They are well known for creating cute and fashionable bicycles that hark back to the styles of yesteryear.
If you want to know more about the Pashley bicycle brand, look no further, because we’ve got all of the information below, including some of their ergonomic features. Simply keep reading to find out more.
Where It All Started
Before we jump straight into talking about the bikes themselves, first let’s take a look at some of the brand’s history.
Some of you may be surprised to find out that Pashley Bicycles started way back in the 1920s. In 1926, the founder, a man called William Rathbone Pashley founded the company ‘Pashley and Barber’.
The goal of the company was to create as many different bicycles as possible, in a variety of different sizes.
These included a whole host of different bicycles, including the famous tandem, as well as tradesmen carriers, and regular roadsters.
Pashley was an engineering expert due to his service in WW1, where he worked as a dispatch rider. He took a massive interest in all things that were transported with wheels, and this inspired him to start the company.
During The War
Previous to the war, Pashley decided that they would need to find a niche for their brand so that they had a specific selling point.
They decided to produce sturdy bicycles that would primarily be designed for paper boys running errands.
These could withstand a high level of use, and were produced in Pashley’s factory which used the highest quality materials available.
After this, WW2 hit, and like many other companies, the brand decided that they would need to aid the war effort in some way. Pashleys manufacturing company, which had previously exclusively made bicycles, began to produce military equipment.
Because of the restrictions that were placed on fuel during the war, Pashley bicycles became increasingly popular, as people didn’t have the money to pay to get around by car.
More and more people started bicycling to get around.
The Summer Of Love
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Pashley bicycles really began to take off and increase in popularity. Many of the designs that we witness today that are produced by the company are reminiscent of the ones from this era.
Dick, Pashley’s son, took control of the company, and helped it to reach new heights. He invented what we now know as the Pashley Picador, this was a regular bicycle that boasted a basket on the back, on which people could easily carry and transport their shopping.
By the 1970s, Pashley had built a lucrative partnership with the Royal Mail, which is the postal service in the United Kingdom.
Royal Mail Contacted Pashley and asked them if they would be able to provide bikes for them that their postal service could use.
Pashley Today
In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the desire for modernity became apparent, and Parsley began producing generic sporting bicycles that were in a BMX style.
This was a far cry from the bicycles they had previously produced, but were nevertheless, popular.
It was not until the 2000’s however, that Pashley bicycles reached their former glory, as more and more people began to take interest in vintage bicycles.
British made bicycles in particular, grew in popularity, and the brand took advantage of this and started to release more classic looking models.
These mainly consisted of bicycles that had loop frames, and boasted a wicker basket on the front to carry items.
The manufacturers actually sifted through catalogs that were from the 1930’s in order to make perfect recreations.
The Features Of Pashley Bicycles
If you’ve considered investing in a Pashley bicycle, chances are that you’re curious about some of the different features that they boast. Below we’ve listed some of the main ergonomic features of the bicycles.
Weight
Pashley bicycles are made from the finest quality materials, and this makes them slightly weightier than other bicycles.
This can be cumbersome, but it guarantees that the ride is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Their lightest model is the Poppy, which weighs in at 17kg.
Posture
One of the best things about Pashley bikes is that they’re completely adjustable to suit your posture. They are primarily designed to be upright bikes, helping to reduce tension in your back, arms and wrists.
All of your weight should sit on your bottom half.
Maintenance
In terms of how easy these bikes are to maintain, they’re actually super easy in terms of maintenance. They have gears and breaks which can be safely tucked away under the bike.
This means that they won’t incur any damage.
The chain, just like the rest of the bike, is made from an incredibly high quality material, which ensures that it won’t tarnish and subsequently stand the test of time.
Surface
In terms of surface, Pashley bikes are best suited to commuting and leisure bicycling.
They can be taken on cycle paths and roads, and although they are incredibly durable, shouldn’t be taken over rough surfaces which could be potentially bumpy.
This is because the saddle is somewhat loose, and could be uncomfortable to travel on.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Pashley bicycles have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are taking an interest in vintage items.
The company has begun to produce models that are based on real bicycles from their catalogs in the 1930’s.
Their bikes are of a very high quality, and are made from the very finest materials, guaranteeing that they will stand the test of time.
Those who are lovers of vintage – look bicycles will most definitely have come across the Pashley brand during their research.
They are well known for creating cute and fashionable bicycles that hark back to the styles of yesteryear.
If you want to know more about the Pashley bicycle brand, look no further, because we’ve got all of the information below, including some of their ergonomic features.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
