Swiss army bicycle The Swiss Army Bicycle ( also known as Armeefahrrad - Militärvelo - Militaervelo - Militärfahrrad - velo militaire - bicicletta militare ) , the M0 - 5 , and later the MO - 93 , was utilized by the Swiss Army from 1905 until the mid - 1990s . In 2012 a new , lighter MO - 12 or Fahrrad 12 ( bicycle 12 ) was procured . The MO - 05 . The classic Swiss Army Bicycle , as used by the Swiss Bicycle Infantry . Officially called Ordonnanzfahrrad Modell 05 , it was introduced in 1905 and in continuous use until replaced by the MO - 93 . It was built between 1905 and 1989 by Schwalbe , Cäsar , Cosmos and Condor . Swiss bicycle Infantry were phased out in 2001 . The most recognisable feature of most Swiss Army Bicycles is the large carry case fitted into the frame . It is accessed from the right - hand side , whilst having a separate document and map compartment on the left - hand side . They were painted all - over basic black , usually semi - matt , although some later models were painted olive drab . Fittings and accessories were variously black , brown or olive drab in colour . The basic model saw many variations as it was adapted for use in many different fields of warfare . Some were stripped down of all non - essential fittings for use as a messenger transport . Fitted with a 57 cm one - size - fits - all frame for men between 1 . 55m and 1 . 95m tall , they had 650B ( 26 " x 1 - 1 / 2 " ) wheels . They were typically fitted with a 20 - tooth rear sprocket , and a 46 - tooth chainring giving an overall gearing of about 60 gear inches . Two - wheel trailers were used for carrying cargo or a stretcher . Fittings . They were also fitted with an integrated headlight and bottle dynamo which operated on the front tyre side - wall . Other fittings included mudguards and a rear carry rack . A bag was often fitted on the front was intended for carrying a battle - helmet , but this was often used to carry many other items . Quite often a rolled blanket was strapped to the handle - bars on top of this . A bread - bag for carrying the rider ' s food rations was usually attached to one side of the rear rack . This bag could be removed and worn as a haversack over one shoulder using a separate shoulder strap . This bag had two straps to hold it to the rear rack and one strap near the bottom to secure it to the bicycle ' s frame . Anecdotal evidence suggests that soldiers used the bottom attachment to go around their belts to hold the bag on their back . Behind the seat - tube there was a small tool hold - all which carried enough tools to perform basic maintenance and if necessary a " field - strip " of the bicycle . Their heavily - sprung leather saddles help to iron out the roughness of any roads they had to travel . Depending on how the bicycle was set up a large bicycle pump was carried either on top of the carry case or attached in front of the seat - tube . This combination of fittings made the basic MO - 05 a versatile piece of military hardware . Braking System . The MO - 05 was introduced as a single - speed bicycle with a rear coaster brake and a rod - operated front spoon brake . From 1941 they were also fitted with a cable - operated rear drum brake . Some models ( believed to be intended for use by medic s ) had a front drum brake fitted in place of the usual spoon brake . The basic MO - 05 weighed a hefty 52 lbs ( 23 . 6 kg ) when empty . Post - 1946 models were built slightly lighter at 48 lbs ( 21 . 8 kg ) . Riders had to be quite fit , as some soldiers were expected to carry up to 70 lbs ( 31 . 8 kg ) of equipment with only a single gear . The MO - 93 . The MO - 93 , officially called Militärrad 93 , was the first major re - development of the Swiss Army Bicycle , built by Villiger and Condor between 1993 and 1995 . The basic frame layout was retained for compatibility with existing equipment , and outwardly appears roughly similar to the MO - 05 except for its green color ( technically : RAL 6014 F9 Gelboliv - olive - yellow ) . It was equipped with a 7 - speed derailer gearing system , which is protected by a hefty guard at the rear axle . The MO - 93 also differed by having a front carry rack fitted as standard equipment in addition to the rear carry rack . The front rack also served as a mounting for the new headlight assembly which was operated by an axle - mounted dynamo on the front wheel . It was also fitted with modern mountain - bicycle style handle - bars . Many other modern features were incorporated such as rim - brakes . The characteristic frame carry box was retained . Condor produced 5 , 500 units for the Swiss Army at a price of CHF 2 , 200 . This bicycle is rather heavy , yet sturdy , at an average 25 kg . A few are still used at the Company 17 ( Fallschirmaufklärer Kompanie 17 ) Special Forces base and Paratrooper school at Locarno - Magadino military airport in Southern Switzerland . According to the Swiss Army website , bicycles are currently used by cadet officers , sergeant majors , quartermasters , cooks , guards , in addition to physical training and movement between barracks and firing range . Specifications : The MO - 12 . In 2012 the Swiss Ministry of Defence , Civil Defense and Sport purchased 4100 units of a new model of military bicycle , officially called Fahrrad 12 , at a cost of CHF 10 . 2 million ( approximately CHF 2 , 490 per unit , including maintenance costs over 10 years ) from Simpel . ch , as the original manufacturer of the Model 93 was not available . The new model features commercial components . The bicycle is also available to private customers at a price of CH 2 , 795 . Specifications :