An Interesting Insight Into Swiss Army Bicycles

No one has set a higher standard for practical and precise equipment than the Swiss. Among the products that the Swiss are esteemed for are the still popular Swiss army knives, Swiss watches, and also the Swiss army bicycle.

Renowned as the mean machine which provides you utmost precision on two wheels this bicycle has stood the test of time with only a few modifications to its design. Since its introduction into the Swiss army patrol in the early years of the 20th century the bike has only had three major revisions.

Bicycles have played a significant role in the infantry for many years. The era in which the Swiss army bicycle was established was the prime time for using them to great effect. The British military had been foremost in setting that example. The Swiss army bicycle is an adaptation of the Raleigh DL-1 which was the bike the British had developed.

The end of War witnessed a decrease in the popularity of bicycles in the infantry because of the popularity of mechanized warfare. The Swiss on the other hand not only preserved the idea of using bicycles in the infantry rather they increased the introduction of the bikes.

The year 1946 witnessed the first important transformation of the bike which resulted in a much better modernized and lighter model. After a long interval of about 50 years the bike was further revised in the year 1995.

This first bike had a single speed and assured a balanced and smooth road feel when used. This useful bicycle has now been transformed into a multi- speed commuter that performs better on a rural trek. The Swiss have managed to maintain the design as original as possible, but the newer version of the bicycle has been geared up perfectly.

The condor as it was called now has a number of foreign components that provide it the exclusive touch of solidity and unequalled durability when it comes to bicycles. This comprises a seven speed drive train by Shimano which is the single most important added feature in the bike. The frame tubes are British Reynolds with a Netherlands leather spring saddle that gives the rider utmost comfort for longer distances and bumpy tracks.

The Italian handle bar and stem along with the French Mavic rim make the Swiss army bicycle a well-built and stylish 2 wheeler. These bikes are made in Switzerland under the high quality bicycle maker Condor SA. Although this particular company is better known for manufacturing professional racing bicycles it earned itself a reputable name by doing an excellent job on the Swiss army bicycles.

Because of the fact that the Swiss have ensured that the quality of these bikes are preserved they have used the best materials from all around the world. The result is a bicycle that is as good as the Swiss army Knife and the hunter watch but is not very low-priced to buy.