This glorious 71 year old Hercules in size 53cm has been completely rebuilt at DRC for the second time in its life (the first being at Mercian in Derby who repainted the Reynolds 531 frame beautifully back in 1982). Though ridden little since the 1980s, this time the objective was to balance maximum originality with usability so as much of the original bike is utilised as possible (some really rare parts included) with a few period correct vintage upgrades sought out to compliment the build. The frame has relaxed 70.5″ geometry making it an easy bike to potter about on yet keeping it stable at speed. New consumables, together with a modern headlamp and fat 37mm tyres help too. The full specification of the bike (including bespoke handlebar end plugs made from a piece of the old Manchester Velodrome track) is below, meanwhile enjoy the photos to understand why we don’t really want to let this very special British classic go!
- Frame: 21″ (53cm) Hercules Kestrel Club, Reynolds 531 with special hand lined cut-away lugs
- Fork: Narrow pattern chromed crown (original)
- Paintwork: Metallic Petunia (resprayed by Mercian)
- Frame number: 11034TZ (1953)
- Headset: original
- Stem: quill (period correct)
- Handlebar: chrome plated Maes (period correct)
- Bar Tape: Velox cloth (NOS)
- Bar End Plugs: Handmade wooden end plugs made from Manchester Velodrome track
- Brake Levers: original
- Brake Calipers: original
- Brake Pads: new
- Brake Cables: new inners, upgraded vintage frame clips
- Shifter: Her-cu-matic trigger 3 speed (original)
- Cable Guide: Sturmey-Archer (NOS)
- Chain: SRAM PC1 (new)
- Crankset: Williams (dated 1959)
- Bottom Bracket: original (new bearings)
- Pedals: Brampton B8, with Zefal chrome clips & leather straps (period correct)
- Rims: chromed steel 650A (period correct)
- Front Hub: Sturmey-Archer GH6 Dynohub (period correct)
- Rear Hub: Her-cu-matic 3 speed (original with upgraded driver for easier sprocket changes)
- Tyres: 26 x 1 3/8″ tan wall (new)
- Saddle: Kestrel leather (original)
- Seatpost: chrome (original)
- Mudguards: Bluemels All-Rounder (period correct)
- Headlamp: Sturmey-Archer 6v 2.4w (modern)
- Pump: Kestrel (original, sadly not working)
