Stepto

Hi there. I know very little about folding bikes but due to fitting a loft ladder for an elderly neighbour I now own a Rudge TranSport GS 7 folding bike. I think it was built by Raleigh of Nottingham (where I am from) and is based on the Nohan Stowaway bike?

Does anyone have more infor on this bike?

I've given it a service and adjusted the brakes, wheel alignment and gear trim.

Any other advice?

Kindest regards,
Steve.

fietsbob

nope. google didn't help.

links or pictures?

cpg

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum. Sorry to shatter your illusions but its unlikely that the bike was made in Nottingham. Raleigh revived the Rudge name by re-branding folding bikes they were buying in from other manufacturers. The two models of Rudge folding bike that I am aware of a re-branded Montague Bi-frame and a re-branded 20" version of the Dahon classic. The latter is what I suspect you have. Need to see some pictures of the bike to be sure, can you post some photos.
Hope to see you riding it in Nottingham.

Stepto

Not holding my breath....

I've sorted the brakes and the lose locking mechanism. The gears work well now and it rides lovely. Very heavy though!

Steve.

Stepto

Its (sympathetically) lost a little weight now and has had a proper clean.....

cpg

It is one of the 20" Dahon models, the Getaway I think, and should be a good bike as they are well respected. Looks nice, you did well.

Stepto

Thanks for the replies. I'm happy with it, although being an engineer I can't help but tinker and modify.

I'm considering front suspension, possibly off an old child's MTB.

The rear gears need a better spread. Too tall at one end for steep hills and too short for a decent speed.

BMX tyres are on order.

Lights.

Any advice on the suspension or gears?

Steve.

cpg

I wouldn't bother with suspension, anything from a childs bike will be heavy and not work very well. I also wouldn't bother with BMX tyres, have a look at Shwalbe big apples, they are low rolling resistance while giving a comfortable ride. As for gearing, could you fit a double or triple crank with front derailier? Depending on the rear dropout spacing a Sram Dual Drive hub might fit.

Stepto

Hadn't considered a front derailier but will look into that. A size above and a size below would be perfect.

Steve.

Stepto

Current gearing

28 52
24
22
20
18
16
14

Stepto

Seen that Shimano do a 12-32 7 speed cassette. Would this fit my hub?

cpg

That depends what type of hub you have, either a screw on freewheel type or a free hub type.

cpg

Should have mentioned that if you do decide to use Big Apples, check that there will be enough clearance between the tyre and the frame/callipers.

Stepto

Ok. I'll have a look. I think that a 12-32 7 speed cassette would sort the gears out.

Just been on my first decent ride out on it. I'm impressed with how stable and easy it is to ride. The gears are pretty rubbish. Up and down them all the time. 2-6 pretty pointless. It is hilly around where I am right now though.

Sure i can sort it.

Stepto

Oooooh. Just seen the Sram duel drive hub. It's like a transfer box for the rear hub? It would give me 14 gears instead of 7? Looks good.

mirfi

Steve,

Nice bike, my Downtube FS9 and Mini Velo were upgrade to 11-32 cassette and at least a 58t chainring. Had to do it, I could not keep up with other old fat guys riding their 26inch bikes in the park. Sheldon Brown's gear calculator helped me upgrade to be comparable to bigger tired bikes.


Mirfi

cpg

The dual drive hub will give you 24 or 27 speeds, 3 in the hub and either an 8 or 9 speed cassette. You would need to build a new wheel and make sure the rear dropout spacing is wide enough to the dual drive hub.
Its good that you are enjoying it.

Stepto

Liking the hub idea. A neat system.

Liking the bike. Been down a local pub and was asked if that was 'my old bike' outside.

Ive got a decent MTB but this just seems more fun.

Ive got my hands on a couple of old MTBs so will have a play with hubs etc.

Stepto

Had my rear wheel off. My hub is the kind with the internal splines tight on to the wheel. The cassette spins freely and the splines stay still.

Is this compatible with modern cassettes and can I remove it with one of the splined tools i see on line?

ta very much.

cpg

Sounds like a screw on cassette but I can not be sure. Can you post a photo of it?

Stepto

It is a screw on type. Been reading up on it. It should just unscrew off the wheel with the right tool.

Hoping to find a replacement 7 speed cassette with better gearing. Seem to be plenty available.

Stepto

My 'Rudge' or 'Raleigh' gave up its dirty little secret today as I was cleaning up its bearings........

cpg

I did warn you. Its still a great bike though and many good bikes have home out of Taiwan.

fietsbob

The Clustering on that Island of a Lot of bicycle manufacturing is well established there Many Brands Are coming out of a handful of factories .

Brompton is the largest volume Bike Manufacturer in the realm UK, because it's about the only one left.

80s Small regional steel frame maker and shop owners all Resell TW bikes now . can't compete , so Joined .

Stepto

Fair enough. I've finished cleaning it up. Bearings all stripped and renewed. New gear cassette ordered.

I'm guessing it has no value, historical or monitory. So I'm considering stripping and repainting the frame. I'd like it in satin black without all the brackets etc. it had. Happy to cut and smooth them off.