1953 Rudge, 1 of the Maroon 2

[Bendix]

started playing with the Rudge this weekend, we'll see where it goes.....

here's the 'fresh finds' shot of the 2 maroon bikes from last weekend. i can't stress enough how flattering this shot is to both bikes, people don't look this much better than reality w/out an airbrush!

some pictures after putting on a different brooks, straightening the fork, overhauling and installing an old pair of atom pedals i had laying around, overhauling the bottom bracket and (loose ball :x ) headset, some rubbing compound and a LOT of elbow grease. i especially like the rudge whitworth head badge and the matching chainring cutouts.

 

[user 135]

I remember my first loose ball headset. Good thing I bought the bike for parts.

 

[socal_jack]

That Rudge looks sweet now.

 

[ej599]

Wow! Nice.

 

[rgallen]

The Rudge is outstanding. Wish my 53 Raleigh looked that nice.

 

[Bendix]

Re: Rudge 'Scorcher'

well, that was a fun little project. have a couple little mechanical things to tidy up (straighten crankarms a little, mainly) but it rides pretty well. i 'needed' :roll: something for lunch/errands since the schwinn speedster 'flipped' so quick i had just about everything laying around- either as scavenged spares or leftovers from other projects that didn't materialize. just bought 1 rim, some spokes, a pair of grips, and a small can of paint for the stem.

 

[deorman]

I love me a traditional rider and this one is outstanding!

 

[ej599]

That came out beautiful! Good job.

 

[N8NBOX]

so increadibly jealous of this bike . Really wish I could find a rudge like this with that crank and headbadge.

 

[ish]

There is one by me: http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1165601014.html

The hand is awesome.

 

[N8NBOX]

.... maybe one of these days one will pop up near me.

 

[Galtbacken]

That came out great! Clean and classic good looking bike!