Mamachari, rider experience, ride quality, etc.

[Matt Maceda]

Hello! Does anyone have any experience with a "mamachari"? For anyone not knowing; Introducing the Mamachari.

A Bridgestone Wedgerock 27" popped up in my zone and I was wondering if anyone had any bike of this type in their collection. I like the idea of this tough, utilitarian bike, mostly designed to live outside in the elements. I'm not afraid of 27" wheels or the heavy weight. What's your take on the mamachari?

[John Rinker]

My partner had a Yamaha Paswith (electric) which she loved and rode everywhere for two years while we lived in Yokohama. Yokohama is a very hilly city and we lived on top of 'The Bluff', so for her the electric option made travel laden with groceries possible and even pleasurable. With baskets on front and back it was her everything vehicle. Sturdy, dependable and with decent quality parts, she was very sad to leave this bicycle behind when we left Japan. 

As a side note, I would add that the ubiquity of mamacharis in Yokohama, Tokyo and all over Japan make cycling a very safe endeavour. It is 'THE' vehicle for mothers to get most children to day care and/or preschool. Automobile drivers are very conscious of the many bicycles with which they share the road. My favourite, perhaps unwritten, rule in Japan is, when it comes to transportation, the less damage you can do, the more rights you have. Pedestrians are, of course, at the top of this chain. The one caveat being that the train is king.

Cheers,

John