The Duemila (updated 2015-05-24)

The Italians have never produced a really good small-wheeled bicycle, despite their considerable engineering tradition. They have, however, occasionally produced interesting machines that provide a talking point – even if the riding experience is less than exhilarating.

The Duemila, made in Padua, was a case in point. The interesting aspects were the exceptional fore and aft adjustment of the motor-scooter-style saddle and the integral front carrier, created by the unusual fork configuration.

Below is the front of an English-language brochure for the bike, showing how all the family could ride it – though ideally not at the same time. There is no evidence that the bike was ever marketed in the UK, which at the time (mid to late 1960s) was not part of the European Common Market, as the EU was then known.

The back of the brochure is shown below. This shows not only the adult version but the children’s model, the Duemila Minor.

The photo below, which I took in Bruges (Belgium) in the summer of 1970, shows the only Duemila I have ever seen.

The father-in-law of Imke Tietje from Hamburg inherited a Duemila and a picture of his machine is shown below.

Christian Barf kindly sent the photo collage below, which shows details of his own Duemila, including the fold.