Rudge Bi-Frame Folding MTB Trail Bike Montague Design Cro-Mo Frame 26" Wheels
£140.00 GBP
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The Rudge Bi-Frame is a rare, retro full-size folding mountain/hybrid bike from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is highly regarded by enthusiasts because it balances the ride quality of a "proper" full-sized bicycle with a quick, unique folding mechanism.
1. The Design: Montague Partnership
The frame was not designed by Rudge itself. It uses a patented folding system invented by Montague Bicycles in the USA. Raleigh (who owned the Rudge brand name at the time) licensed the design, manufactured the frames in Taiwan, and sold them in the UK under the classic Rudge Whitworth identity.
Instead of a standard hinge right in the middle of the main frame tubes—which creates a structural weak point—the Bi-Frame features concentric tubes at the seat mast. The rear triangle of the frame pivots completely around the seat tube, allowing it to swing forward seamlessly. By releasing quick-adjust levers and pulling a spring-loaded lock pin, you can fold the bike in seconds to slide it into a car boot or take it on public transport.
2. Framework:
engineered using high-quality True Temper lightweight chromoly steel tubing, making the frame surprisingly robust. Over its production span, the UK market saw three primary 26-inch wheel variants distinguished by colour and era:
• Black Models: Typically the most common, originally equipped with 18-speed Suntour components and thumb shifters.
• White Models: Generally featured higher-tier 21-speed componentry.
• Blue Models: Often came fitted with Shimano components or distinct ovalised "Ovaltech" chainrings.
3. Current Vintage Value & Usability
Today, the Rudge Bi-Frame has achieved cult-classic status among retro bike collectors and custom builders.
• Commuting & Upgrades: Many riders find them to be excellent "sleeper" commuters or light trail bikes. Because they use standard 26-inch mountain bike geometry, they don't look like an obvious folding bike from afar, making them less attractive to thieves.
This bike has had several changes, folding handle bars and folding pedals make it even more compact and easy to hang on the wall, Sram twist grip shifters, bike is 21 speed. Almost new Schwalbe Land Cruiser K-Guard 3 26x1.75 tyres.
Frame size is 21.5" / 55cm seat tube length, equivalent to a medium size, long alloy seat post and adjustable angel handle bars stem allows for a wide range of fit.
Very good overall condition, usual scratches to the paint work, not bad considering its age!
A very ridable bike for trails and the city.
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Rudge Bi-Frame Folding MTB Trail Bike Montague Design Cro-Mo Frame 26" Wheels
£140.00 GBP
1. The Design: Montague Partnership
The frame was not designed by Rudge itself. It uses a patented folding system invented by Montague Bicycles in the USA. Raleigh (who owned the Rudge brand name at the time) licensed the design, manufactured the frames in Taiwan, and sold them in the UK under the classic Rudge Whitworth identity.
Instead of a standard hinge right in the middle of the main frame tubes—which creates a structural weak point—the Bi-Frame features concentric tubes at the seat mast. The rear triangle of the frame pivots completely around the seat tube, allowing it to swing forward seamlessly. By releasing quick-adjust levers and pulling a spring-loaded lock pin, you can fold the bike in seconds to slide it into a car boot or take it on public transport.
2. Framework:
engineered using high-quality True Temper lightweight chromoly steel tubing, making the frame surprisingly robust. Over its production span, the UK market saw three primary 26-inch wheel variants distinguished by colour and era:
• Black Models: Typically the most common, originally equipped with 18-speed Suntour components and thumb shifters.
• White Models: Generally featured higher-tier 21-speed componentry.
• Blue Models: Often came fitted with Shimano components or distinct ovalised "Ovaltech" chainrings.
3. Current Vintage Value & Usability
Today, the Rudge Bi-Frame has achieved cult-classic status among retro bike collectors and custom builders.
• Commuting & Upgrades: Many riders find them to be excellent "sleeper" commuters or light trail bikes. Because they use standard 26-inch mountain bike geometry, they don't look like an obvious folding bike from afar, making them less attractive to thieves.
This bike has had several changes, folding handle bars and folding pedals make it even more compact and easy to hang on the wall, Sram twist grip shifters, bike is 21 speed. Almost new Schwalbe Land Cruiser K-Guard 3 26x1.75 tyres.
Frame size is 21.5" / 55cm seat tube length, equivalent to a medium size, long alloy seat post and adjustable angel handle bars stem allows for a wide range of fit.
Very good overall condition, usual scratches to the paint work, not bad considering its age!
A very ridable bike for trails and the city.