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Hi please help me identify my bicycle, which has serial number HZ100202418.

enter image description here

Here's a picture of the head-tube badge, but I don't think it's original

BADGE

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    what does the badge at the front say?
    – Swifty
    Feb 23, 2019 at 18:28
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    The serial number is almost certainly no use but that's a distinctive-looking frame, which should help. Please also give us a photo of the badge on the head tube, which is the most obvious identifying feature on almost any bike. Feb 23, 2019 at 19:28
  • I think the badge is just and add on and not original. Feb 24, 2019 at 8:38
  • The badge I think was just glued on. Feb 24, 2019 at 8:43
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    The top tubes looks like a 20's Hawthorne, but other parts (geometry, seatpost collar) do not match. Maybe a modern-ish replica. Feb 24, 2019 at 9:19

1 Answer 1

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tl;dr its a modern bike inspired by workman bikes of the 1950s.


Mayam is/was a bicycle company in Nagoya Japan, and was related to "Nittei Industry Co" They were known for their "heavy duty carrier bicycles" which is where the double top-tube comes from.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51pzSN8XS-L.jpg 1970s advert.

http://chikutakurinrin.cocolog-nifty.com/photos/uncategorized/2011/01/10/img_8454.jpg Older advert reproduced in a calendar.

http://chikutakurinrin.cocolog-nifty.com/photos/uncategorized/2011/08/07/img_1975.jpg Japanese "Guarantee Medal" associating the names Mayam and Nittei

More info http://chikutakurinrin.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2011/08/index.html


Your bike appears to be a modern reproduction "inspired-by" the older models. Reasons:

  • The fork has nowhere near as much rake as the old bikes.
  • Dual pivot front rim brake
  • No rear brake - loaded bikes take some stopping, though a coaster brake might work.
  • No carrier, nor lugs to fit a carrier
  • No mudguard mounts either. A workman's bike gets used in the rain and wet.
  • Super short head tube. Back then head tubes were longer - short ones increased stresses on the head tube/top/downtube weld areas. Also related to load carrying limits
  • Deeper section wheels - these bikes would have had steel box section rims for strength while carrying loads.

Other - Not sure whats up with that bottle cage - might be some special modern thing that interfaces with a special bottle.

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