Originally Posted by
BigChief
I wouldn't say that. The pre-Raleighs were completely different bikes. After 1960, Hercs were simply Nottingham style light roadsters and Hercules badges with no connection to their Birmingham heritage.
Tube Industries made changes to what was a failing company. Hercules was one of many great bicycle makers that couldn't cope with the changing times after WW2. Unfortunately TI were the last thing needed to improve the situation. T I buying Raleigh 10 years later was the final nail in the coffin for Raleigh and mass produced bicycles in Britain.
Pre or early TI Hercs still had some of the quality but it was not the same.
Don't get me wrong, I have two TI Hercs but they require considerable more TLC than the older workhorse pre WW2 bikes - but it is something I enjoy doing.