Hercules Twin Bar - 1962 / What the.....

[Schwinny]

It's finished now except for deciding whether to put on chrome fenders (shark fin front & ducktail rear with European style stays). And maybe a chain guard. A McCauley Wing might be cool.
Or would all that be too far over the top?

Highlights include:

• 3spd coaster
• Miller lamp converted to switched 6v LED
• 700C rims 36/32 hole. Schwalbe whitewalls
• Bayliss Wiley hi flange front hub
• French fork from a 60-61' Schwinn Continental
• Weinman 999 engraved cntr pull front brake
• 40s Hercules head badge

 

[Mr. Monkeyarms]

I think those additions would be PERFECT @Schwinny ! The only thing missing as far as I'm concerned. Nicely done!

 

[Oilit]

It's finished now except for deciding whether to put on chrome fenders (shark fin front & ducktail rear with European style stays). And maybe a chain guard. A McCauley Wing might be cool.
Or would all that be too far over the top?

Highlights include:

• 3spd coaster
• Miller lamp converted to switched 6v LED
• 700C rims 36/32 hole. Schwalbe whitewalls
• Bayliss Wiley hi flange front hub
• French fork from a 60-61' Schwinn Continental
• Weinman 999 engraved cntr pull front brake
• 40s Hercules head badge

View attachment 1766122View attachment 1766123View attachment 1766124View attachment 1766125View attachment 1766126View attachment 1766127

You've got it looking sharp! And as for the changes, those bikes are uncommon enough that I doubt anyone will argue. Maybe scratch their heads a little.

 

[Misterotis]

It's finished now except for deciding whether to put on chrome fenders (shark fin front & ducktail rear with European style stays). And maybe a chain guard. A McCauley Wing might be cool.
Or would all that be too far over the top?

Highlights include:

• 3spd coaster
• Miller lamp converted to switched 6v LED
• 700C rims 36/32 hole. Schwalbe whitewalls
• Bayliss Wiley hi flange front hub
• French fork from a 60-61' Schwinn Continental
• Weinman 999 engraved cntr pull front brake
• 40s Hercules head badge

View attachment 1766122View attachment 1766123View attachment 1766124View attachment 1766125View attachment 1766126View attachment 1766127

I usually like mudguards on a 3 speed, but this looks kinda sporty without them.

 

[Schwinny]

Just a bike out looking for a parade...

Crazy how much more red and bright the paint is in direct sunlight. Only thing more to be added is a 1962 plate to replace the rack reflector and a matching bag for the other side.
It also needs someone that fits it, it's a bit small for me.

 

[RattyMatt]

I just bought a 1958 Hercules twin bar frame with the headset installed. Looks kind of unusual. I can see the ball bearings peeking out on the top race. Is this normal? Did someone install balls that were too big. Any thoughts?

 

[Schwinny]

I just bought a 1958 Hercules twin bar frame with the headset installed. Looks kind of unusual. I can see the ball bearings peeking out on the top race. Is this normal? Did someone install balls that were too big. Any thoughts?

View attachment 1818977

The top head piece of mine is a cup. Your picture doesn't show what you're talking about but the edge looks more like a race. If the bottom piece is a race it should have caged bearings but it may have been switched. Two races isn't right.
Only one way to find out....
Take it apart over a catch tray so you don't lose the balls. The bottom bearing set and top use the same size.
Dinky....

 

[RattyMatt]

Thanks for the info. I will take it apart to see what is in there.