I posted on this site a few months back that I brought a bicycle out of India in my suitcase back at the beginning of the year. I had to take everything apart and I had to hacksaw the frame to get it to fit in my largest suitcase. Anyway, after some tinkering around in the garage, some welding and some nights puzzled to death about how things would fit together, here she is. That is my son in the photo.

Specs:
Lugged Steel Frame
Single Speed Freewheel
18 T Rear
39 T Front
Chain Tensioners
26 " Tires - With Cloth Rim Tape
32 Spokes Front
40 Spokes Rear
Stainless Steel Spokes
Super Thick and Heavy Tubes.
Old Style Tire Valves
Wire linkage Brakes
Hard Rubber Grips
Chromed Rear Rack
Front and Rear Fenders
Chain Guard
Heavy Duty Seat with Cover
Generator - Front and Rear Lights
Handlebar Bell
Monster Kickstand (unistalled) Too Heavy.
It comes in at a sweet 40 pounds exactly (Without the Kickstand).
Almost 1/5 of that is likely the seat.

Here's Hero's Website for the Jet Master

cool, 40lbs it is like two bikes for the price of one and you know you won't be seeing another one like it, the guys at the 7/11 will probably give free slurpees when they see it 'cause it reminds them of there fathers bike that the whole family would go in to town on.

for some reason I BM'd this page a while back,

http://www.safaribikes.com/cycle11.htm#top

I like the line at the bottom,

Colors: Red, Blue, Green, Flamboyant Colors - to order

on another page it states,

THE PRICE REALLY WILL SURPRISE YOU

are there any custom frame builders in india, or are they all custom/hand made?

In my community it is more likely the surgeons, professors, and the small business owners who will be reminded of the bicycles they rode in their youth. But I guesss I'm sterotyping, kind of like you did. :)

That is a cool looking bike. I have seen photos of similar bikes made in the UK from aroun 1900. Living history.

So, what is like to ride? I have the impression this model is known for stable steering, and a comfortable ride on rough roads.

I'm being serious, when I'd stop with my honda motorcycle to get a snack I've gotten free buttered rolls, chips, and once a tuna sandwich (freshly made) in exchange for a conversation about theirs before they came here, and converted diesel motorcycles, you'd be surprised. sorry if my personal experiences offend you're political correctness,

Some scammer on Ebay is trying to pawn these off with a $200 starting bid and some ridiculous reserve price. What a joke.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6552687237

He says, "Made in India as a working replica of the old British
Raleigh Deluxe Model One or simply DL-1. (Out of
production since the 80s, used, unrestored DL-1s fetch
$500-1000+)."

Yeah right "$1000+"! Tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Indians who buy these bikes every year for $30 - $40. I can't believe there are actually people stupid enough to buy this junk. Even the Hero Jetmaster looks like a luxury bike compared to this one.

And I thought Walmart was bad!

last one I saw was $100 in a bike store in Mexico.They sell several brands,Hero,Eastman,etc.

Well Joe I'll bet you're the only guy on the block to have one.To me, the best thing is how you got it.the bike will now always have that story.Now you need a nice original DL-1 Raleigh to start a collection.I don't care what the grumps say,I think it's cool.

I met a guy in India who went every summer, and was taking such a bike back piece by piece. Every year he would go over, and buy one, and ride around the country for 3 months. Then, when it came time to go home, he'd ride to the airport, take off the bit he was bringing home this time, and give the rest of the bike to someone who looked poor. He said he had pretty much everything but the wheels and the frame.....

What I really wanted was a cycle rickshaw, but they're not easy to take home, even when you've got a bus......

How strong is this bike ? have you been happy with all the accessories (I mean everything except the frame ?)

Do you have any idea of how much it would cost to send 2 of them to Mexico ?

The OP's link isnt working on my mac but I grew up in India in the 70's and saw tons of these. They were basically used as an everyday workhorse, to carry all kinds of things including people. Very sturdy, obviously and presumably very reliable too.

I've ridden them a couple of times. I had a BSA also made in India which was my pride and joy for a long time!

EDIT: IIRC these bikes were called Hercules at the time

"Who are you?..."
"The new Number Two..."
"Who is Number One?..."
"You are...Number Six..."....

sorry. just had to do that for Lt. Gustl. welcome to the village...

What the heck is this: http://www.safaribikes.com/cycle38.htm#top ?

I gotta have me a fleet of these: http://www.safaribikes.com/classic_gents.htm

That bike is for carrying heavy cargo up front. Low center of gravity due to the small front wheel. Popular in Europe and Asia.

That "legged and brazed steel frame" sounds interesting. Lifetime guaranty!

This comment makes me smile:
Would be interesting to see what this hacksawed and welded back together bike looks like today.