https://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/983185456.html

Not asking if this is a "Deal" or not, I just need some reassurance that this frame isn't a chocolate covered turd. Also the fork is aftermarket and it's look has me worried. The rear break mount has me the most worried, I looks like it was just slapped onto the frame and is the main reason I'm asking you all to look over this frame. The seller claims it's a Hercules, but thats just what has been put on the seat tube. He said it's been repained, a few times and that there is no visible serial number.

Here are some more pictures to go along with the ones in the CL listing.





Sorry for the posts but my eyes aren't as trained as most. I just want to make sure this thing isn't going to break apart on me.

I'd avoid it, the brake bridge looks sketchy it might be OK (if clunky) but if it wasn't brazed by a competent brazer, it might fall off. FWIW the fork may be worth what the guy says, but it's totally out of place on this frame.

That's what I saw. The bridge just doesn't look like it was original. I'm only looking for something to try my hand at a build, but if it's going to be dangerous then I'm not going to waste my money.

Can anybody ID the fork? And is there anyway to accurately tell if it is indeed a Hercules frame? I thought Hercules only made 3speed type bikes.

Hi all,
I have never seen or heard of Hercules making anything other than 3 speed bikes in the 50's through 70's. The rear brake bridge looks absolutely awful and appears to be a square piece of aluminum cut out and brazed to the frame. The whole things looks too suspect to me.

Looks to me like it was a 3 speed 'Turd' that someone made into a 'fixie'. Originally had 26" wheels, hence the 700c replacement fork. The rear brake bridge was removed to clear the 700c rear wheel, and as an afterthought some bozo made a new rear brake bridge for frame integrity. The bottom bracket lugs and seat tube lugs look ultra cheap. Lots of turds are made into fixies nowadays by mechanically challenged young people. Just my 2 kopecks....

Much obliged!

Yeah, I'm not calling that guy back. When I asked if he can guarantee it is a Hercules he was witty, but in a bad way, by saying, "no, but I can guarantee it's a bike."

I was pretty sure it was a bust then, but I wanted to make sure, and now I know what to look for when it comes to turd-conversions.