Friday, 21 October 2011

I Am In Love With My Bicycle....

I thought I would share ( as I know many of you are vintage lovers like me ) my original 1949 gorgeous vintage Rudge Whitworth bicycle. I love it! I adore it!


I have ridden it and she really does ride like a dream, all I need now is a little puppy for the original basket....


I love the *hand built* hand icon on the crank, a symbol of Rudge's pride in craftmanship....


Oh and the basket, did I tell you I love it....


Reeeeeeally love it....


Think of all the fruit and vegetables  pretties I can get in there. Again the classic R symbol for authenticity....


She really does suit me and I think we shall become great friends, as someone who hasn't ( embarrassed icon ) rode a bike regularly for many, many years I know she is going to bring me much joy, going out on her....

The saddle is so comfy, and can't wait to make a pretty removable cover for it....


There are 3 working gears, which happily I can cope with....


I don't know as yet whether I should touch the paintwork up here and there, or leave her well alone. It really is a beauty and in fine fettle. The tyres may need replacing soonish, but shall hopefully look after her well and  not take her on too much of a bumpy ride! I do feel a little like this lady when I am riding her, and feel like I have to get dressed up for the occasion....


A truly lovely bicycle, that I feel very proud to own....

 
I hope you like it as much as I do....

X

13 comments:

  1. Yes what a great bike - does she have a name? I bet she is lovely and comfy to ride with that sensible saddle.

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  2. Oooh it's fabulous, what a find.
    Hen x

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  3. What a beauty! I'd leave the paintwork if it does no harm as it adds to the charm of it.

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  4. I LOVE IT - now go and listen to Queen -Bicycle!
    x

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  5. My hubby learned to ride on a pre-war Rudge at the age of 32 in a friend's back garden. Hiis present bike is rather more modern!

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  6. mm how great! I to would leave the paintwork, just keep her well polished to stop the rust use GT85 as a cleaner and lube. she is v pretty, have fun!

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  7. I love your bike, she's a beauty, I am so in love with my bright red tricycle too, I feel empowered when I'm cycling x

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  8. What a great find here. Fabulous and really awesome, Well, I am happy to say that I am one of your newest followers. You have accomplished a lot in 6 months of blogging. I really enjoyed in my first visit.
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  9. Fabulous bike Mary, I am quite jealous I have been wanting something similar to this for ages...must keep looking. Enjoy your rides!

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  10. Oooooh, she's a stunner!!!!!!! My bike will be jealous at my disloyalty ogling such a pretty bike!
    If only you'd been in Oxford recently- did you see in Cath Kidston magazine, they celebrated their 1st anniversary of their shop there by putting floral CK saddle rain covers on a load of people's bikes when they weren't there! How cool is that?!

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  11. Oh Mary -
    I am green with envy over here at Number 12! Love that bike with its basket, even better than a Pashley Princess - which I would dearly like, but sporty Bike Industry Husband will not allow...
    & a decent saddle! Did you see that CK saddle hit where they covered unsuspecting cyclists bikes with seat covers? Fab!

    Enjoy it in all its usefull prettiness...

    Lx

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  12. Oh wow! She is a beauty indeed! I'm a little jealous!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. X