BRITISH BIKE GUIDE
THANKS TO THE WORLDWIDE ISSUES AT THE moment, we couldn't bring you the usual supplement on British postwar bikes; instead we've decided to serialize it in the mag. So, welcome to part one of Classic Bike Guide's British Bike Guide!
We've attempted to put as many of the postwar · British bikes together, with a few column inches about some of the main bikes built from the end of the Second World War, with an archive or contemporary photo to help identification.
Much of it was written by our very own Frank Westworth, so there are some personal observations with witty opinions - you'll notice he loves Matchless and Norton ... It's not definitive, it's not a story of the British bike industry and it's not a buying guide. And there will be some we've missed and some you'll disagree with, so let us know!
But this is here to give a brief insight into the many, many bikes manufactured in the UKthat may be of interest to you, or indeed someone you know who may be getting into the world we all (mostly) love. ·
WHAT'S THE BEST MODEL FOR ME?
Interest rates are at an all-time low and buying a(nother) classic bike is easy! Getting the right bike for you is slightly less so though, so if the classic bug has firmly bitten and your savings are currently sizzling away in your pocket, there are a few honest, even harsh, questions you need to ask yourself before you decide which bike to go for.
How much use will it get? Do you like working on bikes or just riding them? What will you use it for?
If you're used to a modern bike with turnkey reliability, power aplenty and you are planning to cover decent miles, then a later bike, maybe even a modern retro-styled bike, would be best.
If, on
