Bikes "Schoolboy": features, characteristics and history

Soviet children did not have much choice in bicycle models. Therefore, the “Schoolboy” model, which was intended for children of the age group from 10 to 14 years, was considered the most popular at that time. However, due to the fact that the bike did not weigh so much, younger children also learned to ride it. On the streets you could see children aged 8-9 years who mastered this children's model. Now such a product can be found in many cottages, attics or in private collections of people who are addicted to history and collect rare things.

The release of goods was carried out by the GAZ enterprise, which was located in the city of Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod). However, during the war, production was discontinued and resumed again only in 1956. The plant itself began to function in 1940. The break in the production of the vehicle was associated with the re-qualification of the plant as an enterprise for the production of live ammunition and weapons.

The bike was produced in two models designed for male and female audiences. A distinctive feature of the male model was a closed frame. Many wanted to buy a children's bike, since the opportunity to learn to ride an adult two-wheeled vehicle is a rather traumatic undertaking.

The cost of the product was quite high, and not all parents could afford to buy this vehicle for their children. For this reason, the product was treated very carefully and neatly.Not only because of the high cost, the children carefully treated their two-wheeled friends, but also this was due to the shortage of this product in the markets and in stores, therefore, even having the financial ability to purchase it, it was not always possible to find and buy a product.

All children's models of that time looked the same and had a similar design, so this model did not have distinctive features. The model had specifications similar to other products.

The distance between the wheels of the product was 875 mm, its weight is 9.5 kg. Such a small weight made it possible for children to easily manage a two-wheeled friend. As for the size of the wheels, they were narrow in this model, their diameter was 510 mm, which did not make the bike safe enough. Tires are 1.2 inches wide.

The height of the vehicle was 445 mm, which was very convenient for students. They themselves could calmly raise and lower their pet to the desired floor, without resorting to adult help.

The fork of the product was made of steel pipes, the rims at the wheels are also made of steel. Thanks to this design the model was very reliable and durable, which made it possible to ride on it for more than one generation.

The product had a drum brake. The number of teeth on the front star was 32 pieces, and the back had only 16 teeth. The chain consisted of 52 links. In addition to the bike, there was a boot and a pump, and the chain was equipped with protection. The vehicle had the opportunity to install the bell, headlights and shields on the wheels.

The saddle of the model was quite soft and comfortable, the steering wheel was high, and it was possible to control its height and angle. Also, the height of the steering wheel could be set to the height of the child. The material for the seat was leather, which was wiped over time, but this did not affect the functionality. Because of the comfortable and soft seat on the vehicle, it was possible to travel long distances with comfort.

The male model was not very comfortable due to the closed type of frame, but many installed an additional seat on it and got the opportunity to ride this bike for several people. This design was stiff, but more reliable in use. The female version was with an open frame, which was convenient when driving.

Over 40 years of production, this vehicle has been changed several times. The modern version of the vehicle has become universal, they abandoned the closed frame - they changed it, making it open, the bicycle became more convenient and turned folding, which allowed it to be compactly stored in apartments.

Of course, the choice of colors was not limited only to green, but on the streets of that time it was the main shade that was found more often than others.

This two-wheeled friend of all children was released until 1996. In connection with the cessation of the release of these products, all the parts and accessories for it are no longer possible to find, so bike owners in case of breakdown are looking for analogues designed for other models.

Product Features:

• ease;
• maneuverability;
• simplicity in management;
• reliable fastenings.

It is worth remembering that no matter how reliable and high-quality a product may be, it always requires some care. If you provide proper care, the product will last for many years.

• The first thing to remember when caring for the product is that it must be lubricated to avoid rust. Indeed, due to rust, it will be impossible to ride on it, and it is not always possible to replace a failed part.
• In the event of a breakdown, it is better to contact special workshops, since only a professional can help you in choosing the right spare part for the vehicle.
• After a bike ride in rainy weather, it is worth wiping it and the chain with dry wipes to prevent moisture from entering the joints so that there are no problems in the future.

Now on the sites you can often find reviews of those who used the bike in the 90s. And they all speak of a positive impression of using the vehicle.

Here are some of the reviews.

• Pavel 43 years old: “I regret that this model of bicycle has ceased to be produced, because it was reliable and of high quality and helped to learn to ride for many generations of children.”
• Semen 56 years: “My grandchildren are already riding the Shkolnik bicycle, the only problem is that it is impossible to find original components in the event of a breakdown, because they are no longer available either. In all other respects, the bicycle works perfectly to this day. ”

Despite the fact that the Shkolnik bike did not surpass other models in its technical characteristics, he was still a favorite two-wheeled friend of children. Many products have survived to this day and still delight children.

Now you can find tuned products in which the saddle is replaced with a more modern one, a hand brake is installed on the steering wheel and the color of the bicycle is changed. Nevertheless, it remains the very same "Schoolboy" bike that every child of the Soviet era dreamed of.

About what features of the Shkolnik bicycles exist, see in the following video.