1920's Hercules Loop Frame Bicycle Project.

[shadaboot27]

Hi, I have been reconditioning a late 20's or early 30's Hercules loop frame ladies bicycle and I thought I would share some pictures with you guys.

Before:









And after:









The bike is still not entirely finished I have a few more finishing touches to add yet, like cream string woven into the rear mud guard holes, which you commonly see on these bikes. But so far It has been totally striped down and had each part thoroughly cleaned then all put back together with new bearings/grease and inner tubes. The brake blocks are original and have loads of use left so they didn't need changing. I have also ordered a pair of NOS cream tyres which I think will look good on it and will match the pedals. The bike is in very good condition for it's age. Its amazing how well these things clean up. I am an avid believer in reconditioning rather than restoring/re-painting, it's only original once! Let me know what you think.

 

[shadaboot27]

I will post some better more detailed pictures when it's finished.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

That's lovely!

 

[FrankCrank]

.....to me, an oily rag restoration retains far more interest - the bikes story can still be read from the blemishes, scars and wear, gained throughout its life. Well done to you for not attempting to make it look like the day it left the factory....

 

[Mrs M]

Lovely bike, you're doing a great job .

 

[biggs682]

.....to me, an oily rag restoration retains far more interest - the bikes story can still be read from the blemishes, scars and wear, gained throughout its life. Well done to you for not attempting to make it look like the day it left the factory....

well said

 

[Dogtrousers]

That's a beauty

 

[shadaboot27]

.....to me, an oily rag restoration retains far more interest - the bikes story can still be read from the blemishes, scars and wear, gained throughout its life. Well done to you for not attempting to make it look like the day it left the factory....

You are right! And vintage bikes are always worth more in original condition too! If I painted this I would of really devalued it!

 

[raleighnut]

Nice

 

[stevevw]

Love it. That is a great job.
I have a foot in both camps I love the oily rag full patina look but also like the as new just left the factory look. Each bike will need a different approach depending on a multitude of things, who's to say which is correct?

On Saturday I bought a 1929 Gents Roadster a Gazelle I think which is in fairly good condition this will be exactly as yours cleaned and put back together which should see it last another 86 years. and then I am working on another 70's Viscount which has been repainted and festooned with NOS parts or fully restored parts, this will actually be better than factory fresh. I can tell you all that both bikes will make me smile when I look at them or am out on a riding them. Which one is better?

 

[shadaboot27]

Love it. That is a great job.
I have a foot in both camps I love the oily rag full patina look but also like the as new just left the factory look. Each bike will need a different approach depending on a multitude of things, who's to say which is correct?

On Saturday I bought a 1929 Gents Roadster a Gazelle I think which is in fairly good condition this will be exactly as yours cleaned and put back together which should see it last another 86 years. and then I am working on another 70's Viscount which has been repainted and festooned with NOS parts or fully restored parts, this will actually be better than factory fresh. I can tell you all that both bikes will make me smile when I look at them or am out on a riding them. Which one is better?

Yes I totally agree with you! it depends on the bike weather you should restore or recondition. The loop frame I have done in this post will always be better just reconditioned, because it is in very good condition for its age, most of the original paint is intact, the chrome is good and the original green pin stripes are mostly all there too. I only choose to fully restore when the bike is a total mess to begin with. Like this Raleigh Clubman for instance: