Bickerton Portable Shopper

This was a donation to the Bikes For NHS project, but hasn't been suitable for anyone. I've told the guy who donated it and he's asked me to sell it and use the money on the other bikes.

Everything seems to work, though it's a rather odd ride. Also comes with original manual and carrier bag.
Pick up from my workshop SE18 5NR, nearest train station Woolwich Dockyard. was £150 Now £120 Now £90or best offer.

I’ve never seen these so looked them up. They still exist selling generic Dahon looking folders but there’s some heritage info on the website;

‘Harry Bickerton, having worked as an engineer at both Rolls Royce and Dehavilland, confronted with transport difficulties resulting from a driving ban’

He was obviously still drunk when he designed this bike.

Anyway, glws and the project in general.

The new company has only the slightest connection with the old. I think a family member reviving the name.

These things ride surprisingly well if you can get past the springy handlebars.

Fold as small as a Brompton and a nicer package to carry.

Mine had ludicrously high gearing which combined with the lack of leverage on the bars made it no fun on any sort of hill. A bigger sprocket on the back solves that.

I wouldn’t mind a look at the instruction book if you don’t get any takers. Those are pretty rare and I don’t think anyone’s put it online that I’ve seen.

Yup, Harry Bickerton was an aircraft engineer, which is why he used aluminium, a material he was familiar with. He designed it so he could ride to the pub in his village and then fold it up to get it in the cab when he went home. I think the new company is run by Mark Bickerton, his son.
They’re scarily flexible, and you have to adopt a certain riding style else the bloody thing whips in several different directions at once. Fun once you get used to it though.

They’re scarily flexible, and you have to adopt a certain riding style else the bloody thing whips in several different directions at once. Fun once you get used to it though.

This is a pretty accurate description. None of the NHS workers who've dropped by have wanted to do the "get used to it" part!

I’ve ridden one and can confirm they’re great fun. It’s like riding a normal bike when pissed and you just have to remind yourself almost constantly to keep it going straight(ish).

I had two in my garage until about 6 months ago that I did occasionally use and agree all the descriptions about the flex are spot-on. GLWS for a fun, if initially slightly concerning ride.

Price drop £120

They’re scarily flexible, and you have to adopt a certain riding style else the bloody thing whips in several different directions at once. Fun once you get used to it though.

You have a different idea of fun.

@edmundro very drunk and lacking any co ordination helps.

Price drop to £90, would be great to have this collected as I need the space. Ebay next week.

Always fancied one of these for the lolz - imagine smashing past all the Brompton folks with this! Those bars 👌

Looks like a low pro?

PMd you @William - first dibs, assuming it'll fit!

I bought one on eBay a year or so ago, along with the bag and original manual. I may scan the manual and convert it to a .pdf when I get round to it. Mine is the no gear version, which I prefer, as its considerably lighter, which is the main attraction of the things. I know they get frequently maligned by cyclists who are comparing them to other bikes, but I don't think that's quite fare. It is more reasonable to compare them to having no bike, because that is the situation when I have come to appreciate that mine lives in the back of my van all the time and has given me the opportunity to accompany friends on a recreational ride or to reach a destination that I couldn't park for free anywhere near to.