Bicycle Cards – The Magicians Choice of Playing Cards

Many of those new to magic and card tricks are often unsure of what kind of playing cards to buy. Bicycle cards are pretty much accepted as standard throughout the world of magic, for a number of reasons. First of all, they are very common in the USA, where they are manufactured by the US Playing Card Company. Bicycle cards are available in most retail outlets over there so the "Bicycle" brand is something of a household name over there.

Because of this most gimmicks and packet tricks are manufactured in Bicycle cards. When performing magic it is very important to use the same kind of cards consistently, to avoid the audience suspecting a “trick deck” or “fake cards.” So most magicians will use Bicycle cards for tricks that require non-gimmicked cards, and can work in gimmicks and gimmicked decks easily without arousing suspicion.

Finally the cards handle extremely well. Bicycle cards are produced with an air cushion finish that lends itself well to handling for sleight of hand card magic. It makes fanning and other flourishes very easy to perform. Bicycle cards are also fairly hard wearing in comparison to other cheaper decks of cards.

Which Bicycle Cards to Buy?

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to buying your "bikes" (a common abbreviation of Bicycle Cards). They come in a range of styles and colours. First of all are the red and blue standard Bicycle Rider Back design. These are the most common decks that you will find in most households in America (and a growing number of households in the UK), and the decks that most gimmicks and gimmicked decks will be made with. They're reasonably priced at £1.99 per deck!

If you'd like to try something different, we have a range of coloured Bicycle cards. Our own "green bikes" are a popular choice - great for use in colour changing routines or just if you want to use a slightly different deck of cards. We are also now offering standard Bicycle cards in yellow and berry back designs. Check them out, they're very cool!

If you want to get more colourful, then we have a range of Bicycle Fashion Decks. These cards have a reverse coloured design, making then very eye catching. They are made to the same high standard as all all US Playing Card Company decks and we expect that any budding creative magician will have no problems finding interesting ways to work these into their act!

For those looking for something really cool and original, the US Playing Card Company have released a few special edition Bicycle decks that definitely back the WOW-factor. The Bicycle Ghost Deck with it's reversed white/black design and ghostly ace of spades design, is proving very popular with our younger magicians who are taking a more "urban" approach to their magic. We also stock the superb Bicycle Vintage 1800 deck - this vintage style deck looks great, handles well, and will give your card tricks an air of prestige and authenticity.

And finally, if you're just practicing and aren't too concerned with the quality of the cards, we offer Bicycle Seconds - factory seconds that may be slightly miss-printed or have minor defects. These cards are a steal, and many working magicians, who are constantly having cards signed and torn up swear by them!

SORRY THESE CARDS ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Taking care of your Bicycle Cards

The reality is that your cards won't last forever. Whether your tearing, folding or having them signed, or just wearing them out with some fancy sleight of hand, any deck of cards happening to fall into the hands of magician is probably going to have a limited life span. But here are a few handy hints that should make your deck go a little bit further...

Keep the cards in their case - seems simple but you'd be surprised at how many people store cards out of the box, or carry them around in a pocket. Storing them in the box will stop them from absorbing moisture and getting warped, and carrying them around in the box will prevent the edges from being worn away.

If you're in the pub, avoid using the table - the quickest way to ruin a good deck is to spread the cards on a table at the pub. If you don't want to end up with sticky cards, try to learn a few "in the hands" card tricks for when you're down the pub!

Practice with seconds - Bicycle seconds are much cheaper and just as good for practicing with. Invest in a few decks from time to time and it will make your good quality Bikes last longer!