Classic & Vintage - The "other" Hercules (German)

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Uprighter
05-27-11, 09:41 PM
Here's something you don't see too often on this side of the pond: a German Hercules 10 speed. Thought I'd share some pics...

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules1.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules7.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules5.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules4.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules3.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules2.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae122/St_Hogustine/hercules6.jpg

uncle uncle
05-27-11, 11:03 PM
Pretty cool in a 70's boom bike sort of way. Any odd German manufacturer parts on it? I have a Kalkhoff that's probably the same vintage/same quality. It also has suicide butterflies, bracketry braze ons for a rear light generator, closely spaced front rings on the crank, an odd ball rack, thin nearly see thru paint, and ugly seat stay ends. What's your plans for it?
javal
05-28-11, 01:31 AM
203752Odd bikes/brands fascinates more! I hope you clean it up/restore and make hit the road again. The lugwork stands out! Hercules is an old german brand mostly known for their mopeds/scooters. Pic shows a 1967 Hercules roadster.

uncle uncle
05-29-11, 08:09 PM
My Kalkhoff had badly fainted paint, with one side looking like a "dusty rose" color and the other side having a more original "fushcia". One of the coolist features on the bike is the very elaborate foil decals, which would be gone and unreplaceable if i decided to repaint it. I would like to fix mine up, but the paint dilemma has me in a hold pattern.
Uprighter
05-29-11, 09:15 PM
Yeah, the decals on the Herc are crumbling quickly and have me in a similar dilemma. I do like the color of the current paint, though, and will probably set the frame aside until the right donor parts come along. I see myself boxing up most of the accessories and running a coaster brake or 3sp conversion, and probably giving the bike to a college-bound friend or similar friend in need.

My overall impression is that the handlebars/fork/frame/rack are of decent quality and have a quirky aesthetic appeal, while most of what's bolted onto the frame is less than desirable.