Pashley Bikes, a quintessentially British brand, has been proudly producing hand-built, high-quality bicycles since its inception in 1926. Combining traditional techniques with modern innovation, Pashley bikes have earned a reputation for their timeless design, durability, and impeccable craftsmanship. With a rich history spanning nearly a century, the company remains one of the last-standing British bicycle manufacturers, boasting a range of classic and contemporary models.
The brand’s humble beginnings can be traced back to William “Rath” Pashley, who founded the company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Over the years, Pashley Bikes has evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing market, with an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and style. Today, they continue to hand-build their bicycles using time-honoured techniques, combining passion and expertise to produce a truly remarkable product.
Pashley offers a diverse range of bicycles to cater to different riders and purposes. Their collection includes elegant city bikes, such as the Princess and the Britannia, which blend classic design with modern functionality. For those seeking a more rugged option, the Parabike and the Countryman offer versatility and style in equal measure. Furthermore, Pashley has collaborated with esteemed British brands, such as Morgan and Guv’nor, to create unique limited-edition models that exude sophistication and luxury.
Pashley Princess
The Pashley Princess is an iconic bicycle that exudes elegance and vintage charm, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate classic British design. This beautiful city bike is perfect for leisurely rides, daily commutes, and weekend explorations. The Princess comes in two distinct models: the Princess Sovereign and the Princess Classic.
Both models feature a hand-built steel frame, a traditional Brooks B66S leather saddle, and a classic looped frame design. The Sovereign is equipped with additional features, such as a 5-speed hub gear system, dynamo-powered lighting, and a fully enclosed chain case, while the Classic has a simpler 3-speed hub gear system. You can expect to pay approximately £750 for the Princess Classic and around £995 for the Princess Sovereign.
Pashley Britannia
The Britannia’s hand-built frame is crafted from steel, ensuring durability and a comfortable ride. Its vintage-inspired design is complemented by a colour-coordinated chainguard and mudguards, while the upright riding position offers excellent visibility and control. The Britannia comes with a Sturmey Archer 5-speed hub gear system, providing riders with a range of gears for tackling varied terrain.
Additional features of the Britannia include a Brooks B67s leather saddle for optimal comfort, a sturdy rear carrier for carrying essentials, and a frame-fitting lock for added security. The bicycle is also equipped with a traditional ding-dong bell and a dynamo-powered front and rear lighting system for increased safety. You can expect to pay approximately £995 for this model.
Pashley Parabike
The Pashley Parabike is a versatile and distinctive bicycle that draws inspiration from the iconic World War II-era folding paratrooper bikes. With its unique design and multi-purpose functionality, the Parabike is a popular choice for riders seeking a reliable and eye-catching bicycle for various terrains.
The Parabike features a hand-built, robust steel frame with a distinctive duplex-tube design that ensures a comfortable and stable ride. Its geometry provides an upright riding position, promoting excellent visibility and control. The Parabike is equipped with a Sturmey Archer 5-speed hub gear system, offering a wide range of gears for tackling hills and flats with ease.
Additional features of the Parabike include a Brooks B67 leather saddle for optimal comfort, full-length mudguards to protect against road debris, and a sturdy rear carrier for carrying essentials. The bike is fitted with Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires, providing excellent grip and puncture protection on various surfaces. You can expect to pay approximately £825 for this model.
Pashley Countryman
The Pashley Countryman is a refined and versatile bicycle designed for riders who seek a high-performance bike that also embodies classic British aesthetics. This elegant touring bike is suitable for long-distance adventures, daily commutes, and weekend rides.
The Countryman features a hand-built Reynolds 531 steel frame, which is lightweight yet robust, ensuring a comfortable and responsive ride. Its geometry offers a slightly more aggressive riding position compared to other Pashley models, providing improved efficiency and control. The bike is equipped with a Sturmey Archer 8-speed hub gear system, allowing for a wide range of gears to tackle various terrains with ease.
Additional features of the Countryman include a Brooks Swift leather saddle for superior comfort and support, a tubular alloy rear carrier for carrying essentials, and full-length mudguards to protect against road debris. The bike also comes with a front dynamo hub, powering the B&M LED lighting system for enhanced visibility and safety. This is a flagship model of these 4 options and retails for around £1,395.
Pashley Bikes is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic British craftsmanship and timeless design. Each hand-built bicycle offers not only style and elegance but also functionality and durability, making them an ideal choice for discerning riders who value quality and heritage. With a wide range of models like the Princess, Britannia, Parabike, and Countryman, Pashley caters to a variety of cycling needs and preferences, ensuring that every rider can find their perfect match. Investing in a Pashley bicycle is more than just a purchase; it’s embracing a piece of British cycling history that will continue to delight and inspire for years to come.
