Ed- I know you didn't ask for this tid bit of knowledge, but you may be pleased to know that a beloved Italian manufacturer by the name of Legnano provided the design and factory for the Flying Pigeon bikes you speak of. Apparently, when the Japanese invaded China in the late 1930s, many forgein companies high-tailed it out of China except for Legnano, given the Japanese alliance with Germany and Italy. The factory and tooling remained intact when Mao and his crew nationalized it sometime in 1946. It must have been a design that the Chinese loved as they never made any changes to it. If you ever get the chance to compare a 1930s Legnano to a 1990s Flying Pigeon, you will see exactly what I mean. The Flying Pigeon even still uses the old rod brakes! Come to think of it, I would not be surprised if this Flying Pigeon model is the most numerous of any bike in existence on the planet. If any one has any further info on Legnano activities of the 1930s, it would be nice to fill in the gaps of my understandings. Cheers, Dave Anderson Cut Bank MT
In a message dated 6/23/02 9:14:52 AM PST, e.j.wagner.jr@att.net writes: Would anyone know of a North American importer or distributor for Flying Pigeon or any of the other Chinese 3 speeds with 28" wheels? I want to make 2 Raleigh Tourists rideable. Currently their rims are corroded beyond use, though they could be re-chroming candidates. It might be cheaper to purchase a Chinese three speed.
Yes, I know some purists will scream about this, but I'm merely looking to make one of these old bikes rideable for my daughter. She's taken a fancy to the women's model. Ed
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is middle-aged.