Vintage Bicycles

Bicycles created in the 1940s and 1950s are classed as vintage items as those which have survived are over 50 to 60 years old. Most bicycles created during the ‘40s and ‘50s were born out of necessity due to the fuel rationing of World War II, but the rationing of other raw materials used in the bicycles’ production meant the makers of vintage bicycles had to be innovative, yet they never lost sight of creating a stylish mode of transport.

Many vintage bicycles were created during the ‘40s and ‘50s for practical uses, such as delivery bikes which were built for use by the post office and for parcel delivery, while others were simply built to be sturdy, reliable and affordable transport for those left at home.

The military bicycle was a design manufactured by BSA in the UK and used by British soldiers in World War II who were dropped into Europe by parachute. The parachutists were able to strap the folded bike to themselves during the drop, and upon landing had fast and manoeuvrable transport.

Bicycles made during this time reflect the era and the purpose of their creation and if you have family who lived through the war, or even if you remember growing up after the war, a vintage bicycle is evocative of the meagre but often innovative times.

Or you may be captivated by the ‘vintage’ style and have a collection of pieces from the middle of last century which recreate the feeling and the look of the era. You may also be involved in cycling yourself or have an interest in the sport or the creation of the bicycles, and you are therefore captivated by a display of vintage bike art.

Because vintage bikes so effectively capture the style of the 1940s and ‘50s, they are often the subject of art, either photographic or hand drawn, which makes displaying a vintage bicycle as art in your home a little more practical.

If you are interested in bicycle wall art, you don’t have to find room in your home to hang a complete bike, as there are a number of artists and galleries dedicated to creating and displaying vintage wall art, and vintage bicycles are a very cooperative model to work from.