The Kasper Stromman Design Blog

Top 3 Helkama two wheelers

Helkama is a Finnish company involved in a broad variety of activities such as manufacturing refrigerators and importing cars, but is foremost known as a bicycle brand. Here are the Kasper Stromman Design Blog top 3 favourite two wheelers made over the years:

3. Helkama Tossu (early 1970s)

Originally a mini moped of late 1960s Italian origin, the Fantic TX7 or Fantic Broncco was sold in Finland in the early 70s under the name Helkama Tossu. It was never a commercial succes, but paved the way for many later mini mopeds like the Suzuki PV or Honda Monkey. A design classic.

2. Kuntojopo (early 1970s)

The Helkama Jopo was a popular compact bike manufactured from 1965 to 1975. With over a quarter of a million sold it was immensly popular, and the manufacturer quickly brought out special versions like the Tandem Jopo (Tuplajopo), Postijopo (postal Jopo) and the foldable Jopo Mobil.

The most intriguing version though got to be the exercise bike Kuntojopo wich was created by removing the front wheel and adding a steel frame for balance.

And remember folks – the nice gentleman in the picture proves it’s never too late for taking up exercise.

1. Helkama White Power (early 1990s)

A pretty basic mountain bike by 1991’s standards, was it not for the unfortunate name which curiously noone seemed to find odd at the time. By now most of these are starting to rust away, so if you want one now would be the time to pick one up for cheap, as long as they’re still around.

Future design classic, y’all!