Canadian paratrooper on a BSA airborne bicycle 1944, in England.
There are two basic models of the BSA airborne bicycle. I have arbitrarily called them “First Model” and “Second Model”.
In the UK some collectors have noted other differences, but there is not enough information to create full categories. It may be that there is the “very early” variation, and possibly even a “very late” version. Much more research needs to be done however there appear to be no factory records.
So far there is no indication of official “Marks” terminology being applied to these bikes or the military even paying any attention to the variations listed below.
Then there are the post-war derivatives. A non-folding one was called the “Parabike” and this appears to be a civilian name. Collectors, mainly in the UK, use it to describe the wartime BSA Airborne Bicycle but that is in error as best I can tell.
FIRST MODEL – Twin tubes between the saddle (seat) and the pedals.
SECOND MODEL – Single fat tube between the saddle (seat) and the pedals.
Here is a 1943 British Pathe news wartime film showing the BSA Airborne Bicycle (Second Model) and the Welbike MK. II being manufactured:
Here are photos of one second model BSA airborne bicycle that was in my collection. Serial number R37618 was still in very original condition. The tool pouch and tools were not fitted for this photo session.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – ready for use with pedals are in the out position for use. Due to the fragile WAR GRADE tires I did not ride this one.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Folded for storage or parachuting or loading into a glider. For parachuting it would be turned upside down.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of left hand grip. Bakelite (?) outer shell over cardboard. BSA logo.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – folded position showing detail of right brake lever assembly.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of right handbrake attachment.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – BSA Model 40 saddle (seat).
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of BSA MODEL 40 marking on saddle (seat). “MADE IN ENGLAND / B.S.A. / MODEL 40 NUMBER”
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Underside of the saddle (seat).
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Serial number on left side of frame where rear axle is attached. Note the “R” prefix.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of seat post.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – WAR GRADE tire tread, rear brake assembly.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Front fork and partial view of the front decals (transfers).
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Front axle. Note that both front forks each have a washer welded in place on the backside. This appears to be for mounting a fender, but these bicycles were all issued without fenders as far as I know. This seems to be a left-over feature from civilian bike production.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Front fork showing black paint under the army green. Note also the two washers, apparently for attaching non-existant fenders.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Bicycle pump in storage location.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – “Lastwel APEX Inflator” Bicycle pump in storage location. Several manufacturers’ brands have been observed.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of seat post.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – folded position showing detail of front brake and decals (transfers).
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – folded position showing detail of decals (transfers).
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – folded position showing detail of upper hinge. My apology as the focus is not correct.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – folded position showing detail of lower hinge.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of the two frame hinge points for folding and the large wing-nuts. Also the push in peg pedals.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – BSA crank set – pedal is in the out position for use.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of left pedal in extended position for use.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of left pedal in retracted position for transportation and storage.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – Detail of decal (transfer) on seat tube. BSA piled rifles “TRADE MARK” and letters BSA underneath. These have been seen in silver as well as in gold colour.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – A WAR GRADE tire tread.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – WAR GRADE tire tread.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – An original WAR GRADE tire marking showing the raised marking “WAR GRADE”. Rubber was in short supply as the Japanese had captured the Malayan rubber plantations in 1941.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – WAR GRADE tore marking.
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – A WAR GRADE tire marking “MADE IN ENGLAND”
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – An original WAR GRADE tire marking showing the raised marking “MADE IN ENGLAND”
British Army BSA airborne bicycle, 2nd model, made circa 1943 serial number R37618 – An original WAR GRADE tire marking showing the raised marking “MICHELIN”. This was one of several manufacturers.
