Shopbike
Written on May 10, 2007
AMF-Raleigh Hercules
steel, rubber, plastic
1972 production
Raleigh Industries- Nottingham, England
$Not for sale.
A most excellent 3-speed steed; light, quick, and spot-on reliable. Constructed by Raleigh after their 1960 merger with Tube Investments. Distributed in the USA by American Machine and Foundry (AMF, founded New Jersey, 1900) By 1972, AMF owned Harley-Davidson, Head USA, Hatteras Yachts, and many other companies catering to Americas’ love affair with the outdoors.
UPDATE - 8.22.07
The shopbike is getting a makeover to full fixed-gear status. A few weeks ago it was stripped of fenders, brakes, and anything else nonessential to movement (or stopping). A set of 700C rims and tires are on order. Methinks a flip-flop hub with a fixed cog on one side and a freewheel on the other would make for nice propulsion. New front brake handle courtesy a trashed BMX….
Filed in: bicycles.
nice. good job
May 19, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
wow, i found my hercules at my local and favourite sally’s (salvation army) for ten bucks! this past spring. i took it into newton to harris cyclery and they told me i had totally scored a deal, as it is near mint condition… i put a front mounted child seat on mine so my little one can ride along too. we do get some looks on our bike…i think they are a particular shade of green…hehehehhehe.
dude, your bike totally rocks and i just love the fixed gear status!
i found a single gear vintage black mens bike at my “shoppe” the other day. it is a darn near mint fleetwing. twenty bucks.
November 7, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
Picture after fixed gear status? What does the hub look like?
–m
February 16, 2008 @ 7:06 pm