Bicycles "Kama": features and types

Many Soviet brands, influenced by modern technologies and trends, remained in history without receiving proper funding or withstanding foreign competition. However, this process did not affect such a well-known bicycle manufacturer as Kama.

The first models of bicycles "Kama" 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 OJSC Velta.

Over the course of several years, Kama bicycles have become the most popular and competitive on the market - all thanks to the presence of a new folding frame at that time. The first models of this bike had an unpretentious 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 know about it now - "Kama ".

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

Soon the rumor about "miracle bicycles" spread throughout the territory of the entire USSR, which led to their even wider distribution. The key feature of these vehicles was not even the folding frame and high strength, but the versatility of the model, unique at that time. These bicycles could be successfully used both in rural areas and in the city - any roads for these bicycles were not an obstacle.

Unfortunately, from the very beginning of the production of these bicycles, only a very few could have access to them. In addition to the extremely high price at that time, these bicycles almost never were on the free sale. People literally had to get special coupons for the purchase of a bicycle and defend a huge queue of those wishing to purchase this sports innovation.

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

low price in comparison with modern counterparts;

• 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 ability to customize and install all modern bicycle accessories;
• a 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 the popular hardtails (or "mountaineers"), as well as among the classic walking models.
• There is practically no division into male and female models, however, there are children's options.
• All additional accessories need to be purchased separately, it is difficult to find branded Kama accessories on sale.

To create a visual picture of the features of the Kama bike, below in a convenient table are considered all the key characteristics of this bicycle brand.

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

The braking system through the front brake has also been improved, and the comfort of the seat has been increased.

It should be noted that the construction and material of manufacture of frame components during the entire existence of the Kama brand has practically not changed (except for design changes). Thanks to an incredibly strong and well-positioned frame, these bikes are able to withstand the maximum load and weight, although they look like toy models to many.

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

Mountain bikes are front-cushioning mandatory bikes with no rear cushioning components - a standard steel frame triangle is present instead. Among the rest of the varieties, these models are considered the most budgetary, they are also unpretentious to care and are widespread on the market. Mountain bikes of the Kama brand are a universal version of hardtails. Such models will be successfully used in off-road trips and will show themselves well on road and city roads.

Among the well-known mountain variants of "Kama" the following models can be distinguished:

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

These bicycles are equipped with 2 shock absorbing components at once: a front fork and a rear shock absorber. It is believed that this design allows for more comfortable off-road driving by reducing the pressure on the rear wheel. However, such models require more attention and care.

Among the well-known two-suspension bicycles 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.

Concerning bicycles in 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 hard road.

• Kama 2640. Steel frame components, 26 '' wheels, aluminum rim material, front fork damping, 1 front disc brake, 1 rear rim brake, Shimano linkage, bogies material - plastic, cartridge bottom bracket - Neco, KMC Z30 chain.
• Kama 2650: frame components made of steel, wheel diameter - 26 inches, rim material - aluminum, front fork shock absorption, rim type brake components, cartridge bottom bracket - Neco, Shimano linkage, KMC Z30 chain, bogies material - plastic.

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

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

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

The range of popular folding bicycles "Kama" is as follows.

Today the Kama brand produces not only adult models of bicycles, but also options for very young and growing cyclists.

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

• Kama 1417. Steel frame component, wheel diameter 14 ", 1 rear foot brake and 1 front hand brake, chain guard.
• Kama 2017. A similar version of the bike, but with a wheel diameter of 20 inches.
• Kama 2020... Teenage version with 20-inch wheels, 6-speed, rim brakes and Shimano linkage.

Today, Soviet Kama bicycles are often hand-restored. Amateur cyclists are convinced that these bicycles are not inferior to modern models either in reliability or in speed.

Most often, frame components, a seat or a handlebar fall under restoration or painting - people are trying to modernize such bicycles for modern roads and make these vehicles suitable for both urban and rural areas.

For information on how to fix a Kama bike, see the next video.