Brian Laffoley
In March of last year I wrote about "a year with a Bickerton"; as a parting shot, I wrote that I might try and put a Dahon Speed 6 handle bar set onto it. Well, getting the 'Bick' back on the road has been a back burner project for me over the last year. One day I mentioned the project to a fellow 'folder on the train into Edinburgh and the next day I was presented with a set of Dahon handle bars, so I was committed!!
After a few weeks looking at alternative solutions I found a method of converting the Bick to take the Dahon Handle bars which was relatively easy. Firstly remove the gear changer and brake levers from the old bars. Then remove the handle bars and the aluminium block that connects them to the bike, this block is held on with some spring clips that can be drifted out with a blunt nail and a hammer!!
Take the original handle bars and remove one of the handle tubes from the U-shaped other part of the bars.
The next stage commits you to finishing the job! Cut 13cm of tube off of the U-shaped tube. This 13cm piece of tube complete with its original handle clamp is the section that joins the Dahon Handle bars to the old steering system. This 13cm section can then be clamped to the stump of tube that is all that left on the bike of the original steering system. (so now this original section is now upside down). The Dahon handle bars can now be inserted into the top of this 13cm section and tightened up using the nut that can be seen when the bars are in the folded position to expand the bolt into the 13cm section.
Replace the gear changer and the brake levers and you are done.
Note the above all worked for me, However with different models of handle bars and bikes, the mod may be more difficult. So if you do follow the above instructions it is at your own risk!!.
Dahon handle bars can be purchased from Dahon for around 20 pounds (if you don't get given them by a
friend) and a second hand Bick can be picked up for around £50 - so for £70
you can have an OK folder. Ideal as a second folder or as a cheap first folder. However I still wouldn't try going up hills on
it!!
As an interesting note, when you order the handle bar from Dahon you may speak to a nice chap called Mr Bickerton, I believe he is related to original designer of the Bickerton!! [Mark Bickerton - Harry Bickerton's son - Ed]
...this years project?? To convert the Bick into an electric bike (maybe!!).
Copyright (C)2003 Ferrets Anonymous
Last updated: 28 December 2003
URL: http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/bickerton70.html