Soviet children were not spoiled by many toys, computer games and other achievements of our time. But this does not mean at all that their childhood was boring and uninteresting. Just in the second half of the twentieth century, children and adolescents had different values and priorities.
A special event in the life of the child was the acquisition of a teenage bike. This happened already at a conscious age - from 8 to 15 years. The presence of such a vehicle spoke of a certain stage of independence, since differences from adult models were only in size.
The bicycle "Eaglet" took its place of honor in the list of the most desirable gifts for boys of the Soviet era. So what was so attractive about him? Let's try to find out.
Historical facts
The place of birth of the Orlyonok bicycle was the Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant (MMVZ). The equipment of the enterprise was imported from Germany, and the first drawings of the manufactured vehicles were developed taking into account the experience of Western colleagues. "Eaglet" was one of those three models that were the first to get off the assembly line of the plant. The same teenage bike, only for women, was called the Swallow.
In Belarus, their release was launched in 1949 and lasted until 1951. In the same year, production moved to another plant - in the Baltic states. Bicycles for teenagers now began to be assembled at the Šiauliai Bicycle and Motor Plant. They began to be called in Lithuanian too:
- for boy - "Erelyus" (eaglet);
- for girl - “Kregzhdute” (swallow).
In its original form, "Eaglet" was produced until 1978.Then his frame underwent a slight modification, but this model was widely popular among adolescents.
Dimensions and specifications
The weight of the bike was just over 12 kg, and its dimensions are designed for a load of up to 70 kg. The base of the model is quite short - only 975 mm, while the height of the frame is 440 mm. A large sprocket, the driving chain had 44 teeth, and on the small there were 19. The chain itself consisted of 100 links. A freewheel brake sleeve was put on the rear wheel. The front brake was missing.
In the “Eaglet” primary configuration, the upper frame was double, and behind the seat it was divided and smoothly bent into the rear wheel fork. Many bike owners liked this, since with such a wide and curved frame it was convenient to lift and carry. Subsequently, the modernized model became a slightly reduced copy of the Ukraine bicycle with a straight frame.
The diameter of the wheels of the bike is 24 inches or 533 mm. Tire width - 37 mm. The height of the steering wheel and seat could be adjusted by locking in position.
Packaging and design
The bicycle "Eaglet" was a simple and understandable mechanism. There was nothing superfluous in its design, and the following components were attached to each instance:
- a pump that was mounted on holders between the upright and the rear wheel;
- a bag with the necessary tools for repair - it was fixed with straps behind the seat;
- set for gluing cameras;
- oiler with appropriate contents;
- a call;
- trunk;
- rearview mirror.
Additionally, it was possible to install a guard for the circuit and a headlight that was connected to the generator.
This model of the bicycle was like an intermediate link between the children's and adult models. And it was he who had to withstand the full force of boyish recklessness. On the "Eaglet" it was possible to drive both on city asphalt and on bumpy country roads. He withstood everything.
Possible problems
Like any equipment, the Orlyonok bicycle was periodically damaged. The most often had to fix such malfunctions:
- chain dropping;
- tire puncture;
- bent by the "eight" wheel.
Since the presence of this vehicle imposed a certain degree of responsibility on the owner, it was necessary to learn to repair it independently.
Variations of tuning
Modern teenage bicycles are already sold bright and beautiful, with many necessary and unnecessary devices. And in Soviet times, the "Eaglet" was a particular green color and was produced in clearly prescribed configuration. Each owner of this “iron horse” wanted to stand out from the others, so the boys tuned their bikes as they could. Any improvised means were used:
- the steering wheel and frame were wrapped with electrical tape, and if it was possible to get two or three colors, the view was considered simply gorgeous;
- sheathed details and saddle with fur or velvet;
- painted and painted wings;
- thin colored wire, threads with lurex or a film from bobbins were wound on knitting needles;
- homemade mudguards from pieces of rubber or linoleum were hung on the wings.
Fans of fast driving installed a motor, and "Eaglet" became a motorbike. It was also possible to equip it with a distance meter.
In general, this bike was a reliable companion of the teenager of that time. At some owners of old private houses, they are still stored in garages or in attics as a memory of a happy, carefree childhood.
For information on how to upgrade the Eaglet bike, see the next video.
