Bike Check: Sato’s Fixed Picnica
Ever felt like traveling with your bike but didn't want to go through the hassle of disassembling and putting it back together multiple times? Well, this man might have the solution for you. It was built in the 80s, folds in a matter of seconds, and this one… Is fixed!
The Japanese economic bubble of the 1980s gave birth to numerous inventions that came into existence "because they could." One such creation is the Bridgestone Picnica. A 16-inch folding bike that can be transformed from something compact enough to fit in the trunk of a small car into a fully functional bicycle with just pulling the chain stays. Think of it as the Japanese Brompton…
When Sato and I flew to Okinawa to shoot our cover story on Shuhari, my laziness made me borrow the bikes that were already on site, while Sato decided to bring his personal mode of transportation. And that’s how I learned all about his customized Picnica and the greatness of foldable fixed gears. This tiny thing has been upgraded with a new fixed wheelset, larger tires, a rear brake replacing the original drum brake, foldable handlebars, and, of course, a glorious front basket.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
One touch picnica
Chainring and Cog Sugino super mighty 51T,
Duraace 13t Cog
Crank Sugino Super Mighty
Seatpost and Saddle
Bridgestone Saddle, Sugino mighty
Stem and Handlebar
Zebra Cycle 70s foldable handlebar-stem combo
Wheels
Duraace hubs laced to Araya 16”
I knew the man was committed when he showed me that set of re-laced 16-inch rims, to Dura-Ace small flange track hubs! Not track enough for you? What about a proper 144bcd Sugino Mighty crankset with a 51T chainring and a 13T cog because you don't want to spin out on these tiny 16-inch wheels. As I was saying earlier, the original rear drum brakes had to be replaced with a set of long-reach calipers. And even if the braking power is near zero, the fixed Picnica is a fully street-legal machine.
Is this the perfect travel device? Absolutely not. But Is it a hundred times sexier than a Brompton? Oh, it sure is!
I feel like I can't stress enough how important this type of thing is, the ultimate definition of fun. Go out there, find something cheap, make it silly, and go have some fun with your friends. Because imagine… Just for one second… A whole gang of Picnica taking over the streets…
That was my last roll of expired Fuji…
🎞: Expired Fuji X-Tra 800
📷: Leica M6
📍: Okinawa
