♠️ Learn about Premium Playing Card Brands: Bicycle
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Among the many premium playing card brands, Bicycle is undoubtedly one of the most well-known globally. Even if you're not a card enthusiast, you've almost certainly come across Bicycle products, as magicians frequently use Bicycle playing cards in card tricks, and Bicycle has a lot of co-branded products with popular cartoon and anime.
So, what's so special about Bicycle playing cards? Why are they so popular? And what are the differences between Bicycle's various products?
Table of Contents
The History of Bicycle Playing Cards
Bicycle is a brand produced by the US Playing Cards Company (USPCC), one of the world's largest manufacturers of playing cards. Founded in 1867 as Russell, Morgan & Co., USPCC eventually adopted its current name and launched its iconic Bicycle brand in 1885. Inspired by the popular high-wheeled bicycles of the time, Bicycle used a bicycle as the main design element on the back of the cards, eventually evolving into the most common Bicycle Rider Back playing cards today.
One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of USPCC and its Bicycle playing cards is the high-quality feel of each deck they print. They utilize an Air Crush surface treatment technology, making the cards durable and smooth to the touch. Anyone who has ever used USPCC and Bicycle products can appreciate how different they are from ordinary playing cards sold at general shops.
What are Standard and Custom Bicycle Playing Cards?
"Standard" can have different meanings depending on the context, but when it comes to a discussion on Bicycle cards, it mostly doesn't refer to the size or materials of the cards, but their design. Standard Bicycle playing cards use the classic bicycle back design. Each deck has 52 cards, plus two joker cards and two extra cards (usually advertising cards). While Bicycle now offers standard versions in several different colors, the most common are still the classic blue and red, so these two colors are usually less expensive than other colors.
In recent years, the popularity of customized playing cards has grown exponentially, with many designers choosing to associate their work with the trustworthy name and consistent quality of the Bicycle brand. You can create customized Bicycle playing cards as long as you obtain the appropriate licenses, have your artwork approved in advance, and adhere to strict brand guidelines. Bicycle also collaborates with designers to release products with specially designed card backs. These are known as customized Bicycle playing cards, as their designs are different from the classic designs of standard Bicycle decks. Because these products are printed in smaller quantities and require additional design costs, customized Bicycle playing cards are more expensive than standard versions.
Other Playing Cards from the USPCC
While Bicycle playing cards are undoubtedly the most popular, they aren't the only playing cards produced by the USPCC. Bee, Aviator, and Tally-Ho playing cards are also brands under the USPCC. Although lacking the brand recognition of Bicycle, most of the other USPCC brands are virtually indistinguishable from Bicycle in terms of quality, differing mainly in design and appealing to different populations.
Besides its own brands, USPCC also provides printing services for other brands. Therefore, you might find other brands' products bearing the USPCC name, and their quality is just as high as Bicycle, Bee, Aviator, and Tally-Ho. Consequently, products printed by USPCC, regardless of the brand, are very popular with magicians and card enthusiasts.
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Slots Playing Card by Mechanic Industries printed by USPCC | |
Why are Bicycle Playing Cards Worth-buying?
While not expensive, there are many cheaper options than Bicycle, which might lead some casual players to believe that Bicycle playing cards are overpriced. However, the old adage "you get what you pay for" holds true in the world of playing cards. Many cheap playing cards are often printed with inferior, low-quality materials, making them less durable and less comfortable to hold. While it might not matter a lot for occasional card playing, once you got a deck of Bicycle Playing Cards and experience it, you will understand how you deserve a high-quality deck to enhance your playing experience and it's not an exclusive joy for magicians. Therefore, the slightly higher price of Bicycle playing cards compared to cheaper decks from regular stores is worthwhile for sure. For entry, the Bicycle Rider Back playing cards offers the best value, as its quality is comparable to high-end custom decks, but its mass production makes it much cheaper. Whether you're a casual player, just starting to learn card skills, or practicing card magic, Bicycle's standard playing cards are perfect for you.
Where to buy Bicycle Playing Cards in Hong Kong?
As, arguably, the most popular playing card brand in the United States, Bicycle playing cards are widely accessible in many stores. However, they are harder to find in Hong Kong, especially if you are looking for custom Bicycle decks with special designs and at a reasonable price. One of the best places is online stores that specialize in selling quality imported playing cards, such as 52dealshk Playing Cards, which ships in just a day and even offer free deck sleeves and professional packaging to ensure you can receive the decks in perfect condition.
You can also learn more about where to buy Bicycle Playing Cards and other premium playing cards in Hong Kong here:
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