Hello,
Hercules was a brand name acquired by Raleigh International in the 1960s. This was recently verified through the US Patent Office trademarks database.
I believe it operated as a separate entity into the early 70s and was considered a lower-end brand with all steel components to compliment Raleighs. I would be willing to bet that Raleigh components were used.
Regards, Steve Neago
Cincinnati, OH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <WickedSky@aol.com>
> To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 1:32 PM
> Subject: [CR]Hercules bicycle questions
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I have an old Hercules bicycle frame and parts and need help with the
> > following:
> >
> > 1. I need to know what year it is. The serial number is stamped on the
> > outer side of the left rear dropout and reads: 11286HZ. It is badged and
> the
> > lugs look more like pipe fittings than lugs. Also, down near the BB
there
> is
> > push-ball oil injection port.
> >
> > 2. I need to know what the original parts were that went on this bike.
> Is
> > there a Hercules website? For example, the drive crank is Phillips but
> the
> > opposite crank is Williams. (One source I was reading states that
> Phillips
> > took over Hercules at some point in time.) The front derailleur is a
clamp
> on
> > Simplex rod operated model.
> >
> > Anyone who has intelligent and or helpful information please reply.
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Ted E. Baer
> > With weather like this I am sure am glad I live in Palo Alto, CA!