The half-century of bicycle production at the Rog factory left a significant mark on the history of Slovenia’s bicycle industry. After humble beginnings, a steady increase in production combined with the introduction of new technologies meant that by 1963 Rog had become Yugoslavia’s biggest bicycle maker, with 113,688 units wheeled off the production line that year. In 1964 Rog addressed the need for a small, reliable and affordable means of transport by launching the Pony, a folding bicycle with 20 inch wheels based on the Italian Graziella bike, with minor modifications.
In 1969, by which time Rog had established a commanding 57% share of bicycle production in Yugoslavia, the Pony accounted for 43% of the factory’s entire output. The Pony wasn’t only popular in its home country, it paved the way for Rog’s success on export markets. Several versions of the Pony were made, with the differences most notable in the shape of the frame. Models intended for export were equipped with three gears and front and rear suspension. Thanks to its great popularity, the Pony, Slovenia’s first folding bicycle, is regarded as one of the iconic consumer products of home grown Yugoslav industry.
Matevž Šlabnik, Curator Technical Museum of Slovenia
