1962 BSA Star Sprite Model J3

HIGH FIDELITY CYCLING – IT’S THE CRAZE

BSA high fidelity cycling is not just a phrase coined to attract attention – it’s a fact, brought about by a combination of superb, up-to-the-minute design and the finest manufacturing methods in the world. You’ve only to “ride around the block” to realize that the hi fi transfer on the seat or down tube of a BSA really means something. And you get it only on a BSA.

From the late forties until the mid-fifties in Britain the bicycle was a primary means of transportation for many people. In the USA, however, adolescents often drove cars by their mid-teens and less adults rode bicycles. Cycle manufacturers therefore aimed their advertising at a powerful new ‘teen’ market.

British manufacturers had been exporting to America since the end of the war to help repay the American war loans. So the American market was very familiar and, always looking for a new marketing angle, they would have wanted to create a similar ‘youth market’ here.

By the late 1950s, American music and teenage culture was starting to influence formal British styles, and this resulted in a delightful genre of naive advertising, broadly summarized as square adults trying to ‘speak the language’ of teenagers. For example, as you can see here, BSA cashed in on the new trend of ‘high fidelity’ records by bringing out a range of ‘high fidelity’ bicycles:

‘A bike is a lot of fun. Knocking around with the gang – nipping up to the club – the disc session at Jill’s place – it’s great. You’re on the beat when you’re on a bike.’

1962 BSA Star Sprite

Girls, Model J3

16″ Frame

20″ Wheels

The BSA Star Sprite Girls’ bicycle is a rare survivor, 100% original and complete. The original paintwork and transfers (decals) are intact though weathered. The saddle is in lovely condition. It had new tyres and tubes fitted three years ago. Some air in the tyres and a service and it’s ready to ride.