New Hudson

Here is an unlikely project.

I intend to convert this clapped out New Hudson (actually a cheap badge engineered Raleigh) into a seviceable 'Edwardian' tourer - and then use it as such.

The idea comes from the 1911 Century Competiton (see thread). As a result of my interest in this I was able to borrow the 1913 BSA roadster which originally belonged to Marcel Planes who won the 1911 event.
When I rode the BSA - a top quality machine in it's day - I liked it so much I wanted one of my own.

It's hard to say exactly what the appeal is, but the bike proved more efficient than I would have expected. It is not quite as slow as it looks, but has the advantage that one never feels under any pressure to ride fast.

I happen to have a pair of 26 x 1.25" westwood rims (same as the BSA), and most of the rest of the kit in stock. I will be using a Sturmey AW (wide ratio 3), probably with the same sprockets as the BSA (48 x 20) giving gears of 49, 62 and 82" with 7" cranks. Hills that I can't get up on 49 I shall walk.

If anyone here expresses interest I will report progress.

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We had one like that in grandma's shed; it was fast going down hill :-)

The Century Competition of 1911

thread no. 62753

I hope this makes the original story easier to find.

I have a New hudson too.. a 1935 model, its just so heavy !

I have abandoned the New Hudson frame.

Reason: I like to have a short bottom bracket spindle - too long and my right knee complains. The NH has a Raleigh BB, and after a lot of thought I've decided that it is impossible to modify the frame to my requirements.

Two points come from this:

1. If anyone would like the remains of the NH they are available free.

2. I would still like to buy a 21 or 22" roadster frame (i.e. for rod brakes and westwood rims), possibly a complete machine. No Raleighs, obviously.

i've got a ladies new hudson sitting in my garage, was going potter around the village on it and if it gets nicked then so be it.....
wouldn't mind finding out how old it though, no idea where to find a serial number.
it does have rod brakes though

If your NH is a Raleigh (which is quite likely), you might like to have my frame (21") and convert your ladies into a gents.

I'm going to be away for a few days, but you'd be very welcome to have my surplus parts when I come back. I don't like the idea of putting them in a skip.

Attached picture is my replacement project - a Rudge.

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If your NH is a Raleigh (which is quite likely), you might like to have my frame (21") and convert your ladies into a gents.

I'm going to be away for a few days, but you'd be very welcome to have my surplus parts when I come back. I don't like the idea of putting them in a skip.

Attached picture is my replacement project - a Rudge.

actually i pmed you saying that it was a new hudson, it does have decals with those words on it. but i can't tell how to date it or even find a serial number