Sleightful logoSleightful

Bicycle Blur by Mathieu Bich and Garrett Thomas

Created by: Mathieu Bich, Garrett Thomas

Bicycle Blur is a visually stunning close-up magic trick that manipulates the audience's perception of focus and blurriness. Created by Mathieu Bich and Garrett Thomas, this effect involves presenting a deck of cards where all but one card appear blurry to the spectator. The magician can control which card remains in focus, creating a moment of genuine astonishment. The trick is designed to make the spectator question their own vision, offering a unique and personal magical experience. The deck is specially printed by the USPCC on high-quality stock, ensuring durability and performance. This trick is suitable for both social media and real-life performances, making it a versatile addition to any magician's repertoire.

Key features

  • Specially printed Bicycle deck (Mandolin GT Speed Readers) for the blur effect

  • Includes a 3-hour tutorial with multiple routines for different skill levels

  • High-quality USPCC printing ensures durability

  • Suitable for close-up, strolling, and social media magic

  • Creates a personal and interactive magical experience for the spectator

Pros

  • Unique and interactive effect that plays with the spectator's perception

  • High-quality materials and printing

  • Versatile for various performance settings

  • Comprehensive tutorial with multiple routines

  • Instant reset for many of the routines

Cons

  • Deck is not examinable after the effect

  • May cause dizziness or discomfort for some spectators

  • Requires careful presentation to avoid spectator confusion or frustration

Effect

Bicycle Blur is a visual card illusion that plays with the audience's perception. A magician spreads a deck of cards, showing them clearly. A spectator selects a card, and suddenly, the entire deck appears blurry—except for their chosen card. The effect creates a moment of astonishment, making spectators question their own vision rather than just the magician's skill.

Full Details

Bicycle Blur is a specially printed deck of Bicycle Mandolin GT Speed Readers, designed by Mathieu Bich and Garrett Thomas. The deck includes multiple gimmicks that layer methods for stronger deception. Unlike traditional color-changing decks, this effect makes the spectator experience the blur rather than just observe it.

The deck is not examinable after the effect, but the routine is structured to avoid suspicion by openly showing the deck before and after the illusion. A 3-hour tutorial is included, covering various routines from beginner-friendly to advanced, including:

  • Garrett’s one-card selection routine
  • A three-phase routine
  • Dual-reality presentations
  • Specialty routines using pinhole glasses and slow-motion effects

Who Should Consider the Trick

Bicycle Blur is ideal for magicians who want a visually striking effect that feels more interactive than standard card tricks. It works well in:

  • Close-up and strolling magic
  • Social media performances
  • Professional shows (Garrett Thomas mentions it fits well in Las Vegas-style acts)

It’s beginner-friendly but offers depth for advanced performers through layered methods.

Difficulty

The difficulty varies by routine. Some versions require basic card handling (like a half pass), while others rely on misdirection. The tutorial breaks down each method clearly, making it accessible for most skill levels. Angles are manageable—spectators should be in front, not directly behind.

What Magicians Say

  • Murphy’s Magic: Calls it a "utility device" with multiple versions, praising its high-quality USPCC printing and visual impact.
  • BAM Magic: Rates it 92%, noting it’s a major upgrade over similar past effects. Highlights the spectator’s personal experience: "It feels more interactive than a color-changing deck."
  • Performance Tip: Avoid belittling spectators who don’t immediately see the blur. Present it as a unique illusion, not a test of their vision.

Bicycle Blur stands out for its psychological impact, turning a simple visual into a moment of genuine wonder.

What people are saying about Bicycle Blur

BAM_magic says...

This is really really fun and it's much better than a color changing deck routine because the spectator experiences the magic with their own eyes and it just feels a lot more personal and an intimate magic effect.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

This is a unique effect where people will actually see the magic happening through their own eyes.

Review videos

Promotional videos

Other videos