Bickerton (bicycle)
Encyclopedia
The Bickerton, also called the Bickerton Portable, was a portable aluminium folding bicycle
designed by Harry Bickerton and manufactured in the UK between 1971 and 1991. It was the first genuinely portable bicycle
- at that time folding bicycles tended to be 20" step-through frames with a simple hinge, such as the folding variant of the Raleigh Twenty
. The bicycle was made entirely of aluminium profiles. Its riding properties were poor, partly as the aluminium parts could never be properly locked in place. In its weight and folded package size it broke new ground
and it is cited by Andrew Ritchie
as one of his inspirations in creating the highly successful Brompton bicycle
.
The bike was heavily promoted on TV with the slogan "go bag a Bickerton", a reference to the dual-purpose bag, which could be used to hold the bike or as a pannier
), but timing was poor, coinciding with a steep decline in cycling
in the UK.
An updated website went live for Bickerton Portables in July 2011. This was in conjunction with the relaunch for the 40th anniverary at Munich Bike show in Germany.
The new bikes combine the heritage of the old brand, with the technical expertise of an amazing team of product designers who have been responsible for many of the most innovative and successful folding bike designs in the 21st century. Mark Bickerton, son of Harry, who ran the factory making the first generation Bickerton bikes, is involved with product development, marketing and sales.
Folding bicycle
A folding bicycle is a bicycle designed to fold into a compact form, facilitating transport and storage. When folded, the bikes can be more easily carried into buildings and workplaces or onto public transportation or more easily stored in compact living quarters or aboard a car, boat or plane...
designed by Harry Bickerton and manufactured in the UK between 1971 and 1991. It was the first genuinely portable bicycle
Portable bicycle
A portable bicycle is a bicycle that has been designed to be small and light enough for easy carrying. It is usually dismantled to make a convenient bundle and the frame often has a folding action to facilitate this. The design of a portable bicycle involves a trade-off between easy of carrying...
- at that time folding bicycles tended to be 20" step-through frames with a simple hinge, such as the folding variant of the Raleigh Twenty
Raleigh Twenty
The Raleigh "Twenty" is a small-wheeled bicycle which was introduced to the market in 1968 as a competitor to the original Moulton bicycle. Raleigh already had a more direct competitor in the RSW-16 bicycle. Initially it was not aggressively marketed, but it was a much better bicycle than the RSW-16...
. The bicycle was made entirely of aluminium profiles. Its riding properties were poor, partly as the aluminium parts could never be properly locked in place. In its weight and folded package size it broke new ground
and it is cited by Andrew Ritchie
Andrew Ritchie
Andrew Timothy "Andy" Ritchie is an English former footballer and manager.-Playing career:...
as one of his inspirations in creating the highly successful Brompton bicycle
Brompton Bicycle
Brompton Bicycle is a manufacturer of folding bicycles based in Brentford, London.The Brompton folding bicycle and accessories are the company's core product, noted for its self-supporting compact size when stored. All available models of the folding bicycle are based on the same hinged bicycle...
.
The bike was heavily promoted on TV with the slogan "go bag a Bickerton", a reference to the dual-purpose bag, which could be used to hold the bike or as a pannier
Pannier
A pannier is a basket, bag, box, or similar container, carried in pairs either slung over the back of a beast of burden, or attached to the sides of a bicycle or motorcycle. The term derives from the Old French, from Classical Latin, word for bread basket....
), but timing was poor, coinciding with a steep decline in cycling
Cycling
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists...
in the UK.
An updated website went live for Bickerton Portables in July 2011. This was in conjunction with the relaunch for the 40th anniverary at Munich Bike show in Germany.
The new bikes combine the heritage of the old brand, with the technical expertise of an amazing team of product designers who have been responsible for many of the most innovative and successful folding bike designs in the 21st century. Mark Bickerton, son of Harry, who ran the factory making the first generation Bickerton bikes, is involved with product development, marketing and sales.