Jeanette P’s Ealry 60′s Rudge Royale

Posted

Another English old 10-speed, and an OTSG First.  Jeanette P’s Rudge Royale.

Hiya

I’ve got this oldie to show off, do you have a Rudge in your gallery yet?  This is a bike I helped my friend pick out and tidy up to be put into service as a Boston commuter.  Bought off Craigslist from a guy who hunts the garage sales, it’s history is a big unknown.  The rear derailleur is an early 60’s Huret Allvit, so I guessing it’s original and dates the bike to 1961 or later.  The frame has lots of paint chips in all the usually paces, and the evil chromed steel rim wheels are about as true as (pick your least favorite politician)’s campaign promises, but it shift through all it’s gears and rides nice.  I’m afraid to say we removed the pieplate, chainring pantleg protector, and kickstand, but it’ll keep up proper OTS standards with the stem mounted shifters and cottered cranks.

Jeanette

Thanks Jeanette

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  • older1

    What a great classic British OTS, in amazing, original condition considering its age, Jeanette! If your bike could only talk! You must really enjoy riding such a unique OTS!
    Wow: 1961. I’m not a vintage OTS authority by any measure, but isn’t that about the time when the “lightweight British racing 10-speed” initiated a whole new trend away from heavy balloon-tired bikes in the USA (I suppose the French and Italians may have been similarly responsible)?
    We’ll never know, but after approximately 50 years, it would be interesting to find out what level of attention the bearings have seen that has kept your bike in service.
    Too bad about your rims, though, but if the hubs are still in serviceable shape, they could certainly be laced into new spokes/alloy rims (if only for better braking performance when wet).

  • rickshaw

    Yes, yes ,yes, yes .YES!
    Very very very sexy!
    Nice

  • Doghouse Riley

    Y’know, if I could spend the time and legwork necessary to find beauties like this it wouldn’t be to turn a quick $50 on Craigslist…

  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    What a wonderful find (:

  • Mike

    I really love the paint/color bar tape on this super fine OTS – great job

  • dave

    Jeanette,
    Nice .

    Was the kickstand mounted near the rear axel? Dave

  • Chris

    Hi Jeanette,
    I came across a Rudge Royale recently and was doing research to learn more about it. As it turns out, I actually have your bike. I just finished restoring it. Now I’m waiting until spring to ride it.
    Take Care,
    Chris