Second Pattern BSA Paratrooper Bicycle Register

[Mercian]

Hi All,

To go alongside the register I'm compiling of First Pattern BSA Paratrooper bikes here:

First Pattern BSA Paratrooper Bicycle Register | Military Bicycles

Hi All, The recent discussion about the number of First Pattern BSA Paratrooper bikes made has shown how little knowledge of the Fisrt and Second type BSA exist. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/worth-of-original-pattern-one-folding-bicycle.212751/ Other than the Serial Number list compiled...

thecabe.com

I am compiling a list of Second type BSA's in existance, to try to expand the knowledge base on them.

Other than the Serial Number list compiled by Captain Stevens, which he admits is years out of date, there is almost no detailed information out there.

BSA Airborne Bicycle Survivors – www.captainstevens.com

I intend for this to be a listing of Second Pattern BSA's, (single saddle stem tubes).

If you'd like to contribute, please post at least a photo of the bike, the Serial Number, , web link and location (if possible), and any other details you may have. There are bound to be duplications occasionally, but that's not a problem. I'll record what I can, and publish it here from time to time in the same way I do the Columbia anf Huffman G519 details.

A good summary of Second Pattern bikes, and their history by @Wing Your Heel can be found here, and several examples shown in this, and the first pattern thread are from his Online Bicycle Museum, a very useful resource, thanks:

1942-1945 WW2 BSA Airborne Bicycle: Second Pattern | Military Bicycles

The BSA airborne bicycle was used in battle, but not as much as originally planned. The plan appears to have been that the bicycles would be mass produced and make the airborne soldiers mobile once they had landed. It was better and faster than walking. The British Airborne Forces used a few on...

thecabe.com

Thank you for your help.

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[Mercian]

R57543 of jbeer1212 in Maryland

Photo Credit: JBeer1212

WW2 Bsa Paratrooper Bike | Military Bicycles

Here is a pretty complete and original BSA Para-bike. I think the paint is original too. The only things off are the grips and the seat from what I can tell. I wonder what the reflective tape is designating, has anyone seen this before? I am helping a friend sell it so I intend to list it, but...

thecabe.com

 

[ditchpig]

Thanks Adrian, this is a great project!
Kryn Zedel
Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Frame #R 35765 found in 2021 in Saskatchewan.
Ridden frequently. Built up with non original correct size wheels, coaster brake, quick release pedals on original crank. Longer stem with riser bars, Excelsior saddle. Frame retains some original paint.

 

[Mercian]

R56008 of HomageToJackVintage in New York

Photo Credits: HomageToJackVintage

BSA airborne bicycle/WW2 folding bike pattern 2/military - Etsy France

BSA airborne bicycle/WW2 folding bike pattern 2/military bike/antique bicycle/militaria/bicycle collector/WW2/portable bike. ******Please read entire description before purchasing**** A very rare WW2 folding bicycle. These bicycles were folded and strapped to the men when parashooting out of

www.etsy.com

I'm copying across images from sale listings such as Etsy, Ebay, Catawiki etc, since these tend to vanish after a while.

 

[ditchpig]

Are you going to combine/transfer over the bikes recorded by Capt. Stevens?

 

[Mercian]

Hi @ditchpig

I was in two minds about that. Capt Stevens' list is important because it was the first attempt to do something like this, but it has stalled for many years now, and really doesn't tell us much more than most of those bikes still exist. (I know of one subsequently destroyed, I used to own it).

I'm hoping that by using the pictures and other information available on the internet today, I can build a list like the G519 listings where you can see more or less when changes occurred to the bikes.

I'm thinking of trying to list:
Serial Number
Frame type
Hinge type
Quill type
Pedal crank type
Original colour
Place and owner (or information source) at the time it was recorded.

Can you think of anything else useful? As with the G519 lists, I don't intend to keep track of who the current owner is, I'm only really interested in the bikes themselves.

So, yes, I'll probably use the bits of Capt. Stevens' list I can verify, with acknowledgement to him as the primary source. I could, of course, contact him through his site and ask permission? Perhaps that would be sensible.

Best Regards,

Adrian

 

[Mercian]

R21622 of Conner at San Diego

Note the BSA marked wingnuts. You occasionally see these, but I have no idea if they are replacements.

1940s BSA Paratrooper Military WWII Restored | Sell - Trade: Complete Bicycles

Selling my restored BSA Paratrooper bicycle. This bike was recently restored and is in perfect condition. Everything on it is correct down to the original hardware (except for the modern tires which are the same tread as the originals). These bikes are very hard to find because they we used...

thecabe.com

 

[Mercian]

R51144 of @HARPO in New York

Picture Credit: Harpo

 

[Mercian]

R33053 of @Burnsie in Colorado

Grandpa's WW2 BSA Airborne Bicycle refurbishment | Military Bicycles

Hi, I've been reading this forum to help me lightly restore my grandfather's WW2 BSA Airborne Bicycle 2nd Pattern. Thanks for all you've done already to get me on the right path. It's in generally good working condition but needs a couple things. This BSA is my 2nd very cool vintage bicycle. My...

thecabe.com

 

[Mercian]

R25939 of @Godevil in France

BSA bicycle | Military Bicycles

Hi, Find my frame (number R25939) :D:D With some parts Now, i research to complete my bicycle ! Anyone have forks, Wheel, saddle ? Thanks

thecabe.com