I have a bike frame and forks that I cannot identify, help

[moosey1989]

I got this frame and forks from my friend. The frame is a Hercules, made in Birmingham. The frame is heavy steel and apparently that could indicate the mid 1940s-60s era. However I am no expert when it comes to older bikes so I really need help identifying it. I have looked all over the internet and cannot find anything that is even remotely similar in artwork and such. The lugs themselves seem cool and a bike with such artwork is a rareity these days. I love this frame, even though it isn't special. Can someone please help?

 

[moosey1989]

WP_000443 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000460 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000457 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000453 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000452 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000468 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000450 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000466 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000464 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000445 by moosey1989, on Flickr


WP_000461 by moosey1989, on Flickr

 

[hamster]

Lovely transfers, and I'm sure that it will have a nice patina after a good clean and waxing.

 

[Johnsqual]

Hercules Bicycles: A British company that claimed at one point to
be the biggest manufacturer in the world. Classic Rendezvous does
not have much information but there is a picture of the same head badge
as your bike and a picture of a TdF model bike:

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Britis ... rcules.htm

Looks like a good find. Good luck with the restoration.

Johnny

 

[biggs682]

seen this thread somewhere else !

 

[SantaHul]

This is very interesting for me as I'm trying to identify a bike from Birmingham too. What became of Hercules? When did they stop making bikes?

 

[Spokesmann]

I love those decals!

 

[Midlife]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_C ... or_Company

Interesting story..............the poison chalice of Ti / Raleigh strikes again !!

Shaun

 

[Jamiedyer]

Interesting thread.

This, like so many is a very interesting thread, always a knowledgable flow of imformation.
I knew of Hercules in India, which to this day claims to be the largest manafacturer of bicycles in the world, but had no idea of the origins. I realised they would surely be British, but maybe not as 'interesting' as this.
With that volume produced I am amazed there are not more popping up around the place.
Jamie

 

[Dead Rats]

I remember my Dad telling me about his Hercules so I sent him a link to this thread and this is his response:

"In 1956 I had a Hercules -Harlequin (similar to the Tour de France) but only had 5 speed derailleur, and steel brakes and levers and rims. The Tour de France was a better quality bike which had 10 speed (I think) gears inc double clanger, and had alloy brakes and lever and wheel rims. I had a lady friend who had one - I was jealous of her but she was 2 years older than me".

So there you go, hope this helps!