1948 Hercules Gent’s 3-Speed Roadster

 From the Hercules factories in this island streams out to over 100 countries the largest cycle output in the world …a great example of British industrial achievement.

After WW2, the British cycle industry geared up for export sales like never before. Foreign exchange was desperately needed to repay the American War Loans and rebuilt Great Britain, and the government helped the British cycle manufacturers set up export markets in every possible location around the world. These posters are from British Expo Fairs that were held from 1948.

 

 

 

1948 Hercules Gent’s Roadster

22″ Frame

26″ Wheels

Hercules 3-Speed Hub with Sturmey-Archer Gear Trigger

Hercules Saddle and Pedals

(Now sold)

 

 

In 2007, I did a lot of bicycle and cyclemotor exchanges with my good friend Patrick in Paris. Pat used to restore bicycles, and he did this one for me to ride. I used it for that summer and then put it into storage. After five years hibernation, it has ventured out again into springtime 2013. It’s ready to ride…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1939 GERMAN HERCULES v 1948 HERCULES GENT’S ROADSTER