RC 1/6 scale WWII Action figures German Military Bicycle.

The German army had numerous troops on bicycles working both as reconnaissance and supply troops. Troops on bikes date back to pre WWI times. There were both issued bikes and “appropriated” civilian bikes where necessary. Period photos show a wide variety of bicycles in use even in formation. Some bikes have racks, some ammunition boxes. Some bikes were used to carry machine guns & some panzerfausts, while others were simply just used as transportation with no special accoutrements. Below is a list of a few things to look for Wheels: 28” wheels. This was the most common size for mid century European bicycles. Rod brakes: These were by no means the only type of front brake but certainly the most common. Crank sets: There were of several types. There were cottered cranks, Ashtabula one piece, and swaged crank sets. I have seen all types, but cottered and swaged were most common. Cargo Rack: The military rack was very large compared to modern racks and measured approximately 18” x 10” military racks are handier for hauling and will easily identify the bike as “military.” Air pump: The pump has a wooden handle on one end. These are nearly always for presta valve tubes which were most common at the time. Pump clips: There are several types and these allowed them to carry their pump attached to the bicycle frame. Generator lights: These appear on almost all period bicycles. The front and rear bulb are powered by a generator that rubs on the front wheel when riding obviating the need for batteries. During the day you simply pivot the generator out of contact with the wheel. Period lamps tend to be larger than their post-war brothers. Hand-grips: Plain grips (no finger grooves) were the most commonly seen style. Bell: Basic thumb operated bell on the handlebar. Single speed, coaster brake: This means there is no gear shift and the rear brake operates by backward pressure on the pedals. Peddles: Peddles with reflectors were not common during the war. Kick-stand: Period bikes did not have a kick-stand.