Hercules was a brand name acquired by Raleigh International in the 1960s. This was recently verified through the US Patent Office trademarks database.
I believe it operated as a separate entity into the early 70s and was considered a lower-end brand with all steel components to compliment Raleighs. I do not recall that
> Hi,
>
> I have an old Hercules bicycle frame and parts and need help with the
> following:
>
> 1. I need to know what year it is. The serial number is stamped on the
> outer side of the left rear dropout and reads: 11286HZ. It is badged and
the
> lugs look more like pipe fittings than lugs. Also, down near the BB there
is
> push-ball oil injection port.
>
> 2. I need to know what the original parts were that went on this bike.
Is
> there a Hercules website? For example, the drive crank is Phillips but
the
> opposite crank is Williams. (One source I was reading states that
Phillips
> took over Hercules at some point in time.) The front derailleur is a clamp
on
> Simplex rod operated model.
>
> Anyone who has intelligent and or helpful information please reply.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ted E. Baer
> With weather like this I am sure am glad I live in Palo Alto, CA!