I think this is my first time posting in this C&V forum, but I had to mention an opportunity that I ALMOST had to those of you who may be interested.

I do some work with a University owned home/apartment rental office, and occasionally we happen upon abandoned/forgotten items once tenants have moved out. Well we just acquired a new complex and I was checking out the property and happened upon a BSA folding paratroop bike from WWII, and started asking around. It was in a basement with only ragged odds and ends strewn about, not really an actively used basement. That was yesterday, and after an evening of imagining the restoration project at my fingertips I headed back to work today.

Well long story short, I found the owner of the bike this morning, and he sadly had NO intention of getting rid of it. Apparently an old friend who has since passed away gave the bike to him years ago. He's not a cyclist, or even a "real" bike collector, just a guy who has no intention of restoring an old, not-road worthy bike. So there it sits in storage, likely until eternity, never to be ridden or really appreciated again. I left him my phone number just in case, but truly doubt I'll ever hear back from him.

I'm wondering, does anyone on this forum own one, and how of these things were even made? I saw one selling on ebay for an ungodly price, and other than two that are posted on youtube, I can't find ANYTHING on these things.

-Jeremy

The LBS has two, stashed in his warehouse. They really did jump from airplanes with these things, and then assemble them and ride away. Seems a little ********, today, but weapons weren't as good back then, I suppose.

You did the right thing, btw...

Great story and I echo luker. Well done in the honesty department!

Welcome to C&V. Where are the posters are kind and helpful--- and eventually might be able to help you find that classic bike you seek. Visit and post often. The only bad question is the one not asked.