1942 Raleigh Commando Folding Military Bicycle WW2 Prototype

The government went with BSA’s patent design for a folding paratrooper bicycle in 1942. Raleigh subsequently stated that their ‘Commando’ was still at the prototype stage when the war ended, and not many of the frames were built up into bicycles.

 

1942 Raleigh Commando Folding Military Bicycle

WW2 Prototype

22″ Frame

26″ Wheels

(Now sold)

During World War 2, the British government chose the BSA Airborne for its paratroopers instead of the Raleigh Commando folding bicycle. So most remained unused, stored as frames. According to an article in Cycling magazine of 2 February, 1944, Raleigh fitted up some of these to give to its managers, and I assume that the one I have here is one of those. This example is believed to be one of four surviving examples of the WW2 Raleigh Commando folding bicycle in the UK. I don’t know if there are any others abroad. It’s ready to jump on and ride.