Hello all,
My brother texted me a crappy photo of an old three speed step through bike he saw at a rummage sale he was helping set up. He's going back on Thursday. They're not open yet so the bike should still be there, but he can't get a better picture until then.
Can you help me identify it from this picture? The chain ring design and chainguard might be something to go on.
https://goo.gl/photos/oaw4zh67nS28d25QA

Thanks!

ask him to take a shot of the head badge

I will, but until Thursday this is all I've got.

My guess is J.C. Higgins, probably sold by Sears and actually manufactured by Puch in Austria.


What's my prize?

a ride around the block

I can't find any J C Higgins or Puch bikes with that chain guard, it's actually pretty distinctive.

Looks like a late 60s early 70s Raleigh made Hercules.

Yup, that's a Herc head badge.

Thanks! I think it might be a Hercules. This Hercules is the first bike I've seen with the correct chain guard, though the chain ring and decals are wrong.
Bikes For No Reason: 1958 Hercules

This bike looks to be original, although it's hard to see details in such a small pic. After 1960, Hercs were all built by Raleigh in Nottingham. So it's essentially a down market version of a Raleigh Sports and not a Birmingham original

They got the bike today, here are some more pictures. The photos are not mine, an the legs aren't either.

So now my dad's going to attempt to tune it up, and I'll try to help as much as I can without being there. He says the wheel is hard to turn, which I assume means the nds cone needs to be loosened a little. Also, I'm sure it needs oil. 30w non detergent I read? How about Harbor Freight compressor oil?

Yep it's a late 60s early 70s Hercules. Like bigchief said.

They are nice quality utility and general purpose bikes. That one looks to be in pretty good shape. Would look near new with a little polishing compound, simichrome, wax and elbow grease.

Don't let him take apart the Sturmey Archer hub!!! Chances are it will never be whole again. Yeah, could be tight bearing, more likely dried oil. 30w non detergent is fine. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to flush it out with something thinner first, but I'll defer to the S/A experts, as it's been many decades since I dealt with one.

At this point I'd pull and grease the brake and shifter cables also. Wouldn't be a bad idea to replace them all, as well as the rubber tires and tubes.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer_tech.html

I'm not letting him take it apart, just adjust NDS cone if necessary. That can be done without disassembly, correct?

Yes. That sheldon link has the basic info for regular maintenance.