Recession fuels sales of retro bicycles

The recession appears to be fuelling an appetite for nostalgic goods ranging from comfort foods to traditionally-styled bicycles.

Of the 2.5 million bicycle sold in Britain each year, an increasing number are traditional, hand-built models from companies like Moulton, Brompton and Pashley.

Pashley Cycles is Britain’s longest-running bicycle maker and sales of its range of hand-built bikes, with evocative names like the Roadster Sovereign, Princess and Guv’nor, are up 100 per cent.

The ‘sit-up and beg’ bikes, so named for the upright position of the rider, boast more than retro styling; frames are built by hand the quality of components is more durable that those fitted to the cheaper alternatives.

While Britain buys around 2.5 million bikes mainly from China and Taiwan each year, an interest in British craftsmanship and classically-styled bikes is good news for the likes of Pashley, Brompton and Moulton.

Protect your bike from theft

Hand-built bicycles like those from Pashley, Moulton and Brompton command good prices on the second-hand market, which makes them particularly attractive to thieves.

According to research only 2 per cent of cyclists have adequate insurance . You may be covered on your household insurance policy, but read the small print. Spend a little time doing research before you buy cycle insurance as some providers offer much more for your money. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike.

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