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Africa’s Old Bikes
Africa’s people are amazingly resourceful, and when it comes to
bicycles, can keep them running far beyond the imagination of the
western mind.
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The Roadster
This is the roadster, once ubiquitous, still commonly found in rural
Ghana. The design is unchanged since 1913. They weigh about 55
pounds, have 28” wheels, unadjustable handlebars, one frame size, rod
brakes, and freewheel. You can still buy one brand new in Ghana for
about $60. This one probably came new with a head light, fully
enclosed chain guard and center stand.
People often used to tell me they are strong. Now I hear that more
often about the used euro-north american mountain bikes. Sometimes I
wonder if people considered the roadster strong because they could get
it fixed. Forging replacement front dropouts is a rural cottage
industry, because they break a lot. You'll see what I mean below. (DP) |
Here is a replacement fork dropout.
Below, Doh is installing one on another bike. Check out the wooden
pedals.
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The rebar serves as a splint to hold the break in the downtube.
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This one's got a custom chain guard and pedals, handmade seat cover and
footpegs. Kusawgu, Ghana, 2004
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Tieningboue Cote d’Ivoire-- This is a Peugeot knock-off, common in the
former French colonies. It’s has 26” wheels, and cable brakes similar
to most bikes from Europe and North America. Spokes have been doubled
on the rear wheel, (widespread in Cote d’Ivoire) to enable the bike to
carry more weight. Oddly, this practice does not cross the border into
Ghana.
Hanging from the crossbar is a sling that holds the machete, sort of
the all purpose tool in much of rural Africa.
Bikes and repair in a remote
village
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