Bridgestone Hello Kitty 14"wheel Campagnolo Phil Wood Child's Bicycle '76 tennis

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Seller: pacebicyclehaven ✉️ (2,893) 100%, Location: Independence, Missouri, US, Ships to: US, Item: 271749305878 Bridgestone Hello Kitty 14"wheel Campagnolo Phil Wood Child's Bicycle '76 tennis. Crank spindle and bearings were majorly upgraded--mainly to reduce the "Q-factor" (aka width, tread, or stance.). It was a whole lot wider than it needed to be, so, reduced by 35mm, making it about as narrow as possible (as all the best bicycles are and always have been.). Very unusual, very small bicycle, made in Japan by Bridgestone, in exceptionally good condition.  You may have a Herse, a Singer, even Sunbeam triplet trike or a Starley penny-farthing or two, but--you probably don't have one of these. It is very small.  The (very strong, over-built) latching center-stand elevates the back wheel by about 8cm, but when both wheels are on the ground, the seat at its very lowest setting will be only  about 16-1/2" from the ground.  Most pictures show the seatpost about 4-1/2" higher, near its maximum safe extension, about 21" above the ground.  The seat and seatpost are made as a unit; any other 25.40mm (1.00") diameter seatpost also fits, including much longer one, for up to a whole foot more seat height or a different saddle. The handlebar stem is shown at its maximum safe height, with the bar grips about 28" above the ground (could be increased some by pivoting the bars or reduced by lowering the stem.) The overall condition of the bike is very good, with only a few flaws: some wear, scuffs, and scratches on the paint (but overall, the paint is very presentable.)  The chrome on the handlebars has a few small defects; and some scuffs on the rear luggage rack.  The wire basket was originally plastic-coated, but that coating had deteriorated and was peeling off, so was much more durably powder-coated in the original white color. Tires (original) are old but serviceable, hold air well, and remarkably well-preserved. The kickstand looks like it could support a moped--but all essential components are scaled ideally for the small or very small rider. Unlike nearly all other children's bikes, this has a correctly proportioned, lower (by several inches) bottom bracket--for a much lower, easier-to-balance, safer center-of-gravity, around which go the svelte short 89mm-long crankarms. It has a gracefully curved front fork, instead of a big, heavy, too-rigid, BMX-style monstrosity. It also has grips and especially brake levers sized to fit little hands. Crank spindle and bearings were majorly upgraded--mainly to reduce the "Q-factor" (aka width, tread, or stance.) It was a whole lot wider than it needed to be, so, reduced by 35mm, making it about as narrow as possible (as all the best bicycles are and always have been.) The Phil Wood cartridge bearing assembly is not only a better fit and lighter but smoother than the original. The former plastic dustcaps (protruding, to fit the old spindle) are now sleek, recessed little bits of NOS jewelry: chromed steel Campagnolo Nuovo-Record. Stock gear ratio was reduced for easier climbing and starting.  The bike has a unique miniature 1-speed cassette freehub assembly made by Shimano; the sprocket is "unit-contruction" and proprietary, so, 3 rivets (holes in the hardened steel via a tungsten-carbide bit) now attach a sprocket, inboard, 4 teeth larger, also keeping a straight chainline with its now narrower crank Q-factor. The almost-fully-enclosed chaincase shields both chain and rider from dirt and injury, preventing clothing or body parts from being caught--or even touched--by the chain while riding. Brake cables are high-quality, low-friction upgrades, with droplet-shaped (rounded, smooth) ends hand-soldered onto the inner wires. The pedals, seat-binder-bolt and chain were also upgraded.  Chain is top-quality German-made Union-Frondenberg model.  Seat height adjusts easily with 6mm Allen key.  Everything else is original, meticulously cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. All bearings are excellent. Spokes expertly tensioned.  Araya rims, exceptionally round and true.  Pedaling action is smooth and silent.  Bridgestone-brand tires (naturally!) size 14 x 1.50", although probably 47 years old, are still serviceable, still look amazingly good. The size is still produced by top companies including Bridgestone, Schwalbe, Michelin, and Kenda. Rear external-contracting hub-brake (aka 'band brake' or sometimes, drum brake) is engraved Bridgestone ; probably made by Arai (as is the front caliper.) Both brakes--but the rear especially--are easy to activate effectively with very minimal finger-strength (or length) required. There is an extra little toy attachment, (not shown) that will be included, but is in need of repair: it has a white plastic base that has badly deteriorated during the 30 years I've owned it (unlike most other plastics.) It's a rather intricate globe or dome housing 'Kitty' who can be made to swing and swat a spring-mounted tennis ball, and at the same time honk an electric horn (powered by 1 AA 1.5V cell) and at the same time, a tiny bulb lights up (from the inside) Kitty's translucent head. Also has a remote "Kitty button" that was mounted near the hand-grip, which will both honk the horn and light-up Kitty's head (but not swing Kitty's racket--that action is purely mechanical, not electrical.) But,  the piece needs repair to be completely functional again.  Most of the plastic in it is very well preserved, either made of the same stuff as the Kitty ornaments on the chaincase and on the front of the basket, or of various other, much more durable types (such as the clear dome, made of acrylic or similar) but that one important part, the base, has become weak and crumbly.  Anyway, this rather fascinating toy is probably not the best thing to have perched right up on the handlebar stem where it might distract a child's attention when it might be better focused on where the front wheel is going. From the fine print on the chaincase (© 1976 Sanrio Co., LTD.) it appears that all things 'Hello Kitty' were made under license from the Sanrio company. That date is likely on or near when this bike was made, in Japan.  I think this model was never made for export, but that this one was brought to the US by an individual, perhaps a service member or a tourist. Please allow 2 extra days for very careful and secure packaging before dispatch to shipper. Will go by FedEx or UPS to the conti 48 and by USPS to all points beyond. If sold outside of US, buyer is responsible for any and all taxes, tariffs and duties which may be levied by your government.  Everything necessary will be done to ensure that this bike arrives undamaged in transit. Some minor reassembly and readjustment will be required.    It's in Independence, MO, USA.
  • Condition: Used, in good condition.
  • Gender: Unisex Children
  • Wheel Size: 14 in
  • Model: Hello Kitty
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
  • Frame Size: 24 cm (seat tube, C-T.)
  • Country of Manufacture: Japan
  • © Sanrio Co., LTD.: 1976
  • Type: Little Bike, Child's Bike
  • Color: Orange & White
  • Frame Material: Steel
  • Brand: Bridgestone
  • Brake Type: Front Side Pull Caliper & Rear Band (aka 'Drum')

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