Salyut bicycles: characteristics and modernization

Among Soviet bicycles, there are few that are compact and lightweight. Most were not suitable for storage in small high-rise apartments or for transportation on public transport. It is for this reason that the folding "Salute" has become so popular. Thanks to its powerful frame and unique wheels, it is equally loved by residents of cities and villages.

The Salyut bike looks like a reliable Soviet-made folding two-wheeled transport. Most of the representatives of this model were released in 1986.

The manufacturer of Salyut was Perm Motor Plant, the well-known bicycles called "Ural" and "Kama" also came out of the conveyors.

Quite quickly, the compact and lightweight "Salyut" began to be in great demand among the population of the country. In addition to a comfortable frame, saddle, steering wheel, the vehicle was equipped with a trunk, fenders, 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. Fixing such a bike was cheap and easy, for which its popularity increased even more.

It is convenient to ride the "Salute" both on an asphalt surface and on unpaved paths, after all, bad roads were not an obstacle for this model. The plant presented such a bicycle as a teenager.However, the high cross-country ability and comfortable wheel width, which allows it to 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.

Bicycle frames "Salyut" were made of high-strength steel alloy, which proved to be a quality material. It is worth noting that there are different design features of the frames.

• Folding frame on the hinges differed in that the parts of the structure were fixed with a handle or a hexagon screw. The foldable version is easy to transport and store, even in high-rise buildings.
• Universal frame in the form of a diamond was prestigious. She gained particular popularity among men.
• Collapsible frame consists of two semi-frames that have a rigid connection within the seat tube. This option is quite rare and is now a rarity.

The steering columns on the model are deep with an adjustable offset. They are convenient to operate when the landing is level. Adjustment is possible both in height and tilt of the handles. The fork is made of steel and has a circular cross-section.

The seat on the "Salute" is of two types: soft latex and hard spring. The stem can be raised to the maximum mark.

The 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 a child, as it created inconvenience for adults.

The stiffness of the bushing is adjusted using a cone-shaped clamp. It must be loosened or tightened using a suitable wrench.... An external lock nut is provided to secure the settings.

The set includes a steel or chrome-plated trunk, a simple signal bell, fenders. There was only one speed on the model. Some Salut bicycles were equipped with a support leg. The pedals are made of metal, and their type is characterized as road. The specifications of this model may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture.

Salut has proved its reliability after living for over 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 in good working order. Owners of this bike must check the brakes and tires on the eve of each ride. It is imperative to check the reliability of the connection at the thread points.

Each season, it is necessary to sort out and, if necessary, lubricate the parts 2-3 times.... Wheels, before being sent for long-term storage, must be disassembled, and their functional system must be flushed with kerosene. After such a procedure, it is important to wipe it off thoroughly and apply grease (preferably neutral).

The bike transport must be suspended for storage. It is advisable that the wheels remain inflated.

Regular renovation 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 replacing it. The new rubber will allow you to move safely on all types of roads.

An important point is such a problem of the "Salut" wheels as the "eight". This can be avoided by taking turns tightening the needles in different directions. In this case, the inside of the rim must be protected so that the chambers are not punctured.

Bearings can rust from time to time. This is corrected by disassembling the assembly, taking out 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 wobble pay attention to the connecting rods on the wedges. Periodically they need cleaning. If they are damaged, then it is worth replacing them with modern nodes. Periodically, the chain must be soaked in kerosene, processed with sandpaper, and then lubricated with oil - this will relieve the bike from squeaks and improve speed performance. The frame must be tinted periodically. Sometimes it is necessary to change the bolts responsible for the fastening. In case of 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 head tube. Also, when worn, it is worth replacing the rubberized handles.

Nowadays, many “Salut” bike models have survived to this day, and they have become even better. Many craftsmen update and improve bicycles, giving them new life.

Many amateurs are unhappy with the small diameter of their native tires and prefer to replace them with large versions with increased cross-country ability. Often the choice stops on wheels with a diameter of 26 inches. You can choose products with reflective stripe and Kevlar anti-puncture layer. To install new wheels, you have to move the fork apart and use a file to make the axle attachment points wider. From behind, everything becomes without problems.

After installing new wheels, the next update suggests itself: you need to change the fenders. It is better not to leave the old ones, as they will be close to the rubber, and the wire feathers holding them show themselves from a bad side.

In the case of regular transportation of the bike in an elevator, it is convenient to immediately shorten the rear wheel during tuning. In this case, in an upright position, the vehicle will take up less space.

The most interesting part of modernizing the old model is installation of the planetary hub - three speeds are enough. Brakes can be left foot or replaced with roll or disc brakes. However, the installation of the latter will require major changes in the frame. It is worth noting that installing and configuring the planetary hub with your own hands does not cause any difficulties - detailed instructions can be found on the Internet.

Of course, for installation, you will have to push the frame feathers apart again, and then check its geometry. However, even the resulting changes in other nodes are worth it. The important point is the number of teeth on the chainring and chainring. The optimal ratio is one to two. It is advisable to immediately change the carriage and the mounting of the connecting rods for a square section.

In the course of updates, it is worth thinking about the steering wheel. The easiest way is to weld small metal inserts at its ends. They are easy to hide with plastic covers. The seat should be replaced with a new one that will be more comfortable. Wherein it is advisable to change the clamp on the seatpost in order to quickly adjust the height of the saddle. It will not be superfluous to replace the trunk, as well as install a new footboard.

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, riding which will give you a new unforgettable experience.

For a review of the Salyut bike, see below.