1976 Bickerton Portable Folder

[skinnyboy]

Since this project is pretty much finished I thought I would post a mini build of my little shop runaround cafe lounger steed.

Bought from eBay some months ago from a fine chap down the coast, the bike was pretty much standard down to the delivery plastic still on the mudguards. She was in a pretty rough state but potential wise she had a lot going for her.

As bought:

Now Completed:

Original Specs:

My additions component wise

Headset: Diacompe 1"
Grips: Hermanns Cork Anatomical

Brakes: Tektro R588 Longreach
Brake Pads: Tektro
Brake Cables: Jagwire Titanium Braided
Brake Levers: Shimano Nexus

Shifters: Shimano Nexus 3 RevoSpeed
Rear hub - Rebuilt Sturmey Archer 3 Speed
Chain: 1/2" x 3/32 Nickel Plated
Cranks: SR Sakai alloy 6.5" throw
Chainring: SR Sakai 57t alloy
Pedals: Wellgo WR1 lightweight

Saddle: Selle San Marco Regal

After polishing all the aluminium I got to thinking about a frame colour. I decided on something different so I vinyl wrapped the frame with Fablon "Beech" effect vinyl, The frame no looks like a piece of 2x4!

I faffed around with some decal ideas and settled on this design partly inspired by Paul Smith. Printed them out on self adhesive vinyl and lashed them on!

Head cap design was inspired by Derek who runs Poole Bay Folders and keeps Bickertons alive with his extensive stock.

 

[JeRkY]

I love it and I am now inspired!

Thanks alot

 

[toomski]

billy badass

 

[Goldie]

That's outstanding. I just wish I'd got there first! What's it like to ride?

 

[Pointer]

Excellent!

 

[skinnyboy]

That's outstanding. I just wish I'd got there first! What's it like to ride?

It rides like a Saab convertible! Give it a thrashing and it flexes like a bastard! The trick is to be smooth and it rewards you with a pretty nippy ride. Imagine riding a bike made from Lego and you are in the ballpark! I adore riding it as it is great fun and everywhere I go on it it gets a great reception.

 

[stedlocks]

Very cool...........Ive often thought about those Fablon type wraps for a bike.....It lends itself to a box type frame really well!!

 

[Jonny69]

Oh yes, I LIKE that a lot. Quirky little bike. Looks like it folds up quite well as an added bonus.

I'm with Goldie: wish I'd got there first

 

[skinnyboy]

someones selling one here:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=145215

 

[Dogbreath]

Wicked job , love the wood effect

Seeing a good few shoppers/folders on here...polluting the road racers eyeballs lol