1962 AMF Hercules

[streetrodder_1940]

Just completed restoring the bike Santa brought when I was 10 years old, exactly the way I found it that Christmas morning. It hasn't been ridden in over 40 years, it has been in storage. I was considering selling it when I pulled it out of the attic a year and a half ago, but changed my mind when I started wiping the dust off. I completely disassembled, cleaned it inside and out and reassembled and replaced the worn parts with NOS to original manufacturer's specifications.

I'm not sure what the value of this bike is, it won't be for sale until I'm gone anyway, but it sure would be nice to know.

I just wanted to share this with people that may appreciate it

 

[3-speeder]

That is a beautiful looking machine. Nice job on the rehab. I would never sell something with that kind of sentimental value either. I would however, enjoy riding the tires off of it.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Just completed restoring the bike Santa brought when I was 10 years old,

Really nice bike,nicely cleaned up great job. That must roll so smooth. Intrinsic value $1,000,000 actual I'm guessing $250/350 not really sure.

 

[Sonic_scout]

What a bute!!!!

 

[Freqman1]

Probably the nicest existing one of these out there. Like CB said worth a lot to you and unless you find someone that had one as a kid and I trying to recapture their youth there just isn't a lot of love for these. I'm thinking $500 would be top money for this but really our of my wheelhouse. V/r Shawn

 

[streetrodder_1940]

Thank you for all the compliments. I've learned alot about the Hercules since I started this project. things like the rear wheel has 40 spokes and the front has 32 spokes, most bikes have 36 spokes on both front and rear. The rear carrier design was only used a few years and onle on the 26" Hercules. The biggest challenge was trying to find the correct accessories in good condition.

Thanks again

 

[Oilit]

This was an interesting time in the British bicycle industry. Tubing Industries had owned Hercules since 1946, but in 1960 they bought Raleigh and merged the two companies. Evidently cars were becoming more common in the U.K. and the market for bicycles was contracting. Hercules was based in Birmingham and Raleigh was based in Nottingham, and at first both were kept in operation, but the factories in Birmingham were shut down after a few years and all production moved to Nottingham. Does your head badge say Birmingham or Nottingham? I've seen badges marked both ways, so I'm guessing they changed the badge when they moved.

 

[streetrodder_1940]

This was an interesting time in the British bicycle industry. Tubing Industries had owned Hercules since 1946, but in 1960 they bought Raleigh and merged the two companies. Evidently cars were becoming more common in the U.K. and the market for bicycles was contracting. Hercules was based in Birmingham and Raleigh was based in Nottingham, and at first both were kept in operation, but the factories in Birmingham were shut down after a few years and all production moved to Nottingham. Does your head badge say Birmingham or Nottingham? I've seen badges marked both ways, so I'm guessing they changed the badge when they moved.

That one is Birmingham, My wife has a 1963 also Birmingham. I also have another pair, a 1970 &1971, both Nottingham

 

[Oilit]

Thanks for the information and thanks for posting!

 

[juvela]

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beautiful cycle and job!

thank you for sharing it with the forum

one does not oft encounter a pedal cycle saddle with this grab bar feature

interesting front rack mount with that bracket with a slot for adjustment

at first glance it reminded me of a lamp mount bracket

had to enlarge image to understand it

suspect fittings such as lugs, crown, crown cap, shell and frame ends, headset may all be Brampton items

Brampton was a "neighbour" of The Strong Man there in B-ham

the 32/40 drilling for hubs and rims was quite common/standard in the UK for a number of decades

parts suppliers would stock hubs and rims with this drilling in sets

quite a rational arrangement when one considers all the problems with 36 spoke rear wheels on lightweight cycles...


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