these bikes were almost never available for sale. In the literal sense, people had to get special coupons for buying a bicycle and defend a huge line of people who wanted to buy this sports innovation.

Unlike other Soviet companies, the management of the Kama brand has always tried to listen to modern trends, which allowed it to firmly establish itself in the modern market thanks to the modernization and development of new technologies. Today Kama bicycles are produced by the Perm company Ural-Trade. If previously exclusively Soviet parts were used to manufacture these vehicles, then Today, there are such popular manufacturers as Shimano, Sunrun and Quando among the brand’s suppliers.

low price in comparison with modern analogues;

• small dimensions, compact design with a folding frame;
• ease of assembly, which allows you to repair and unfold the bike without the help of a master;
• the possibility of tuning and installation of all modern bicycle accessories;
• Large selection of folding bike models.

• Simple and cheap assembly due to cheap components. However, this is typical for all bicycles in the budget segment of the market.
• A small selection of bicycles among today's hardtail (or "mountain"), as well as among classic walking models.
• There is practically no separation into male and female models, but there are children's options.
• All additional accessories need to be bought separately, it is difficult to find Kama branded accessories for sale.

To create a visual picture of the features of the Kama bicycle, the following table is considered in a convenient table. All the key features of this bike brand.

Modern Kama models are slightly different in design and parameters from the first Soviet models. While the first V-185 variants were equipped with a primitive folding lock, in all models, starting from "Kama 113-613", a more robust and wear-resistant hinge lock is provided.

Also, the braking system through the front brake was improved, the seat comfort was increased.

It is worth noting that the design and manufacturing material of frame components for the entire time the Kama brand has existed has not changed (except for design changes). Thanks to the incredibly durable and well-placed frame, these bikes are able to withstand maximum load and weight, although for many they look like toy models.

Today's model Kama cycle cycle can be described by several types of bicycles. Regardless of the type, these two-wheeled vehicles are known for their low price, practicality and versatility. Despite the relatively cheap and simplified assembly, the materials for the manufacture of these bicycles are highly durable, which allows them to be used successfully for decades.

Mountain bikes are vehicles with mandatory front shock absorption and the absence of rear shock absorbing components - instead of them there is a standard steel frame triangle. Among the other varieties, these models are considered the most budget, they are also unpretentious to care and are widely distributed in the market. Mountain bikes of the Kama brand are a universal variant of hardtail. Such models will be successfully used on off-road trips and will show themselves well on road and city routes.

Among the famous Kama mountain options, the following models can be distinguished:

• Kama 2006d - 6-speed bike with 2 disc brakes, steel frame components and a sunrun hitch;
• Kama 2018D - Almost the same model, but with 18 speeds.

These bicycles are equipped with 2 shock absorbing components: a front fork and a rear shock absorber. It is believed that this design makes it easier to move off-road due to the reduction of pressure on the rear wheel. However, such models require more attention and care.

Among the well-known two-suspension bikes of the Kama brand, the following can be distinguished (for convenience, the information will be placed in the table).

Bicycles of this type include sports options designed for competitions or long journeys over long distances.

Regarding bicycles of this segment, Kama offers only two universal options for road vehicles. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for professional athletes and overcoming hundreds of kilometers, but they will show themselves well at medium distances on a solid road.

• Kama 2640. Steel frame components, 26-inch wheel diameter, rim material - aluminum, front fork suspension, 1 front disc-type brake, 1 rim-type rear brake, Shimano linkage, swamp material - plastic, cartridge carriage - Neco, KMC Z30 chain.
• Kama 2650: steel frame components, 26-inch wheel diameter, rim material - aluminum, front fork suspension, rim-type brake components, Neco cartridge carriage, Shimano linkage, KMC Z30 chain, swamp material - plastic.

These bikes are called city bikes. They are intended solely for movement within the city. Usually they are not equipped with shock absorbing components, as they involve traveling on a flat and hard road or sidewalk.

Among the bicycles of this brand there is only one single option Kama 28SP. The design of such a city bike is as follows: frame components made of steel with an understated pipe, rim material - steel, 6 gears, KMS chain C-410, Quando brand bushes.

Folding Kama models are classic representatives of this brand. The advantage of such bicycles is their reliability and compactness, which is achieved through a folding frame.Unfortunately, because of this type of frame, the possibility of long off-road traveling is excluded - such a design may not withstand strong pressure.

The lineup of the popular Kama folding bikes is as follows.

To date, the brand "Kama" produces not only adult models of bicycles, but also options for very small and growing cycle enthusiasts.

Among the most popular youthful models of this brand, there are only 3.

• Kama 1417. Steel frame component, 14-inch wheel diameter, 1 rear foot and 1 front hand brake, chain protection.
• Kama 2017. A similar version of the bike, but with a wheel diameter of 20 inches.
• Kama 2020. Option for teenagers with a 20-inch wheel diameter, 6 speeds, rim brakes and a Shimano linkage.

Today, Soviet Kama bikes are often subjected to manual restoration. Amateur cyclists are convinced that these bikes are not inferior to modern models in either reliability or speed.

Most often, frame components, a seat or a steering wheel fall under restoration or painting - people try to upgrade these bikes for modern roads and make these vehicles suitable for both the city and the countryside.

See how to fix your Kama bike in the next video.