Information on my Hercules
03-31-14 | 09:16 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Information on my Hercules
Hi,
Just wondered if anybody could help me out with some information on my Hercules bike. Purely for personal interest. A lot of people ask about it and I don't know anything to tell them! Some people have said it's worth money but I really don't think it is, and I don't want to sell it either way. It's a good functioning bike, fairly quick and easy to ride.
My Dad is a postman and someone he delivered to was an old collector clearing out his garage. My dad took this and two other vintage bikes (a fold-up and a tandem). Gave me this one as I needed something to get around on and I love it.
It's a gold 3-speed. I've looked for a serial number or something specific but can't see anything. The front badge says it was made in Nottingham (a bit of research suggests that make make it technically a Raleigh with a Hercules badge essentially, but I may be wrong). It has Sturmey Archer AW 63 10 engraved onto the rear wheel hub.
Thanks, any information would be appreciated!
Just wondered if anybody could help me out with some information on my Hercules bike. Purely for personal interest. A lot of people ask about it and I don't know anything to tell them! Some people have said it's worth money but I really don't think it is, and I don't want to sell it either way. It's a good functioning bike, fairly quick and easy to ride.
My Dad is a postman and someone he delivered to was an old collector clearing out his garage. My dad took this and two other vintage bikes (a fold-up and a tandem). Gave me this one as I needed something to get around on and I love it.
It's a gold 3-speed. I've looked for a serial number or something specific but can't see anything. The front badge says it was made in Nottingham (a bit of research suggests that make make it technically a Raleigh with a Hercules badge essentially, but I may be wrong). It has Sturmey Archer AW 63 10 engraved onto the rear wheel hub.
Thanks, any information would be appreciated!
03-31-14 | 10:43 AM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,401
Likes: 5,333
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
It's pretty much equivalent to a Raleigh "Sports" 3-speed, built by Raleigh after they purchased the Hercules name. It's not particularly valuable, but is a decent, sturdy bike built to last a lifetime of everyday use with a modicum of care.
03-31-14 | 12:06 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Saint Paul, Minn.
Bikes: 1972 Campagna Sport, 1980 Schwinn Suburban
Yep, a Raleigh-made bike, essentially a Sports by any other name. Probably made in '64, assuming the rear wheel is original. Quite common, exceedingly dependable. Yours is missing the chain guard and kickstand, for what it's worth.
04-01-14 | 06:19 AM
#4
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Yup Raleigh Sports clone, still a good solid bike that with reasonable care should last 2 or 3 of our lifetimes. Ride and enjoy.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
04-01-14 | 08:05 AM
#5
Wood
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 13
From: Beaumont, Tx
Bikes: Raleigh Sports: hers. Vianelli Professional & Bridgestone 300: mine
Raleigh must have made more "flamboyant" painted Hercs than Sports, for that reason alone they are better.
You can tell your friends, who know squat about bikes, that it is rare, but not if you leave the spoke reflectors on.
You can tell your friends, who know squat about bikes, that it is rare, but not if you leave the spoke reflectors on.
04-01-14 | 12:41 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,630
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island (an obscure suburb of Connecticut)
Bikes: one of each
Check out this thread;
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...peeds-173.html
And this website;
Retro Raleighs
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...peeds-173.html
And this website;
Retro Raleighs
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