BSA Folding Bicycle

rob love · #1 13-02-11, 17:42

http://cgi.ebay.ca/1942-BSA-Airborne...item53e608879b

Above listing is for a BSA folding bike on ebay. The seller tried to sell it in two parts (frame and crank in one auction, wheels and brakes in another) but the buyer forgot to ask his wife if he could buy it so it has ended up being offered again. It would have sold for a little over $1050.

It is now reaching $1000 with 5 hours to go. (Edited to add: sold for $1140). This bike actually has about the same amount of original parts (maybe even less) than what I started with. The wheels and tires, one crank, all the brakes are not original to a para bike, and the seat is altogether missing. Handlebars are bent.

When I got this pile of bike, I was embarrassed by what I had. There wasn't a lot there, and it was pretty weathered. I am starting to think that it may turn out OK.

There are a couple of other BSA bikes on ebay now, in the $3,000 to $4,000 range. Not selling mind you, but listed at those prices. Where does the madness end? I have bought Jeeps in running and roadworthy condition for less.

horsa · #2 13-02-11, 17:57

Hey Rob,

I'd think that your bike will be worth a lot more once completed than the other comps you posted. Yours is the much harder to find early pattern with the offset saddle mount.

The folding bikes have always seemed to be expensive compared to other military vehicles. I think one of the draws for people is their size. A reenactor or collector living in an apartment can store a bike a lot easier than they could a jeep or a carrier. Welbikes followed the same trend and were always about three times the price of a folding bike. When a nice bike was $500, the Welbikes were in the $1200-1500 price range. Now they seem to be in the $5000-8000 range for a runner.

Similar thoughts to the crazy prices on the carrier tools and accessories on the other discussion. The bar keeps getting raised.

rob love · #3 13-02-11, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsa

Hey Rob,

I'd think that your bike will be worth a lot more once completed than the other comps you posted. Yours is the much harder to find early pattern with the offset saddle mount.

You'll have to explain that one to me Gordon. I don't see anything unusual about mine, but I will bow to your superior knowledge. Note that in the photo back in post #4, the bike has been mostly disassembled and the pieces are not necessarily in their exact proper places.

I am not bothered about the end worth (although I am worried about the cost to do a reasonable restoration). Pretty sure it is going to just end up on the workshop wall as a display piece, or else down in the gunroom. Perhaps it will end up strapped on the back of the Bren carrier once that project is completed.

horsa · #4 13-02-11, 18:32

Actually my mistake after looking at your photo again. I didn't notice that the post the saddle is mounted onto is pulled out of the frame support. At first glance, it looked like it was one of the first pattern frames. They welded the short pipe the saddle sits onto the front of the upright frame support. The second pattern has the short piece of pipe necked down to fit inside of the upright frame support like you find on most modern bikes.

rob love · #5 13-02-11, 18:39

I thought that might be what you were thinking. My bike seems to be a run of the mill, middle of production bike.