The Bicycle Rider backs are the USPCC’s standard deck of cards, and are perhaps the most recognized card backs in the world.
In 1885, the USPCC was releasing a new brand of playing card, and it needed a brand name. At the time, a boom of bicycles, tricycles and anything that rolled was popular in the United States. This gave a USPCC printer a perfect idea for the new line of cards. Simply called Bicycle, the cards were officially given that name and brought into production.
To go along with the name, the back features a symmetrical image of cupid riding upon a bicycle. The cards are designed either red or blue, and the design outside of the picture features multiple hearts, curved plants and a cupid planted in each corner. This design is commonly referred to as the “Rider Back” design.
Along with the distinct Bicycle card backs, the decks come with a few more features. Along with two jokers, the first card of every Bicycle deck is an Ace of Spaces. The spade is decorated with a dotted design and stars, and the center features a symbol of lady liberty.
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Numerous colors of Rider backs exist, most of which have been produced by third party companies.
The Green, Orange, Gold, Silver, Turquoise and Fuschia Rider Back were produced by italian Vincenzo Di Fatta, who also have produced a Rainbow Rider Back.
The Yellow and Burgundy/Maroon Rider Backs were produced by the Bond Agency.
The Brown Rider Backs were produced by Brooke Michael’s Pokerworld.
