Characteristics of Sputnik bicycles

Bicycles are constantly changing and improving - that's a fact. But among their fans there are also those who prefer the ageless classics. One of these rarities will now be discussed.

Sputnik bicycles attract the attention of not only collectors and connoisseurs of antiquity. They really drive and even cover significant distances. It is not difficult to find forums and associations of fans of such bikes. People are wondering how to fix them, how to improve even. After all, the characteristics of the "Sputnik" series are quite solid.

KhVZ (Kharkov Bicycle Factory) began its activity in a very eventful and extraordinary historical period - in the mid-1920s.

In a short period of time, the company has reached leading positions in the country. The production of a wide variety of bicycles was launched:

• children's with three wheels;
• track;
• teenagers;
• road models;
• products for professional athletes.

Speaking about the Sputnik series itself, I must say that it is intended for a wide non-professional audience.

Of course, the engineers also took care of the reliability of the mechanical components of the product.

Today the Kharkov Bicycle Factory continues to operate, but under the brand name "VODAN".

This series of bicycles was produced in the 1960s and 80s. All of them were intended for adults. With the onset of a new era, "Sputniks" were gradually taken out of production.

The very first among them was the B-34 model.... It was collected from 1961 to 1964. The salient features were:

• sports steering wheel;
• hand brakes;
• 3 speeds;
• included in the standard configuration of a bag with tools for repair and a pump.

In 1964-1987 the B-37 model was produced. On it, according to the operating experience of the previous version, the brake system and the seat were modernized. Another major innovation was the addition of a ratchet to the rear hub. Structurally, the installation of a sports steering wheel and contact pedals was allowed; these options helped to work hard. The delivery set included:

• the same pump and bag;
• electrical equipment;
• call;
• spare parts for ratchet.

The production of the "B-39" modification began in 1968 and continued until 1973., which differed quite little from the previous version. Only experts could figure out what the difference is between them.

Nevertheless, the "B-39" was equipped with rims made of duralumin or steel. The pedals worked more efficiently. The gear selector has been upgraded. To decorate the frame, front fork and wheel flaps, they used multi-colored enamels, graceful stickers. The metal parts were coated with a chromium layer.

The technical parameters are as follows:

• frame height 0.56 m;
• wheelbase 1.09 m;
• wheels with a diameter of 27 inches;
• tires with a width of 1.25 inches;
• net weight 14.5 kg.

But in 1973, a fundamentally new model "B-301" appeared. According to the manufacturer's official specification, it was intended for:

• business travel;
• tourism;
• walks.

The bike could run at 4 different speeds. It was equipped with a soft seat, and toe clips were added to the pedals. Standard and extended configurations have appeared. In the basic version, consumers got the same bag and pump, aft reflector, bell, luggage box installed at the back. For an additional fee, the Kharkov Bicycle Plant was ready to provide a front rack, a rear-view mirror, a dynamo and a headlight.

The B-301 bike has a closed frame... The wheelbase is 1.07 m. The height of the bike can be 0.54, 0.56 or 0.58 m. Both brakes are hand-operated, caliper with pressure to the rim. The weight of the bike is 14.2 kg.

But "V-301" stopped rolling off the assembly line in 1975.

Over the next two years, version 153-414 was produced. It is deservedly considered a classic bike for amateur tourists. The seat is quite stiff and the pedals are of the "treadmill" type. The rear hub could be rated for 3 or 4 stars.

Like the "301", there are 2 configurations. The basic delivery set differs only in the addition of a lubricating oil container. From 1978 to 1982, version 153-424 was produced. It was originally intended for cycling enthusiasts, but after installing the rear rack, it was also suitable for tourist trips. The frame was made of thinner pipes, a plastic seat was used, which made the structure lighter; 8 speeds have also become an innovation.

So, "Sputniks" stopped rolling off the factory conveyors even before the onset of perestroika. But they still have quite a lot of fans. Acquaintance with the thematic forums shows that the revision and improvement of "Satellites" is causing heated and lengthy discussions. Everyone agrees that these bikes have sturdy frames. Even after 40-50 years, they retain their reliability and operate stably.

There are a number of modernization options:

• installation of improved steering wheels;
• replacement of seats with more ergonomic ones;
• use of attachments of the latest generation.

But some fans, on the contrary, try to reproduce as much as possible the previous samples in their entirety. They not only adhere to the originally specified wheel diameter, but also try to find authentic spare parts.

There is also a completely opposite approach, when they do not limit themselves to replacing the rear wheel, but try to remake the bike as deeply as possible. Total transformation itself reveals creative inclinations.

Before starting a major upgrade, you need to figure out if the factory mount is suitable for the updated forks, brakes and other parts. Please note that models with ratchets and steel frames are not suitable for cassettes. Modernization is needed when you plan to drive over rough, difficult terrain or develop a high speed. For skiing within the city, you can limit yourself surface tuning... It is quite possible to get by with the factory steering wheel, without changing it, but putting it in order (however, this depends on personal taste).

An overview of the Sputnik B-39 bike can be found below.