[CR]Craigslist outing: 65 year old Rudge?

(Example: Framebuilders:Rene Herse)

Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 17:57:44 -0700
From: "Dan Kehew" <dan.kehew@gmail.com>
To: CR <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Craigslist outing: 65 year old Rudge?

Well, it could be.... Here's the ad text:

*** Vintage Rudge Bicycle - $150 (los altos) Reply to: anon-93252100@craigslist.org Date: 2005-08-24, 9:57PM PDT

I bought this vintage Rudge classic about 45 years ago, and it was about 20 years old at that time. 21" aluminum wheels, hand brakes, Reynolds 531 frame, Sturmey-Archer GC1 shifter. I have not restored it but its certainly worth restoration, and it gives a good ride as is. ***

Dan again, now: I don't know the bike, the seller, and I still have yet to meet most of you personally. But yeah, I got curious about this and asked for pix and measurements, and just got the pix. No measurements, though -- it eyeballs from the pix as maybe 21.5 inch, possibly 22 inch seat tube. Dunno what the 21 inch wheels comment was all about, because they're not -- seller said he was wrong on that and would fix the ad, but not so far.

Rudge headbadge in good condition -- it's the post Raleigh-purchase "Nottingham England" badge, like the one in the Rudge section of the CR site. No, it doesn't have the open-hand chainwheel. Actually, barring some transfers, the fenders, and downtube shifters, the bike looks a lot like Dale's bike on the CR site -- but not in such bright condition. Downtube Rudge decal doesn't match, but appears intact. Same 531 decal.

So probably a bit small for yours truly, and fair game. (Besides, after a couple of recent buys, the amazing tolerance of the significant other is being sorely tested. "But it's an Elswick!" Blank stare. You know the story.) If you'd like the Rudge pix, I'll be happy to forward them.

Dan "Limited Bike Storage" Kehew
Davis, CA