Maruishi Cycle Ltd. is a prestigious bicycle manufacturer perhaps best-known today for its vintage models that until late in the 20th century also included penny farthings. Maruishi continues to make fine touring bikes in Japan. The company’s history supposedly dates back to 1894, although, others have it established in 1909, possibly in Tokyo.
Japan’s Bicycle Guide of ’56 includes an avert giving an address in a
part of Osaka that is called Fukushima (not to be confused with the site of the famous nuclear accident) and claims 50 years experience. A company called Maruishi Cycle Co., LTD operates a web site (www.maruishi-cycle.com) that gives a founding date of 1972. It’s not unusual for bicycle companies to have such dubious beginnings or history. There have been more than a few brands that, over the years, have been owned by many different companies at various addresses.
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The Maruishi Company Produces Cargo Attaching Bicycles, Shaft Driven Direct Drive, Various Folding Compact Bicycles, Touring, Racing, Cross Bikes and Kids Bicycles. They Also Offer Electromotive Assist Type Cars, School Cars and Fixed Turn Practical Cars. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan. Maruishi Cycle Industries Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Tianjin Fushida Bicycle Co.
Kangaroo Symbol?
What is interesting though, is that Maruishi’s symbol throughout its history has been a kangaroo!
Why Maruishi chose a kangaroo remains a mystery, though its cycles are renowned for their luggage-bearing capability, which probably goes some way toward providing an explanation. The company also had some kind of relationship with Australia although, the details are not know.
Although current Maruishi kangaroo displays appear largely limited to bicycle decals and storesignage, marsupial images once adorned mudguards in the form of ornaments, frame plates, cranks and bells.
The Maruishi RX7 was the top model. If it is equipped with 1st generation 105 it puts it around a 1983-1986. The components could narrow down the year. The 1984 and 1985 could have had 27” wheels but most likely 700c. The company has been Chinese owned since 2006.