I really like the vintage bikes, that old logo for Rudge bikes.
If one sees it, if you have, do you have a reaction? It's always been a bit strange to me.
The old Rudge chainwheel or crank. Nowadays, the bikes have been modernised so much but lots of lore with the old 3-speeds. In fact, before World War II, there were popular cycling social clubs and they would take their "Clubman" bikes out on weekend camping trips. I was reading about it, it was a big deal and sounded like a lot of fun.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/ Website on the classic bikes.
A lot to this, one can get a fairly good rendition of the old 3-speed roadsters just like the old ones but they are from India. Pashley also still makes them, one of the last companies still doing so when there were so many out there, Hercules, Phillips, Raleigh, Robin Hood.
Pashley's website: http://www.pashley.co.uk/
I still have a Roadster I used a lot and now is in a bit of a state of disrepair. Lots of fun, I'm just not sure if I want to go through all that again. It has a nice big basket on the front to carry groceries and with that Sturmey Archer hub and controls, seemed to go about everywhere.
Of course, there are plenty of rides where everyone has one of those 3-speeds, dresses the part and everyone goes on a little tour, maybe around some lakes. Simple for the most part.
Single-Speed Pashley Guvnor.