M42 Truppenfahrrad

German soldiers with their M42 bicycles, Soviet Union 1941

The M42 Truppenfahrrad was a military bicycle issued to the Wehrmacht during World War II. Special equipment for Wehrmacht use was: the steering bar, the saddle, the toolbox and the porter at the back. The headlamp had to work with dynamo and/or battery. On the steering bar were two holders mounted which were holding the half-shelter tent or the drivers trenchcoat.

The German Army had numerous units equipped with bicycles. It was used to deliver mail and maintain connections between a general and his troops, among other reasons. The bicycle was also used as a tactical weapon carrying panzerfausts on both sides of the bike.