Rudge 1940 Catalog — Supersafe Traffic, Light Roadster, Sports, Light Tourist, Roadster and Carrier Models

The Rudge-Whitworth catalog for 1940, a booklet of 16 tall pages, complete. This copy carries the rubber stamp of Hans Ohrt, Lightweight Bicycles, Beverly Hills, California, on its cover.

— Page 1 (front cover) —
RUDGE-WHITWORTH LIMITED

RUDGE
WHITWORTH
1940

The scientifically designed Rudge “True-Poise” riding position ensures the maximum degree of forward motion in a bicycle, with the minimum of energy output. For lasting dependability, safe riding and light, easy steering, there is nothing like a Rudge — Britain’s Best Bicycle

BRITAIN’S BEST BICYCLE

[The front cover of the Rudge-Whitworth 1940 catalog: the Rudge-Whitworth Limited hand roundel and the large RUDGE WHITWORTH 1940 title above a short paragraph on the “True-Poise” riding position and a photograph of a woman riding a lady’s bicycle and waving, with “BRITAIN’S BEST BICYCLE” on an orange band at the foot. A later dealer’s rubber stamp in gray-violet ink sits at the left beside the rider: “HANS OHRT / LIGHTWEIGHT BICYCLES / 9544 Santa Monica Blvd. / Beverly Hills, California / CRestview 6-4711 / North Hollywood Branch / 5153 Laurel Canyon Blvd. / SUnset 2-6822″, the H of LIGHTWEIGHT not inked.]

— Page 2 —
SUPERSAFE TRAFFIC MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.1

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, 23″. Cut away lugs.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1⅜” Westwood.
TYRES.—Dunlop.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBAR.—North Road raised.
BRAKES.—Operated by roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black with bronze lines.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.1

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.1 and Lady’s Model L.1 Supersafe Traffic Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles carry a saddle bag and North Road handlebars; the lady’s model stands on the orange band at the foot of the panel.]

— Page 3 —
SUPERSAFE TRAFFIC MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.2

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, 23″. Cut away lugs.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1⅜” Westwood.
TYRES.—Dunlop.
GEAR.—Sturmey-Archer three-speed hub.
GEARCASE.—Oil bath.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBARS.—North Road raised.
BRAKES.—Operated by roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black with bronze lines. All black optional.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.2

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.2 and Lady’s Model L.2 Supersafe Traffic Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles have a full oil bath gearcase, a saddle bag and North Road handlebars.]

— Page 4 —
LIGHT ROADSTER MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.3

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—22″, 24″. Lady’s 22″ only. Cut away lugs.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1⅜” Westwood.
TYRES.—Dunlop.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBARS.—North Road raised.
BRAKES.—Roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black with bronze lines.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.3

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.3 and Lady’s Model L.3 Light Roadster Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles carry a saddle bag and North Road handlebars; the lady’s model has a chain guard.]

— Page 5 —
LIGHT ROADSTER MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.4

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—22″, 24″. Lady’s 22″ only.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1⅜” Westwood.
TYRES.—Dunlop.
GEAR.—Model G4 fitted with Sturmey-Archer three-speed gear. Lady’s fitted with free-wheel.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
GEARCASE.—Oil bath.
HANDLEBARS.—North Road raised.
BRAKES.—Roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Black enamel with bronze lines. All black optional.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.4

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.4 and Lady’s Model L.4 Light Roadster Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles have a full oil bath gearcase, a saddle bag and North Road handlebars.]

— Page 6 —
SPORTS MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.5

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, 23″. Sports angles with cut away head and seat lugs.
FORKS.—Racing pattern, solid ends.
HUBS.—Quick-release. Wing nuts front and rear.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1¼” Endrick rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBARS.—As illustrated.
BRAKES.—Caliper.
MUDGUARDS.—Celluloid. Steel, enamelled white or to match if specified.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black, or super sheen blue, silver or gold.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.5

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.5 and Lady’s Model L.5 Sports Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles have dropped handlebars, caliper brakes, light-colored mudguards, wing-nut hubs and a saddle bag.]

— Page 7 —
SPORTS MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.6

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, 23″. Sports angles, cut away lugs.
FORKS.—Racing pattern, solid ends.
HUBS.—Quick release. Wing nuts front and rear.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1¼” Endrick rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop Black Sports.
GEAR.—Cyclo Derailleur three-speed, with Bayliss Wiley free-wheel hub unit.
PEDALS.—Rat trap or rubber.
HANDLEBARS.—As illustrated.
BRAKES.—Caliper.
MUDGUARDS.—Celluloid. Steel, enamelled white or to match if specified.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black, or super sheen blue, silver or gold.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.6

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.6 and Lady’s Model L.6 Sports Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles have dropped handlebars, a rear derailleur, caliper brakes, a saddle bag and a mudflap on the front mudguard.]

— Page 8 —
LIGHT TOURIST MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.16

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, 23″. Cut away lugs, round tapered chain and back stays.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1⅜” Endrick rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop Black Sports.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBARS.—North Road raised, or all rounder, with adjustable clip, chromium plated.
BRAKES.—Caliper.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Black enamel with bronze lines.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.16

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.16 and Lady’s Model L.16 Light Tourist Models shown in side-view photographs, with a shaded specification box between them. Both bicycles have North Road handlebars, caliper brakes and a saddle bag; the lady’s model has a chain guard.]

— Page 9 —
LIGHT TOURIST MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.17

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, 23″. Round tapered chain and back stays.
FORKS.—Solid ends.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1⅜” Endrick rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop Black Sports.
GEAR.—Sturmey-Archer three-speed hub.
GEARCASE.—Oil bath.
PEDALS.—Rubber.
HANDLEBARS.—North Road raised, or all rounder, with adjustable clip. Chromium plated.
BRAKES.—Caliper.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black with bronze lines. Usual bright parts chromium plated.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.17

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.17 and Lady’s Model L.17 Light Tourist Models shown in side-view photographs, each with a saddlebag, an oil-bath gearcase and raised handlebars, with the boxed specification between them. The clinched ends of two wire staples show at the left edge, where the center fold of the booklet falls.]

— Page 10 —
ROADSTER MODELS

GENT’S MODEL G.18

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—22″, 24″, 26″. Lady’s 22″, 24″ only. Cut away lugs.
WHEELS.—28″ × 1½” Westwood rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop Roadster.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBARS.—Raised, chromium plated.
GEARCASE.—Oil bath on Lady’s Model.
BRAKES.—Roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black, with bronze lines. All-black finish optional.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

LADY’S MODEL L.18

[The Rudge Gent’s Model G.18 and Lady’s Model L.18 Roadster Models shown in side-view photographs, the gent’s machine with an open chainwheel and the lady’s with an oil-bath gearcase and a dress guard over the rear wheel, with the boxed specification between them.]

— Page 11 —
ROADSTER MODEL

MODEL G.19

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—22″, 24″, 26″. Cut away lugs.
WHEELS.—28 × 1½” Westwood rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop Roadster.
GEARCASE.—Oil bath.
PEDALS.—Rubber or rat trap.
HANDLEBARS.—Raised, black enamelled. Chromium plated optional.
BRAKES.—Roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—All-weather black enamel with bronze lines. Chromium plated, if specified.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

STURMEY ARCHER
HUB GEARS AND HUB BRAKES

WE recommend Sturmey-Archer Gears and Hub Brakes as fitments to our machines. Every Cyclist desirous of obtaining the fullest advantage and enjoyment out of Cycling should have a Sturmey-Archer Gear. Neat, light, totally enclosed, the bearings run in oil, reducing friction to a minimum and ensuring a sweet and silky running. Sturmey-Archer Hubs comprise a comprehensive range of Gears to suit every form of Cycling, and they are unsurpassed for durability and reliability.
The 4-speed gear is the latest addition to the range of Sturmey-Archer Hubs, and with its ideal alternative gear ratios, makes a powerful and popular appeal to all classes of cyclists.

For Illustrations and Descriptions see overleaf

[The Rudge Model G.19 Roadster Model shown in a side-view photograph with an oil-bath gearcase and raised handlebars, with its boxed specification below. The lower part of the panel is an inserted Sturmey-Archer advertisement: the “Sturmey Archer” arrow logo around a drawing of a hub, and a paragraph recommending Sturmey-Archer hub gears and hub brakes.]

— Page 12 —
DE LUXE ROADSTER MODEL

MODEL G.20

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—22″, 24″, 26″.
WHEELS.—28″ × 1½” Westwood rims.
TYRES.—Dunlop Fort.
GEAR.—Sturmey-Archer three-speed hub.
PEDALS.—Rubber.
GEARCASE.—Oil bath.
HANDLEBARS.—Raised, black enamelled.
BRAKES.—Roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
SADDLE.—Large leather or super spring seat.
FINISH.—Enamelled black, with bronze lines. All-weather finish.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector.

The Gears that Make Cycling easy.

AM
Medium-ratio 3-speed Hub.
15 55% increase. 13.46% decrease. Suitable for Sports and Racing Cycles.

FM
Medium-ratio 4-speed Hub.
1st (Low Gear) 33⅓% decrease from Normal Gear.
2nd (Intermediate Low Gear) 14.3% decrease from Normal Gear.
3rd (Normal Gear) Direct Drive.
4th (High Gear) 12.5% increase over Normal Gear.
Suitable for all types of Cycles.
Handle-bar Trigger Control is a standard fitment to AF and FM 4-speed Hubs.

AW
3-speed Hub.
33⅓% increase, 25% reduction from normal Suitable for all types of cycles

TF
2-speed Hub.
25% reduction from normal. Supplied with either fixed or freewheel. Suitable for Sports, Tandem or Carrier Cycles. Adds 9½ ounces only to weight of machine.

AR
Close-ratio 3-speed Hub.
7.24% increase, and 6.76% decrease. Specially suitable for Racing and Record events. As used by Ferris in his “End to End” and 1,000 miles record rides.

AF
Close-ratio 4-speed Hub
1st (Low Gear) 25% decrease from Normal Gear
2nd (Intermediate Low Gear) 10% decrease from Normal Gear
3rd (Normal Gear) Direct Drive.
4th (High Gear) 9.1% increase over Normal Gear.
Specially suitable for Sports and Racing Cycles.

TC
Close-ratio 2-speed. Hub.
13.45% reduction from normal. Supplied with either fixed or free wheel. Essentially a Hub for the sporting rider.

[The Rudge Model G.20 De Luxe Roadster Model shown in a side-view photograph with an oil-bath gearcase and raised handlebars, with its boxed specification below. The lower part of the panel is an inserted Sturmey-Archer feature headed “The Gears that Make Cycling easy”, with line drawings of seven hub gears (AM, FM, AW, TF, AR, AF and TC), each with its caption.]

— Page 13 —
CARRIER MODEL

MODEL C.1

SPECIFICATION
FRAME.—21″, complete with nameplate.
WHEELS.—26″ × 1¾” rear, 20″ × 2″ front.
TYRES.—Dunlop Carrier or John Bull.
BRAKES.—Roller levers.
MUDGUARDS.—Steel. Enamelled black or white.
PEDALS.—Rubber.
SADDLE.—Carrier type three-coil.
CHAIN.—Heavy Carrier type.
FINISH.—Black Enamel.
CARRIER.—As illustrated.
EQUIPMENT.—Bag, tools, oiler and pump. Rear reflector. Large basket 10/6 extra.

The Brakes that Make Cycling safe.

BRC
Rear single-speed Hub with internal expanding brake. Suitable for all types of Solo Cycles.

ABC
Ratios as AW pattern Hubs, incorporating a hand-operated internal expanding brake. Suitable for all types of cycles.

BFT
Tandem Front Hub with internal expanding brake. Large diameter (4⅜”) brake drum.

BFC
Front Hub with internal expanding brake. Suitable for all types of Solo Cycles.

BRT
Tandem single-speed Rear Hub. Large diameter (4⅜”) brake drum. Suitable for Derailleur.

AT
Tandem 3-speed Hub. With internal expanding brake, large diameter (4⅜” [?]) brake drum. 33⅓% Increase and 25% decrease from normal. Suitable for all types of Tandems.

The Sturmey-Archer Handle-bar Trigger Control can be used on any machine fitted with a Sturmey-Archer 3-speed Hub,
This control provides an instantaneous change of gear by the flick of a finger

[The Rudge Model C.1 Carrier Model, a carrier cycle with a small front wheel, a large front carrier frame and a stand, shown in a side-view photograph with its boxed specification below. The lower part of the panel is an inserted Sturmey-Archer feature headed “The Brakes that Make Cycling safe”, with line drawings of six brake hubs (BRC, ABC, BFT, BFC, BRT and AT) and of the handlebar trigger control. A later dark gray blot is laid over the basket price “10/6”, which stays legible beneath it; the guarantee text of the next panel shows faintly through the paper.]

— Page 14 —
GUARANTEE

WE GUARANTEE that all precautions that are usual and reasonable have been taken by us to secure excellence of material and workmanship and WE GUARANTEE all parts of the RUDGE-WHITWORTH bicycle manufactured by us against defects in material and workmanship FOR ALL TIME. Subject to the Conditions set out below, we will make good or replace free of charge any part or parts which, upon examination by our authorised distributor shall prove to have been defective, but we do not undertake to bear the cost of refixing such new or repaired parts.

Further, we will pass on to the purchaser the benefit of any guarantee given us by the manufacturers of such parts not manufactured by us.

CONDITIONS OF GUARANTEE

1. Any parts deemed to be defective must be sent carriage paid to our authorised distributor, accompanied by an intimation from the owner that he desires it repaired or exchanged free of charge under our guarantee, and he must also furnish the number of the machine, name of dealer from whom he purchased it, and date of purchase.

2. Enamelling, plating, aluminium, flexible parts (Springs, etc.) are guaranteed for one year from date of invoice only.

3. No guarantee is given or is to be implied in respect of a Rudge-Whitworth bicycle that has been used for “hiring-out” purposes or from which the trademark or manufacturing number has been removed, or that has been used for racing. Nor does it apply to defects caused by wear and tear, misuse or neglect.

This guarantee is in substitution for any statutory or other warranty or condition expressed or implied and we are not responsible for any consequential or resulting liability, damage or loss arising from any defects.

Notice.—We do not appoint agents for the sale on our behalf of our cycles or other goods ; but we assign to cycle dealers, areas in which we supply to such dealers for re-sale in such areas. No such dealer is authorised to transact any business, give any warranty, make any representation or incur any liability on our behalf.

RUDGE-WHITWORTH LTD.
HAYES – MIDDLESEX
ENGLAND

[The Rudge-Whitworth guarantee panel: the guarantee, the three numbered Conditions of Guarantee, a disclaimer and a notice to dealers, set as text only between orange bands at the head and foot, with the company name and address below.]

— Page 15 (inside back cover) —
RUDGE-WHITWORTH LIMITED

[A nearly blank panel with orange bands at the head and foot and the Rudge-Whitworth Limited roundel, a raised hand within a spoked wheel, at its center. The paper is lightly foxed, and the back-cover design of the next panel (the Rudge lettering, “1940” and the rider) shows faintly through it in reverse.]

— Page 16 (back cover) —
RUDGE-WHITWORTH LIMITED

RUDGE
WHITWORTH
1940

The scientifically designed Rudge “True-Poise” riding position ensures the maximum degree of forward motion in a bicycle, with the minimum of energy output. For lasting dependability, safe riding and light, easy steering, there is nothing like a Rudge — Britain’s Best Bicycle

RUDGE WHITWORTH LTD
HAYES MIDDLESEX.

Printed in England
(R. 164-1239 F.I.)

[The back cover of the Rudge-Whitworth 1940 booklet: the Rudge-Whitworth Limited hand roundel and the large RUDGE WHITWORTH 1940 title above the “True-Poise” paragraph and a photograph of a smiling man in a suit and hat riding a gent’s bicycle fitted with a headlamp, with the company name and address on the orange band at the foot. The crowns of two wire staples show at the right edge (the spine), and faint gray smudges with no legible words sit near that edge below the paragraph.]