1922 Rudge-Whitworth No. 1 Aero-Special 'All-Black' Featherweight Roadster

1920s Rudge-Whitworth No. 1 Aero-Special ‘All-Black’ Featherweight Roadster

with Celluloid Handlebars

Patent Metal Gear Case

Rudge-Whitworth Patent Coupled Brakes

Revolving Bell, Lycetts Imperial Saddle

Sturmey-Archer ‘Model K’ 3-Speed Gear

24″ Frame

28″ Wheels

(Now sold)

The Aero-Special model became a top seller soon after its introduction in 1903. Lightweight frames were not new: advances in tube construction meant that frames became lighter each year through the 1890s, reaching a peak just after the turn of the century. Light weight was particularly important, of course, for racing machines. But Triumph and Rudge-Whitworth led the way in applying the technology to their sales range. As Rudge-Whitworth declared in their 1903 catalogue:

This superb machine is the highest achievement in High-grade cycle construction. Its extraordinary light weight has been attained by scientific calculation and research, and there has been no sacrifice of stability or elegance of design.

The Aero-Special model continued from 1903 to 1922 with only minor changes: the celluloid chaincase was changed to a full metal chaincase; roller lever brakes became an option in 1906; and in 1912 the front mudguard gained a forward extension. Otherwise, the 1922 model was the same as prewar, except for the name ‘Featherweight’ added to its title – and a price increase from 9 guineas in 1915 to 15 guineas in 1922. In this instance, an extra 15/- was charged for the patent metal chaincase, an option on the ‘No 1’.

This example is fitted with ‘coupled brakes’ which first appeared in Rudge-Whitworth’s 1906 catalogue:

A Rolling Lever is operated by either or both hands, and applies both Back and Front Rim Brakes at the same time. It is very powerful but can also be very delicately applied.

This Aero-Special Featherweight was restored and repainted several decades ago; apart from a few scratches it’s still in first class condition and ready to ride.