1930 Hercules Heavy Duty Export Model
26″ Double top tube Frame
28″ x 1 3/4 Wheels
Hercules Double Texture Mattress Saddle
Hercules Pedals
(Now sold)
This rare Hercules is interesting because it incorporates both British and American styles of components.
As well as the Hercules headbadge, its chainset, metal wheels, saddle and saddle post are British.
The frame is similar to American models: the mudguards, handlebars and coaster brake are American/ Canadian style.
The paintwork – in particular the ‘flashes’ on the top tubes and the down tube near the headstock, and the top of the forks – is in the style of the Canadian CCM bicycle, as well as various American bicycles of the era.
Although not many American bicycles were sold in Great Britain at the time, Hercules had a thriving export market in North America. So maybe they tested the British market for an American style of bicycle? Or did they build this bicycle in North America to try and gain a foothold in that market?
The wheel size – 28 x 1 3/4″ – is more common to Canadian bicycles of this era, so I suspect that Canada was its destination.
HERCULES DOUBLE TEXTURE MATTRESS SADDLE
HERCULES HISTORY