1969 MITUTOYO Japanese Folding Bicycle

 

c1969 MITUTOYO Japanese Folding Bicycle

Sold by ‘Technasales Ltd’, 73 Lynchford Rd, Farnborough, Hants

12″ Wheels

LENGTH: 36″

HEIGHT: 24″

(Now sold)

It is believed that this model of bicycle was not sold commercially, but was given to customers of Mitutoyo precision instruments.

This comes from a time before modern lightweight folding bicycles, so it is quite heavy by comparison. But because Mitutoyo was one of the world’s leading manufacturers of micrometers, it is very well constructed.

This example is in very well preserved original unrestored condition. I’ve done nothing to it. The surface rust on the chrome could be removed by polishing. Later this week I’ll give it a squirt of WD40 and take some pictures of it extended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORT FROM THE FOLDINGCYCLIST WEBSITE

“This is a rather unusual and relatively rare bike.  The seat, handlebars and top tube all telescope down to make a fairly compact portable bike.  Mitutoyo probably didn’t make the bike though their name and logo are on it.  Mitutoyo is a well known maker of precision measuring instruments based in Japan.  They probably contracted this bike to be made as a promotional gift for the dealers of their measuring products.  Since the company’s old logo is used on the bike, this would date it to the late 60’s or early 70’s.”

Info from – http://www.foldingcyclist.com/Mitutoyo-Bicycle.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handlebars folded (above). Handlebars unfolded (below).