How have bikes evolved over 70 years?

May 9, 2022

As we’re sure you know, it’s the Queen’s Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne. She has seen so many changes in the world, and bikes are no exception.

The Cruiser – a classic of the 50’s and 60’s

The Cruiser was developed way back in 1930’s USA but gained its popularity in the 50’s and 60’s. The bicycle had a stable steel frame, single speed mechanicals and balloon tires. It was a product unlike any other, being an adaption of the cruiser motorbikes from WW2. The product came with a faux petrol tank and a battery powered headlight that defined the look of this classic. However, as time progressed, bikes started to become far lighter, meaning that the market shifted to cyclists preferring the European inspired racing bikes. This unfortunately led to the cruisers eventual decline in sales.

Choppers, BMX and Mountain Bikes, the thrills of the 70s & 80s

As new build techniques improved, the demand for a new bike interpretation of a classic motorcycle, the Chopper arose. Created as a kid’s bike, the most notable features of the bike were its banana seat (that made carrying passengers and doing wheelies easier) and the ape hanger handlebars. The Raleigh Chopper was one of the best-selling children’s bikes in the UK and the model is considered a classic amongst collectors and in the childhood memories of many.

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The BMX was also inspired by a motorbike. Developed from motocross bikes, they began their life in the 70’s but really exploded into popularity, especially in the UK, in the 80’s where they became the must have for all kids and teenagers. They’re still rather popular today, with riders of all ages choosing this classic bike.

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Next up came the Mountain Bike, born from the realisation that off-road cycling was a struggle, especially for riding down rugged hillsides. A hybrid of the BMX and a road bike was needed. Old Cruisers were modified by riders for off-road terrains as their balloon tires were readily available and could endure a lot, and their heavy and sturdy steel frame came in use for slamming against rocks and but were too heavy in mud. So, through the 70’s and 80’s companies started to develop bikes that were fit for the off-road experience. These bikes were far lighter and used durable materials like aluminium. Much like the BMX, Mountain Bikes are a popular choice for both children and adults and have definitely stood the test of time.

 

 

Electric Bikes, taking the strain of the Millennium

The concept of electric bikes dates back to the late 19th century but it wasn’t until the now that battery technology has been sufficiently advanced to really enable these bikes to take off. Bikes have come on leaps and bounds and there are now many model types and battery sizes suitable for any type of rider, this bike is a fantastic way to get around and makes cycling accessible to a wider age range. To round off our 70 years of bikes all together, take a look at this electric Cruiser-style bike, now that faux tank isn’t so faux anymore!

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If you’re interested in any of our BMX’sMountain Bikes or Electric Bikes, take a look at our huge range and even save yourself some money on our selected Jubilee offers.

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Enter our Jubilee competition!

We’re celebrating in style! Be in with the chance of winning a stylish new bike or a £70 giftcard. Head to our Instagram or Facebook to enter today!

Terms and Conditions:

The competition will end on Wednesday 1st June at 2pm. The winners for each weekly prize will be announced on Saturday 4th June 2022 on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Eligibility: Employees of Cycle King or those associated with the operation or promotion of the competition are ineligible to enter. Any such entries are invalid. For delivery of the prize, you will be required to be available at a specified time and place.

Entry: Entrants must like, comment and follow @cyclekinguk on the associated social media platform (Instagram or Facebook). Entrants may enter as many times as they wish by tagging multiple accounts.

The prize: Each entrant is limited to winning one prize per competition. The prize is subject to availability and to winner confirmation. The Promoter will not deliver the prize to any address outside of mainland UK.

The first selected winner will win a Snob Halo. The second will win a Bridgford bike. The third selected will win an Ammaco Axis and then fourth will win a £70 giftcard. No cash alternative will be provided and any prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

If for any reason the winner chooses not to take up the prize or any part of the prize, the promoter reserves the right to ask the winner to confirm this in writing and, whether or not such confirmation is received, the promoter will be able to retain or dispose of the prize (or part of the prize) at its own discretion.

The Promoter will endravour to deliver the prize to the winner within fourteen (14) working days from the date of winner confirmation. The prize will only be posted to a UK mainland address directly associated with the winner, the Promoter does not accept liability in the instance that the address given by the winner is incorrect or changed.

Winner selection:

Unless stated otherwise in the interaction information, the winner will be randomly selected, and subject to eligibility and winner confirmation (and, for competitions where entrants are required to provide information, providing such information correctly).

The winners will be contacted as soon as practicable on or after the competition date. The winners will be contacted by the Promoter either via direct message or a reply to their post on social media, depending on which platform they entered on. Once the winner has been contacted, they must send a direct message to The Promoter to receive their prize. The Promoter will try to contact the winner over a 4-week period.

If the winners cannot be contacted or successful contact is not made within the time periods set out this may result in forfeiture of the prize and the Promoter reserves the right to disqualify that entrant (without further liability to that entrant) and offer the prize to the next eligible entrant and thereafter until a winner is found.

Contact Details and Further Information:

If you have a comment, query or complaint about the Promotion you may register it by phone on 01223 214999. You will need to provide some or all of the following information:

(a) Your name

(b) Your email address

(c) The IP address of your computer

(d) If possible, your internet service provider

(e) The date(s) and time(s) when you experienced problems

(f) The nature of the problem you experienced

(g) A contact telephone number you can be reached on, if necessary

Queries will be addressed as soon as possible.

If you require any information to be provided in an alternative format for accessibility reasons, we will be happy to discuss your requirements and endeavour to provide a suitable alternative.