Legendary Craft Meets Pop Culture Icons
We’ve added something pretty iconic to the shelves at Premium Playing Cards: Bicycle® playing cards, a name that’s been trusted by card players, collectors and magicians for well over a century. Known for their durability, smooth handling, and unmistakable design, these cards have stood the test of time.
But don’t mistake heritage for predictability. Today’s Bicycle decks are packed with creative twists, modern themes, and stunning custom artwork, all while retaining the quality that’s made them a household name.
Bicycle vs Theory11
Two Distinct Approaches to Design
If you’ve collected decks before, you’ll know that Bicycle and theory11 each bring their own distinct style to the table. Bicycle often takes a more playful, illustrative approach, especially in its pop culture decks, with bold colours, stylised artwork, and creative interpretations of traditional card layouts. The court cards, for example, are frequently reimagined to feature characters from beloved franchises, while still retaining that classic Bicycle feel.
Theory11, on the other hand, tends to focus on elegance and intricacy, their designs are often more detailed and refined, with a strong emphasis on luxury finishes and storytelling through symbolism and easter eggs. Neither is better, they simply offer different experiences, and many collectors enjoy having both in their rotation.
Why Bicycle?
Bicycle cards have long been the go-to for everything from Friday night poker to sleight-of-hand stage magic, thanks in large part to their Air-Cushion Finish®, durable card-stock, and the consistent feel they bring to every shuffle and fan.
But beyond performance, there’s another reason they’ve earned a place in card collections around the world: they know how to evolve. Their themed decks have grown bolder, more artistic, and more collectible, without losing sight of what made them great in the first place.
Something for Everyone!
You’ll find more than just the familiar red and blue Bicycle decks in our collection. We’ve brought in a range that speaks to collectors, fandoms, and design lovers alike, all with the same reliable Bicycle quality underneath.
- Disney lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with several decks featuring iconic characters, beautiful illustrations, and that unmistakable Disney charm. We have the bold artwork of The Lion King and the classic styling of the Villains collection, each one brings something unique to the table.
- Music fans, take note , we’re stocking official Bicycle decks for AC/DC, Elton John, and Guns N’ Roses. As well as being nods to legendary bands, they’re playable tributes, featuring themed court cards and striking box art.
- From the sci-fi nostalgia of Back to the Future to the darkly stylish Wednesday deck (inspired by the hit Netflix series), there’s something here for film buffs and binge-watchers alike.
- If your tastes lean towards anime or all things kawaii, you’ll find an evolving selection of decks that balance bold design with playful energy. Think vivid colours, stylised characters (Hello Kitty), and artwork that feels at home in a collector’s display just as much as on the card table.
Built to Use, Designed to Keep
Let’s be honest, some people buy playing cards to play with them. Others… well, they never even break the seal. And that’s fine. These decks cater to both. Many feature fully custom illustrations, themed jokers, embossed tucks, or metallic foils. They’re made to handle beautifully, but they look just as good on a shelf or in a frame.
What’s Coming Next?
We’re just getting started. Over the coming months, we’ll be expanding our range to include more boutique and award-winning brands, the kind of playing cards you don’t often see in the UK, made by creators who obsess over the details just as much as we do. These additions won’t replace the iconic names you already know and love, they’ll sit alongside them, offering even more choice for collectors and players looking for something a little different.
