Bicycles were synonymous with China (and the rest of the Confucious-influenced Southeast Asian countries) for generations. With cities flattened out and bursting at the seams, it is still undoubtedly the most convenient mode of transport for so many commuters today. Of course, the surging number of motor vehicles far surpass these traditional two-wheelers today, but for as long as there are traffic jams and flat roads, you’re bound to see plenty of these trusty friends around China for a long time to come. (Vincent alone has 1 electric bike and 1 rusty old pair planted next to his campus).
We had long dreamt about being about to have an old traditional Flying Pigeon 飞鸽 to ride on like in the old movies. Well, little did I know that these bikes were manufactured originally from Tianjin. A Mothership herself! I was so thrilled when we stumbled upon the shop recently. Look at her logo shining under the afternoon sun:
Tianjin - Home to the Flying Pigeon
Just a little tidbit of information – the Flying Pigeon was the brainchild of a normal worker whose task was to engineer a bicycle that is light, durable and elegant. This was part of an effort to build New China post 1949. The name Flying Pigeon was chosen as a sign of peace following the Korean war – hence the dove was chosen to represent peace and harmony. (Yes, why not Flying Dove then, we wonder…)
Anyway, fast-forward to the new millenium, and you still see the Flying Pigeon being rode by the old and the young. They have revolutionized their designs, titaniumed the parts and made it trendier. Interestingly, many of these bikes still keep that one feature that makes it so elegant – that rod between the seat and the handle bars. So as a woman with a skirt, you can push your bike, take one step on the peddle, gain your momentum, and hup – off you go. All with that class and elegance of a nostaglic yesteryear.
Little Roots in China 