Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Looking for more info on a vintage Hercules bike

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foos1126
10-10-11, 10:18 AM
Hi, I'm looking for some more information on a bike that I bought at a tag sale. It is a Hercules bicycle, it's from the Hercules company out of Nottingham, England. I'm pretty sure that it's a girls bike. It has a gearshift on the top bar and is a teal blue. The front wheel has 32 spokes and the back wheel has 40 spokes. The seat is in rough condition, but I'm going to have another seat made to match the original. It is in very good condition other than that, there are only a few small rust spots and small dents here and there. I was looking for more information about the company, or possibly the value of the bike. I paid $10 for it. I'm 17 years old and love collecting antiques, so I was very excited when I found this bike! I've included a photo. Thank you.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293560_2469099572981_1417093610_32948513_632752208_n.jpg

oldroads
10-13-11, 05:34 AM
That is a great cycle and worth cleaning up.
You’ll find a 2-digit date code on the rear hub.
That shifter IS original, we find them like that once in a while.
It should be easy to find an original replacement seat, and a lot cheaper than having it re-done. We sell good used seats in our shop for $5. If you’re near Cambridge, MA, come by.
DavidW56
10-13-11, 11:18 AM
Also, you can save yourself some money and learn a new skill by recovering that seat yourself. There are some good directions on how-to within the C&V forum. Do a search on it and you'll find it.

Edit -- OK, I searched for it myself. Here are two links to threads that lead to other sites with directions:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/618853-Recovered-saddles...?highlight=recovering+a+seat
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/556312-Bored-today-so-I-recovered-an-old-bike-seat?highlight=recovering+a+seat

rpoland
10-16-12, 04:44 PM
I was given a bike similar to the one you're describing. I can see blue paint area's but the bike has been painted black. It has drop bar handle bars and the brake handles looks somewhat like the one's on an old 3 or 10 speed. Does your bike have these?