Bicycles "Shkolnik": features, characteristics and history

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

The release of the 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 only in 1956. The plant itself began operating in 1940. The break in the production of the vehicle was associated with the retraining of the plant into an enterprise for the production of military shells and weapons.

The bike was produced in two models designed for a male and female audience. A distinctive feature of the male model was the closed frame... Many people 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 purchase this vehicle for their children. It is for this reason that the product was treated very carefully and carefully.Not only because of the high cost, the children took good care of their two-wheeled friends, but it was also 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 had no distinctive features. The model had technical characteristics similar to the rest of the products.

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

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

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

The product had a drum brake. The number of teeth on the chainring was 32, while the back sprocket had only 16 teeth. The chain consisted of 52 links. In addition, the bike included a trunk and a pump, and the chain was equipped with protection. It was possible to install a bell, headlights and flaps on the wheels on the vehicle.

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

The men's model, due to the closed frame type, was not very comfortable, but many installed an additional seat on it and were able to ride this bike for several people. This design was stiff, but more reliable in use. The female version had 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 became universal, the closed frame was abandoned - it was changed, making it open, the bicycle became more convenient and foldable, which made it possible to store it compactly in apartments.

Of course, the choice of colors was not limited to only 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 produced until 1996. In connection with the termination of the release of these products, all parts and components for it are no longer possible to find, so bicycle owners, in the event of a breakdown, are looking for analogues intended for other models.

Product features:

• ease;
• maneuverability;
• ease of management;
• reliable fasteners.

It is worth remembering that no matter how reliable and high-quality the product is, it always requires a certain amount of care. With proper care, your product will last for years.

• The first thing to remember when caring for a product is to lubricate it 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 the selection of a suitable spare part for the vehicle.
• After cycling in rainy weather, it is worth wiping it and the chain with dry napkins to avoid moisture getting into the joints so that there are no problems in the future.

Now on sites you can often find reviews of those who used a bicycle in the 90s. And they all talk about a positive experience of using the vehicle.

Here are some of the reviews.

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

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

Now you can find tuning products in which the saddle has been replaced with a more modern one, a handbrake is installed on the handlebars and the color of the bicycle has been changed. But nevertheless, it remains the same Shkolnik bicycle that every child of the Soviet era dreamed of.

For information on the features of the "Shkolnik" bicycles, see the next video.