Kharkov Bicycle plant - the history, products and interesting facts

Kharkov Bicycle factory was founded by the Russian merchant about 130 years ago. Before the revolution, stories the plant was named "Russia", purchased by the military for the army, and the company introduced advanced technologies, striving to exceed European equivalents, which in many cases were able. In the Soviet period, the dream of all cyclists had a bike of the brand "Ukraine". Today, the plant produces modern models of bikes.

Riga innovator

Kharkov Bicycle plant originates from the times of Imperial Russia. In 1889 Russian merchant A. A. Leitner opened in Riga a small factory for the production of new, quickly became fashionable technology – bikes. The original staff consisted of only three workers and the owner that manufactured bicycles of the type “spider”. Gradually the production was developed. Merit Leitner is that as a true entrepreneur, he sought to provide the buyer with the best products and he knew how to do it.

Alexander Leitner was a man of excellent qualities of the entrepreneur and the knowledge engineer. As a Board member of the Riga Bicycle society, he was visited thematic exhibitions in different countries of the world and closely followed the innovations on the Bicycle market. Fashion new means of transport has gained momentum: replacing bulky “spiders” came the model of type “safety”. For a long time the products were only applied in several provinces adjacent to the production which already had its own name - «Russia».

In 1896, the factory takes part in all-Russian exhibition that was held in Nizhny Novgorod. Stand with the products of Leitner, consisting of twelve models of bikes, was a resounding success. At this point, the production has released 15 titles in road and racing bikes. Mr. Leitner received a medal of the exhibition, which was a sign of recognition and helped bring the production to the national level.

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Military order

By the early 20th century at the factory «Russia» was produced in ladies, men's, road, truck, kids, tandem bikes. The whole range consisted of more than 20 models. Pricing was affordable, so the cheapest bike cost 130 rubles, multiple models were estimated in the sum about 450 rubles. The Leitner made innovations in the design of the rear bushing and patented an invention which proved very successful, providing domestic bikes high competitive advantages on the world market.

The Military of Imperial Russia, with attention to innovations, and in 1913 the factory obtained the order for production of 1 thousand men's road bike. These orders raised the rating company to the highest level, which was positively reflected on the number of remaining factory orders. The company's annual turnover has reached 400 thousand rubles, and the output of said figure at 8 million units for the year.

From Riga to Kharkov

In 1915 the front line was held near Riga, prompting the evacuation of enterprises of strategic importance. July 24, 1915, all production facilities were transferred to Kharkov, in the premises of the former factory Golferichs the Garden. In 1916 the company started the production of folding military bicycles “Dux combat”. Contract the company was to ship military Department 3 thousand military bikes.

Until November 1917, when the factory of the Leitner was sent to the front combat 3600 models. For all history of existence of the company with production lines produced more than 100 thousand bikes, developed more than 60 models. The assets of pre-revolutionary history of the company is the production of motorcycles, tricycles and a few cars.

After the revolution

After the revolution and the end of the war ravaged country needed a transport. As it turned out, the bike – perfect in every way. By the beginning of the First world war in Russia there were two major manufacturers of bikes – Moscow plant "Dux" during the war converted to the production of aviation equipment, and the plant Leitner, prudently evacuated to Kharkov. Before the revolution in Russia produced about 25 thousand bikes per year.

In 1923, the Kharkov Bicycle factory, called the enterprise Leitner, with great difficulty produced a few thousand cars a year. The city government decided to optimize production facilities and organise Cycling public Zavod imeni G. I. Petrovsky. In the framework of the stages of modernization of production facilities were transferred to the new shop, which was approached by a branch railway. The total area occupied an area of over 3 hectares.

The beginning of the recovery plant in the state was about 50 experienced employees, who had rich practical experience. From them was formed the main part of the teachers, masters and instructors who were to teach beginners the work on a non-standard high-quality equipment. In 1924 the Kharkov Bicycle factory ended the year with a production of more than 1 thousand bikes.

The increase of the production rate

People say -“necessity is the mother of invention" that finds confirmation in real life. In the devastated country had no components for the production of bicycles, but there were many industries with unclaimed products. By simple reflections and adaptations of the wizard of the plant began to use English instead of RAM Cossack peaks, piled in the territory of neighbouring plant since the First world war.

In 1926, the purchase of components of foreign production was established. From England he was discharged seamless steel pipe, Bicycle chain, tape cold-rolled rims, chemical products and consumables. Part of the necessary materials were imported from Germany.

A Sufficient quantity of materials and complete production cycles allowed us to release the first official bike of own production, called «Ukraine». Until 1927 Kharkov Bicycle factory on the old equipment released almost 12 thousand bikes of this model.

Evacuation

Kharkov Bicycle factory was subject to modernization in 1929, which allowed to master the production of improved models to increase the annual production of finished products. Until 1941, the company issued approximately 1 million bikes. With the outbreak of hostilities, the plant was successfully evacuated to Bukhara, where a few weeks was restored to the production cycle, focused on the production front.

With a radical change of the situation on the front became clear that Kharkov Bicycle factory will be returned to Ukraine. In the autumn of 1944 began the process of resettlement, and at the beginning of next year, the company restored the production of equipment for military purposes. In June 1945, the plant started production of civilian goods – Bicycle.

Restoration

The post-war years brought the company rapid development. The products of Kharkov Bicycle factory was in demand all over the USSR. In 1948 was founded the line for the production of women's and children's models. New samples of over worked employees of the design Bureau of the plant: talented engineers and technicians. According to plans, the plant by the end of the five-year plan was to produce 350 thousand units per year.

The Company grew, new workshops, increased staff. The development of production in 1948, the company was allocated three million rubles. Part of this money was allocated for construction of housing for workers. The company worked in three shifts. In 1949 he developed a model sports bike In-31 at the same speed, later upgraded to two speeds.

Bicycles Kharkov Bicycle factory in 1950, participated in the international competitions, without compromising technical and quality characteristics to foreign analogues. In 1948 began the expansion of production facilities and reconstruction of enterprise. This was surplus production of the necessary equipment for 10 of 340 units.

Much attention was paid to the social sphere. Along with the expansion of factory space to build housing, social facilities – canteens, rest houses, library, started children's art workshops and sports clubs.

The rise and rebuilding

In the mid-seventies, the plant produces a broad range of products, including sports, travel and other models. Total production reached 800 thousand bikes per year. HWS was the only specialized enterprise in the country, where he conducted the production of legkomotornyh and sports bikes high class and quality.

In 1979, in time for the Olympic games in Moscow, the Kharkov Bicycle factory has developed a unique for those years model sports bikes – «Moscow-80" Sz “the champion of the highway”. Frame sport bikes were made of carbon fiber and had an innovative design solution. Unfortunately, the model was finally ready for the Olympics, and the project has not received development.

In 1983 from the conveyor Kharkiv velozavod fell 23 millionth car. The beginning of the nineties for all areas of production brought the break-up of economic ties and the decline of output. Financial condition HVS was severely undermined. In 1991, private production trade firm "JUSSI" became the main shareholder of the Kharkov Bicycle factory.

Since 2001, the production volume increased, as is the range of Bicycle models. Part of products manufactured under the trademark "Woden". Today, the company forms a dealer network in Ukraine and in Russia.

Products

Bicycles HUS (Kharkov Bicycle factory) enjoyed enormous popularity throughout the Soviet Union. Many models have become legendary, were famous for their qualities and ease of repair. Boys across the country were learning to drive and mastered engineering skills with bicycles «Ukraine».

The Most popular models HVS:

• «Ukraine». The most popular brand of Bicycle, receiving a large number of modifications. Classic examples were carried out in male and female version and an equally well-traveled the pavementand dirt roads. Model «Ukraine LUX” differs from classical by the presence of rims of aluminium alloy. Comfort long rides provides rod, bottom bracket and front brake. The model comes with a traditional and understated top rail is equipped with a spacious Luggage compartment, extended flaps and running Board.
• “Tourist”. The legendary model bike. From «Ukraine» differed lighter weight, narrow tires and four switchable speeds. The hand brake in the basic configuration had front and rear drives. In modern high-speed models of the frame are made of steel, the design – welded. Spare bike parts are manufactured by Ventura. The price is small, and reliability exceeds many well-known models.
• “the Tourist Start-highway” was intended for professionals, but easily mastered and fans. A feature of the model was the light weight frame, alloy steel, only 2.2 kg. The bike is equipped with two gears on the back wheel and the five on the front. Comfort and safety is ensured by the tick-borne brakes, saddle frame and reinforced pedals.
• “Sport”. The bike differed a total weight of 14.5 pounds, the front steel fork, eight assists and a remote steering wheel. The model was produced in the 70s and was very popular with Amateur athletes.
• “Record” - track model weighing 8.5 kg for professional drivers.
• “Satellite” model of bike, favorite active tourists. Intended for prolonged Cycling in the city and on dirt roads. Is characterized by increased comfort and impact resistance.

Almost 130 years developing the Kharkiv Bicycle factory. Outlet stores the company currently can only be found in some cities of Ukraine. The cost for Ukrainian users starts from 2400 UAH.

Renowned for the quality of products of the Kharkov Bicycle factory. Prices for Russia at the modern stage are formed by private sellers. They can buy the bike at the price from 10 thousand to 45 thousand rubles. The company continues to look for opportunities to expand networks and open branded stores in Russia.

State of emergency at the plant

In recorded history HUS burned twice – in 2009 and 2017. In March 2009, the fire covered 150 square meters, completely burnt out one of the shops. The fire occurred in the middle of the day, there were no casualties. Dangerous situations were named the old wiring. In this state of emergency affected the paint shop at the Kharkov Bicycle factory. The fire was extinguished by the service of emergencies of Ukraine.

The Second fire occurred on 30 March 2017. At the plant burned down three-storey Assembly hall. The experts who came to extinguish, appropriated to the fire the second level of risk. From carbon monoxide poisoning suffered by one of the residents of Kharkov.

Location

The company's Central office is located at the address – street Diesel, structure 3/5.

The Factory in Kharkov is located on Moskovsky Prospekt in the structure 118.

In the enterprise, in addition to the main products, produces a large range of TNP - hand carts, sleds, spare parts for bicycles.

On the site you can buy bikes Kharkov Bicycle factory: brand store is located next to the main production.