1911 Rudge-Whitworth Aero No 4 20″ Track Racer (ex-Works)

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This celebrated racing bicycle – the latest product of years of unrivalled experience int he construction of speed cycles – has maintained and improved its great reputation wherever English bicycles are ridden on the racing track. No other racer combines such rigidity and strength with such light weight, and racing men find it surpasses all others in its quick response to the effort or ‘jump’ of the rider.

rudge-racer

1910 Rudge-Whitworth ‘No 4 Aero Special’ Path Racer 

Narrow Section Sloping Top Tube (Standover height: 34.5″ to 32.5″ = 2″ Drop)

Black Enamel Paintwork

18″ Flat ‘No 77’ Nickel Handlebars

25″ Flush-Joint Frame 

26 x 1 1/4″ Wooden Wheels 

Eadie Coaster Brake

Frame No 637787

(Now sold)

This racing Rudge-Whitworth has the company’s ‘No 77’ flat handlebar fitted (its nickel is faded). The nickel fork crown has aged well, as have the nickel pedal cranks and large chainwheel. The paintwork appears to have been renewed during its lifetime.

In 1910, Rudge-Whitworth added an Eadie Coaster brake as standard to their path racers: the Eadie coaster means there’s no need to clutter it up with cables or levers, and the wooden rims – in excellent condition – are clincher type, so normal 26 x 1 1/4″ tyres can be fitted. The early Brooks saddle and matching rat trap pedals finish it off perfectly. This is a practical lightweight machine for modern riding, and also suitable for vintage racing events. It’s ready to ride.

1909 RUDGE-WHITWORTH CATALOGUE

1911 RUDGE-WHITWORTH CATALOGUE

RUDGE-WHITWORTH & THE ROYAL FAMILY

The Royal Family’s kids rode Rudge-Whitworths. Prince Edward, son of King George V and Queen Mary, was created Prince of Wales on his 16th birthday, on 23rd June 1910. (The above photo is dated September, 1910). He was invested on 13th July 1911, at Caernarfon Castle. Edward became King Edward VIII on 20th January 1936. On his abdication, on 10th December 1936, the throne passed to his brother, King George VI – grandfather of the present Prince of Wales.

King Edward VII – see the reference below – ruled from January to November, 1901. He was Queen Victoria’s oldest son.