Bickerton (bicycle)

TCK Group of Aston bought the manufacturing licence, and increased production up to 1,000 bikes a year during the 1973 oil crisis.

Bickerton took back the licence, but resold it to an Australian company based in Melbourne, who established world sales licenses in Germany, the US, and Sweden.

Finally, Bickerton produced bikes again in the UK from Welwyn Garden City, trading successfully until the late 1980s.

A version with a 16-inch front wheel weighed 12.5 kg, more than the very competitive and compact steel Bromptons that were being mass produced from 1988.

Bickerton's son Mark continuing to explore diversification options, including the rebranding and sale of cheaper Dahon folders.

They had to learn to minimise flex in the long, sweeping handlebars, frame and seat post, requiring no sudden movements or application of too much force while riding.

The small, 14-inch front wheel and straight fork, made of pressed aluminium, did not 'centre' like a conventional bike.