A Dragster for an Old Youngster

Those of us who grew up in the 1970s remember with nostalgic affection the dragster bicycle.

It was the quintessential fashion accessory for the age 8-14 crowd. With its high handlebars, banana seat, three gears on a frame and sissy bar it was the 'must have' mode of transport for all kids.

It was, without doubt, one of the most hazardous bicycles ever to be in fashion. With the rider sitting in a reclining position over the back wheel, it was a very simple matter to overbalance backwards and fall bottom first topped by the bike. After many accidents and intense training most riders developed the skill to ride and steer on the back wheel alone with the front wheel about 2 feet in the air.

Recently, the Museum acquired a dragster bike. The donor was not allowed to own a dragster as a child and when he discovered one in for sale in 'Lifeline' he purchased it to fulfil his life long ambition. After a couple of years he felt that his ambition had been sufficiently fulfilled and offered it to the Museum. As it was in very good condition and we did not have one in the collection, the Museum was delighted to accept.