Among Soviet bicycles there are few that are compact and light in weight. Most were not suitable for storage in small apartments of high-rise buildings or for transportation in public modes of transport. It is for this reason that the folding Salute has become so popular. Thanks to the powerful frame and unique wheels, it was equally loved by residents of cities and villages.
Description and history
The Salute bike looks like a reliable Soviet-made folding two-wheeled vehicle. Most representatives of this model were released in 1986.
The main purpose of such a bicycle is comfortable movement on surfaces of various types.
The manufacturer of "Salute" was Perm Motor Plant, the conveyors of which also featured famous bicycles called the Urals and Kama.
Quite quickly, the compact and lightweight Salute began to be in great demand among the country's population. In addition to a convenient frame, saddle, steering wheel, the transport was equipped with a trunk, wings, and on some variations, a front rim brake was installed. Yard craftsmen turned this simple bicycle into masterpieces, using electrical tape, various types of wire, cassette tape and other improvised means. Repairing such a bicycle was cheap and uncomplicated, for which reason its popularity increased even further.
It’s convenient to ride the Salute both on the paved surface and on dirt paths, after all, bad roads were not an obstacle for this model. The plant introduced such a bike as a teenager.However, the high cross-country ability and convenient wheel width, which can withstand significant loads, was appreciated not only by children, but also by men and women of different ages. Another feature of the bike of this model is that its weight is relatively small.
Design Features
Salyut bicycle frames were made of high-strength alloy of steel, which proved to be a quality material. It is worth noting that there are different design features of the frames.
- Folding frame on hinges, it was distinguished by the fact that parts of the structure were fixed using a handle or a turnkey screw with a hexagon. The folding option is easy to transport and store, even in high-rise buildings.
- Universal frame in the form of a rhombus was prestigious. She gained particular popularity among men.
- Collapsible frame represents two half-frames having a rigid connection within the seatpost. This option is quite rare and is now a rarity.
The steering columns on the model are deep with adjustable stem. They are convenient to control when landing is level. Regulation is possible both in height and in tilt of the handles. The fork is made of steel and has a circular cross section.
There are two types of seats on the Salute: soft latex and spring hard. The stem can be raised to the maximum mark.
It is worth noting that due to the foot brake, the seat has to be positioned lower than the landing level convenient for the cyclist. This is necessary for safe braking.
Rims on bicycles of this model are single-walled and have 36 spokes. The size of the wheel is 533x37 mm. The diameter of the tire by modern standards in inches is 20. Previously, this parameter was regarded as children's, as it created inconvenience for adults.
The stiffness of the sleeve is controlled by a cone-shaped clamp. It must be loosened or tightened using a suitable key.. For fixing the settings there is an external lock nut.
The total weight of a fully equipped bike is about 15 kg. The maximum weight of the models was 15.5 kg.
The kit includes a steel or chrome trunk, a simple signal bell, wings. There was only one speed on the model. Some Salute bicycles were equipped with a foot stand. The pedals are made of metal, and their type is characterized as road. Depending on the year of manufacture, the specifications of this model may vary slightly.
Subtleties of operation and maintenance
Salyut proved its reliability by living more than 20 years, while it continues to delight its owners with pleasant trips.
To keep the bike the same for many years, it is enough to follow simple rules for caring for him. It is advisable to do this regularly, then the "iron horse" will be working. On the eve of each trip, the owners of this cycle model should check the brakes and tires. Be sure to check the reliability of the connection at the threads.
Each season, it is necessary to sort out 2-3 times and, if necessary, lubricate the parts. The wheels must be disassembled before leaving for long-term storage, and their functional system is flushed with kerosene. After such a procedure, it is important to wipe it thoroughly and apply lubricant (preferably neutral).
It is necessary to store “Salute” in dry rooms, in which there are no sharp fluctuations in temperature.
The bike must be kept in suspension while it is being kept. It is advisable that the wheels remain inflated.
Regular repairs will avoid many unpleasant surprises. Practice shows that you need to constantly monitor the condition of the rubber. Once it has become unusable, it is important to take care of its replacement. New tires will allow safe movement on all types of roads.
An important point is such a problem of wheels of the “Salute” as the “eight”. You can avoid this if you take turns to tighten the spokes in different directions. In this case, there should be protection in the inner part of the rim so that the cameras are not punctured.
Bearings may rust from time to time. This is corrected by disassembling the assembly, removing all the balls and soaking them in kerosene. After that, they must be lubricated with WD40, which is sold in car dealerships.
So that the pedals don't stagger attention must be paid to connecting rods on wedges. Periodically they need cleaning. If they are spoiled, then it is worth changing them to modern nodes. Periodically, the chain must be soaked in kerosene, treated with sandpaper, and then lubricated with oil - this will save the bike from squeaks and will improve speed performance. The frame needs to be tinted periodically. Sometimes you need to change the bolts responsible for fastening. In severe breakdowns, the frame can even be welded.
The steering wheel will last quite a long time if you lubricate the bearings that are in the steering glass. Also, when worn out, it is worth replacing the rubber handles.
How can be improved?
Currently, many Salute cycle models have survived to the present day, and they have become even better. Many craftsmen update and improve bikes, giving them a new life.
Most often, the upgrade begins with replacing the wheels.
Many amateurs are unhappy with the small diameter of their tires and prefer to replace them with large variants with increased cross-country ability. Often the choice stops on wheels with a diameter of 26 inches. You can choose products with a reflective strip and an anti-puncture layer from Kevlar. To install new wheels, you have to move the fork apart and with the help of a file make places for mounting the axle wider. At the back, things get no problem.
After installing new wheels, the next update suggests itself: you need to change the wings. It’s better not to leave the old ones, since they will be close to the rubber, and the feathers made of wire holding them show themselves from the wrong side.
It is better to install modern plastic wings suitable for the size of new wheels. Fasteners are more reliable.
In the case of regular transportation of the bike in the elevator, it is convenient to shorten the rear wheel immediately during tuning. In this case, when standing upright, the vehicle will take up less space.
The most interesting part of upgrading the old model is installation of a planetary hub - three speeds are enough. Brakes can be left foot or replaced with roller or disc. However, the installation of the latter will require large changes in the frame. It is worth noting that do-it-yourself installation and adjustment of the planetary hub does not cause any difficulties - detailed instructions can be found on the Internet.
Of course, for installation it will be necessary to push apart the feathers of the frame again, and then check its geometry. However, even the changes that have come out as a result of this are worth it. An important point is the number of teeth on the front and rear sprocket. The optimal ratio is one to two. It is advisable to immediately change the carriage and the mounting rods for a square section.
Sometimes it may be necessary to shorten the chain when replacing one or both stars.
During the updates, you should think about the steering wheel. The easiest way is to weld small metal inserts at its ends. They are easy to hide with plastic overlays. The seat should be replaced with a new one, which will be more convenient. Wherein It is advisable to change the clamp on the seat post to quickly adjust the height of the saddle. It will not be superfluous to replace the trunk, as well as install a new footrest.
Another part that most often needs to be replaced is the pedals. Modern options allow you to choose the best product for your own needs. As a result of such simple changes, you can get a great updated bike, trips on which will give new unforgettable sensations.
Overview of the bike "Salute" see below.
