Here we have a very rare Rudge Path racing bicycle. Built around c.1908 and is typical of the pioneer racing bicycles of this period and in good original condition for its age with the tubes of the frame only having suffered light rust with traces of the original paintwork and nickel plating evident on the cranks and rims. The whole bicycle has been given a simpathetic overhaul and clean in our workshop.
25" inch frame with 28" x 1.1/2" wheels which still retain the original hubs/ 16 guage spokes, round profile rims and the original "The New John Bull Service" tyres.
Note: We have fitted to new tubes to the wheels to help keep the tyres inflated, but the tyres and spokes are very fragile.
The frame features several unique aspects which include a internal adjusting bottom bracket (overhauled by us in our workshop) and the rear forks have a concentric feature to allow the rear hub to be adjusted by rotating the concentric cones to tension the chain. The Chain is unique to Rudge and is 5/8 pitch, luckly the bicycle still retains its original 5/8" pitch chainset and Rudge freewheel all working well having suffered little use since new. Ratios are: 45/16 . Rat trap pedals with original rubber inserts are fitted to the 7" inch pinch bolt cranks.
Beautiful 12" wide narrow sporting handle bars with their original Bluemels black and ivory celliloid grips are fitted to the forks by a simple bolt on the rear of the headset. Rear mounting step, pump pegs, and a large leather racing saddle of the period finish off this impressive bicycle.
Due to the lack of ware in the whole bicycle, we have come to the conclusion that the bicycle has probably had very little use from when it was new prior to the first war. We have given the bicycle a good clean and a simpathetic overhaul and this is how you see it in the images, but we strongly recommend that if the new owner wish to use the bicycle, then the wheels are rebuilt and new tyres fitted. However, the bicycle in its current condition would compliment any static bicycle display or private collection and represents a significant era in Lightwieght English bicycle manufacturing.
Included with the bicycle is the original brake hardware which mounts on the back of the saddle stays allowing a single brake. The new owner can add this if they wish too at a later date. A photocopy of an original Rudge parts catalogue from c.1908 showing this brake hardware is also supplied with the bicycle.
More images are available upon request and if you have any questions regarding this bicycle, just contact us.
