"Dan Rudge built the first Rudge bicycles in 1870. In 1894 it merged with the Whitworth Cycle Co to form Rudge-Whitworth. They made an excellent reputation for themselves over the next twenty years for producing a full range of beautifully made machines with many clever and unique features, and ridden by King George V and family. Their road racers were widely used and they diversified into motorcycles in the early 20th century. In 1935 they were bought by EMI (the record company) and under Jack Lauterwasser¹s direction produced some superb top end racers as well as more mundane machines. EMI however soon decided that cycles were not for them and Rudge was sold to Raleigh in 1943. Raleigh had acquired Humber in 1933 and were to acquire many others after WWII and soon used the Rudge name to badge engineer what were essentially Raleigh machines with Rudge pattern fork crown and chainwheel. Hence there were Rudge versions of the Lenton and of the Clubmen. The name was finally killed sometime I think in the early 60s in Britain but may well have been used in export markets later. In Britain the name was used on rebadged Montague folders in about 1989."
This is a true Gem of Elegance in magnificent, showbike condition!
A 1940 Rudge-Whitworth of this caliber and condition is more than just one in a million, it is simply unheard of and impossible to find, making this a highly collectable piece of history. All original, complete, and with all original accessories and extras makes this machine extraordinary!
This was built during a time when bikes were still bikes, and Britain was king of the industry. I can't explain why, but Rudges are special, as anyone who knows and loves them will tell you. Maybe it was the limited production numbers, or their famous 'hand symbol' logo on the head badge and components, or the slanting chromed fork crown.. they have always charmed me.
A vintage Rudge 3-speed in excellent to mint condition has become highly sought after and is commonly referred to by many as their dream bike. The ultimate in human powered transportation, vintage Rudge produced 3-speeds were built as durable utility bikes made of quality steel. They were ridden to work by the people who made them at the factory in Coventry, England, and that sense of pride in ownership comes through. I can't say enough good things about them. With their lugged steel tubing, deep-rich-durable-luxurious-glossy paint, gold pin-striping, leather saddles, internally geared hubs, stylish fenders, beautiful chrome everywhere, saddlebags, frame pumps, and the list goes on!! They are a Rolls Royce of Bicycles - at the top of the line and undeniably in a class all their own world wide. If you collect vintage Rudges, or just looking for a perfect bicycle to ride city or country in high style, you will want this one! It is certainly the ultimate 'show-off' bikes for that group ride or Sunday spin in the park.
This Rudge was bought brand new in Hudson, MA in 1941, and was obviously meticulously cared for and ridden very little during the owners entire life. I acquired it from the original owners niece(now in her eighties), who had inherited a house full of her uncles possessions. Since then, it must have been kept in a time capsule. It even has the original license plate from the town of Hudson, MA.
Features:
*Serial number stamped on frame/bottom bracket is: A682440
*The entire bike is absolutely rust free. Even the undersides and insides look incredibly shiny and new.
*This both rides and operates with mechanical precision. All wheels spin forever. Gears shift flawlessly. The drive-chain is like new and perfectly lubricated. Pedals, freewheel, and cottered crank assembly move smooth as glass. Has a 46 tooth chainring. Such a solid bicycle.
*Drive-chain is clean, lubricated, and in like new condition!! No rust or corrosion at all.. the finish looks brand new, and each link is stamped with 'The Coventry"
*Rare and all original Sturmey Archer quadrant gear shifter, cable, indicator chain and three speed internally geared AW hub. Gear cable guide wheel is wartime blackened steel which last forever.
*Rear wheel Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub is stamped AW 0 denoting the year of manufacture which was 1940... and has original steel flip-top oil port.
*Original front wheel hub has oil port and steel clamp cover. Hub is stamped 'BRAMPTON - MADE IN ENGLAND'
*Dunlop front and rear rims are matching and original, and stamped with 'DUNLOP 26 x 1-3/8 EA3M MADE IN ENGLAND UK Pat No.255436'
*Bottom bracket has original steel flip-top oil port.
*Original bottom bracket cup is stamped 'THURMAN - MADE IN ENGLAND'
*All original 'wartime blackened' cable clips stamped with 'patent no. RD768514(GB)
*Handlebar clamp is beautifully chromed and stamped with 'Reg No. 825228'
*All the chrome on this is outrageously beautiful and like new. Produced during a time when they triple chrome plated over a layer of copper.. over the base steel!
*Many of the lock-nuts, nuts, bolts, screws, clamps, and component housings and hardware have a 'wartime blackened' finish, which to me is a very attractive part of bicycles from this period. These are all in excellent condition, without any damage, and original to the bike.
*The original caliper brake assemblies and levers are super clean, without nicks and scratches, gleam with chrome and are in perfect working order. Brake cables still have their original black cloth housings in clean, beautiful condition. Calipers stamped 'Made in England'. All four brake pads are stamped 'JOHN BULL' on one side and 'Made in England' on the other. The lever assemblies have a very interesting design which I had not seen before this bike... see details in photos!
*High quality lugged all steel frame construction. The very comfortable frame geometry allows you to pedal forward quickly and effortlessly while sitting upright.
*Beautiful black matching full fenders for all weather riding... the paint on the underside of these is as glossy and new as the top side! These fenders are held in place by very slender and elegant fender stays.
*Original chromed headlamp bracket
*Original black celluloid APEX "frame pump" stamped with famous hand logo and 'Rudge-Whitworth Limited', inlaid with gold lacquer. Top rim stamped 'British Make'. This fits into the pegs on the downtube. Shines bright and works perfectly.. leather washer still functioning inside!
*All original paint is present and absolutely gorgeous!!!.. deep, rich, glossy and black.
*All original decals/transfers are present and clear. Beautiful double lined gold pin-striping. All Rudge-Whitworth logos and Stunning Royal Emblems in gold and full color with original brilliance with no fading!! Royal Emblems on chain case cover and downtube read, 'By Appointment to the Late King George V'... gorgeous.
*The black, natural rubber 'bullet' handlebar grips bear the text 'Rudge-Whitworth Coventry' and hand logo, as well as fine-lined pattern detailing,
adding tremendous elegance. These grips are unbelievably rare to find in this condition.
*The openings at the ends of the handlebars still have the original wooden plugs in perfect condition! (I've removed the grips to show these in the first pics-- through the photobucket link provided) The ends are rounded and conform to the inside of the rubber grips.
*The amazing original brown leather sprung saddle is still in strong, beautiful condition. The Rudge 'hand logo' and 'No 701 Rudge Whitworth Limited' are embossed into the leather on each side. The 'blackened' springs and hardware are like new.
*It's original, rare, like new Dunlop all-rubber saddle/tool bag with perfect straps and buckles in excellent condition. 'Dunlop' is nicely embossed across it's body. ' No cracks, tears, scratches or fading. Perfect. Contains original Rudge-Whitworth tools and oiler can.
*Original oiler can with screw-on cap. Body of can stamped with 'Rudge-Whitworth Coventry' and famous 'hand logo'
*Two Original bike tools stamped 'Rudge-Whitworth' for easy, convenient on the road repairs or adjustments.
*It is very obvious that there was never a kickstand on this bike, as there are none of the usual markings on the paint where it would have been clamped.
*Original rubber block pedals "Made in England" amazingly still have all their tread in tact.
These beauties are 4 inches, have nice chrome, screw-on end caps, and blackened spindle sheaths. These still spin very fast and smoothly!
*Tires are 26" ' The Silver Star Tyre' in perfectly condition. Still very supple rubber with no cracks and no wear! The tires and tubes are the only things that have been replaced on the entire bike. The tires have only been changed once on this bike by the original owner many, many years ago, so these are the second pair and are like brand new, but apparently bought in the 1950s or 60s. The walls also read 'Inflate Hard' and 'Extra Fine Quality'. It is very clear that these are indeed high quality tires. Original tires were most likely Dunlops.
*Original Lucas Industries rear fender reflector in extraordinary condition. Back of reflector lens stamped 'Lucas Industries Birmingham' Housing is made of white lacquer painted steel, with a 2-screw bracket/clamp, which also secures the rear fender stays to the inside of the rear fender. Please note that the four small 'dimples' on the outside of the reflector housing are part of it's design, which hold the reflector lens secure on the inside.
*Original chromed Lucas Industries 'King of the Road' Cyclometer is clamped to the spokes of the front wheel to measure distance. The outer surface is ornately detailed with a relief reading 'Joseph Lucas LTD Birmingham - King of the Road - M26' M26 means it is the correct size for a 26 inch wheel.
*Original metal bicycle license plate from Hudson, MA.. where the original owner lived and rode. The tag is still in excellent condition, made of metal, with green and white paint. In the photos, I have shown the bike with and without the license plate, in order to also show the rear reflector in full view.
*And last but not least is the fantastic, original, solid brass Lucas 'King of the Road' bicycle bell!! Beautiful relief design inset at center of bell cover. 'LUCAS' stamped into lever. Rings crisply, clearly, and loudly! A perfectly lovely bell for a perfectly lovely bicycle.
*I can also include printouts of the original 1940 Rudge-Whitworth Bicycles Catalog, which has this bicycle with illustrations and description!
* This beautiful machine seems to have been hardly ridden.
A very collectable piece of bicycle history perfectly preserved. To buy a new 'high end' 3-speed today, you'll find the quality/workmanship are half that of these old English built Rudge models - half the beauty, style, and longevity too... truly the last of the classics. Rudge-Whitworth bicycles are of the highest quality ever manufactured, made to last 100 years, so this still has at least that long. They are very easy to pedal, and have a very comfortable frame geometry, you move fast on these – not clunkers by any means! A dignified and classy way to travel on a solid machine. And anyone can work on these simple and dependable bikes, they’re pretty much indestructible. Internally geared transmission, full chain case, and full fenders allow trouble free riding for all seasons in any weather. Such a joy to ride, makes my smile muscles hurt every time!
The frame is 23" from center of bottom bracket to top of seat tube. It has been perfectly stored, well taken care of and rides beautifully. You will be hard pressed to find a better Rudge than this.. especially one 72 years old!
Cash and Paypal accepted please.
SHIPPING: Available for local pick up and I will ship domestically and internationally. Shipping is in fact free, as I get very good deals with FedEx via my shipping company. Also, I spend several hours packing a bike right to insure it is packed securely for safe arrival to you.
Thanks and Good Luck!
Alex
**I post a lot of detailed pics because it drives me crazy when I'm looking at an ad that does not show an item well. I tried to take a photo of every part of this bike from many angles. In addition to the photos above, here again is the link to 295 jaw dropping photos of the Rudge. Keep in mind that as as nice as the pics are, they pale in comparison with the beauty, brilliance, and elegance of the bike first hand. I've been collecting only the best vintage Rudges, Raleighs, Lentons, and Superbes for several years now. Most of my bikes have hardly been ridden - and some never ridden at all. You will not be disappointed with this. I have rarely seen a more beautiful, elegant and well built bicycle:
I don't have bicycles of this caliber/condition very often, but when I do
they always go to very happy, satisfied new owners.