At a glance A practical, British made bicycle with a high build quality that’s comfortable, graceful and traditionally stylish for the lady about town.
Tested by
Melanie De Save, tester for The Bike List
Performance
Best of British or merely a commoner with a regal title? The Britannia is based on Pashley's popular Princess model and I've been putting it to the test on the streets of Reigate in Surrey.
Pashley are the longest established bike manufacture in Britain with a reputation for building high-quality traditional-looking bikes, and on first glance the Britannia certainly ticks all the right boxes. It has a traditionally lugged and brazed frame, hand brazed tubular crown fork, 26 inch polished rims with cream Schwalbe tyres, silver lined mudguards and of course a wicker basket. I almost feel as though I should have stepped back in time to a more refined era to truly appreciate this bike, but I had to make do with 2011.
As I start pedalling, it's clear that the Britannia is a bike of unhurried elegance. It doesn't just get you from A to B; it gets you there in style. You almost feel like you are gliding along the road, such is the ease and comfort that the bike gives you. Thrill seekers stay away - this is a bike that demands a more relaxed way of riding and as such deserves to be treated with consideration, especially when cornering. You wouldn't want to upset the contents of your basket, would you?
I tested the blue 20" frame version, but there are also 17.5" and 22.5" options along with the other colours of the Union Jack - red and white. The leafy streets of Reigate are perfect for testing a bike like this as there is a good combination of differing gradients and road conditions, from residential to bustling town centre.
The Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub gears are wide-ranging enough for continued cycling from the slightest of inclines to gentle hills. There does however come a point on steep hills where you have to dismount. This is a bike of dignity not one to pump your legs up and down as you would on a sportier model and this is all part of the charm and the image that you are buying into.
Comfort is a key factor for any ride and the Britannia certainly does not let you down here. The Honey Brooks B67s saddle at first appears unforgiving but once seated actually feels very comfortable and due to the dual springs, it actually moves with you to give a very agreeable ride. Some people may prefer more padding, but for me this was ideal. And of course, as with any Brooks saddle, the more you use it, the more the leather shapes to your own individual bottom shape - all the better for not letting anyone else borrow this lovely bike!
The chrome plated raised handlebar has been designed to keep you more upright so as not to put undue stress on your arms and shoulders. This also has the added bonus of feeling that you are improving your posture.
Whilst not being the lightest bike I have ever ridden, weighing just over 19kg, the Britania's solid build gives me a sense of security that is reassuring and to be honest I don't see riders having to lift it on any but the rarest of occasions. It's not one for hauling over stiles as you would a mountain bike. The Britannia is what gates were invented for.
The hub driven dynamo headlamp works well, is another nice traditional touch, and is good for feeling even more environmentally friendly while you do your errands by bike rather than car. Then there is an LED mudguard-mounted rear light so that cars don't fail to see you from behind. The propstand comes in handy for propping the bike up while you pick up the groceries, and the Pashley leather grips and large a ding-dong bell (a hit with any kid I know!) all make for refined finishing touches.
The bold colours and model name of the Britannia are a nod to the company's pride in its British manufacturing. Pashley employ 50 people at their factory in Stratford-upon-Avon. Whilst an RRP of £625 may seem steep for a bike not built for massive speeds or mountains, having ridden it for a number of months, I feel that the quality of workmanship and exclusive design deserve the high price tag. I would have no hesitation in recommending this bike to friends who enjoy the finer things in life. However, I might just enjoy the luxurious Britania's exclusivity a tad longer before I do so!
