Tricycle Racing at Alexandra Park.
Though by the late 1890s cycle racing focussed more on two wheel machines, racing tricycles had been popular, and a lightweight tricycle such as this would have been designed as a result of the earlier demand for them in racing circles. Machines that were built specially for competition were a bespoke build and extremely lightweight with thin tubing, so they often only lasted for one racing season.
Cycle racing was the world’s primary spectator sport, so the publicity generated by a company’s racing successes (see below) was extremely good for business, and sales catalogues promoted path and road racing versions of the those used in competition. The machines available to the public used thicker tubing than the competitive models though were otherwise of similar design.
By the late 1890s, Rudge-Whitworth had become a specialist in lightweight bicycles, their ‘Aero’ range being the world’s best sellers in that field. Their Light Roadster tricycle was similar to their Racing tricycle but the latter, described as suitable for road racing, had a drop handlebar and optional items such as brake, chaincase and mudguards are not fitted.
1905 Rudge-Whitworth Road Racing Tricycle
25″ Frame
28″ Front wheel; 26″ Side wheels
Starley 1892 Patent Rear Axle
Fixed wheel
Imperial patterned saddle
Frame No 79301 (manufactured 1898 but fitted up and sold in 1905)
(Now sold)
This rare Rudge-Whitworth gentlemen’s tricycle is number 79301, which means that the frame was manufactured in 1898. But its fittings are from 1905. Tricycles were not big sellers so it was common for manufacturers to have frames ready and only fit them up when ordered by a customer. This example is in Road Racer style with fixed wheel. If the new owner requires a brake I can provide a clip on lever with rim brake of the style that was used at the time.
Rudge-Whitworth was the market leader in the early 1900s, their winning strategy being to reduce the price of their bicycles, introduce unique features to prevent counterfeiting, and to provide top quality lightweight machines that could be purchased direct from the factory or from agents throughout the country. They also had agencies throughout the world.
This example is an older restoration whose paint is wearing thin. It has been well used throughout its lifetime and could do with a repaint. The rear wheels (26 inch) are in lovely condition with unmarked nickel. The front wheel (28 inch) has a replaced chrome rim built into the old hub. The saddle is a patterned Imperial of the correct age, with a small nick in the leather at the front (that does not affect its appearance or usability).
The tricycle has recently been stripped and serviced and is ready to ride.
1905 RUDGE-WHITWORTH CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
Above you can see the normal prospectus for the gentlemen’s tricycle; below is a road racer bicycle. The semi-dropped handlebar turned the tricycle into a road racing model.
FRAME NUMBER UNDER BOTTOM BRACKET
RUDGE-WHITWORTH UNIQUE CHAINSET
(INTRODUCED for the 1905 SEASON)
STARLEY AXLE, 1892 PATENT
Screenshot
The first axle was patented by James Starley, in 1877 for his ‘Royal Salvo Tricycle’. His son, William, improved on this in 1892, and it is this differential that is used in the Abingdon axle.
There’s a brass badge on the diff housing that states ‘Starley’s Patent No 7752 1892‘ and ‘King Dick’ which was Abingdon’s trade mark name for their cycles, accessories and tools. Later axles have the brass badge, but it just states ‘Abingdon.’
1898 RUDGE-WHITWORTH CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
BRIGHTON ROYAL PAVILION
