Another Warm Day - 1946 Hercules Model C

Just because a bicycle has 3 speeds and is made in Britain does not mean it is like all other British 3-speed bikes. An example is this change of pace: going from the late-1960s 5-speed Sprite to a 1946 Hercules Model C.

Both have 26 x 1-3/8 wheels, both have 3 speed transmissions, and both are lugged steel frames. Both also have the usual array of fenders, Brooks saddle, saddle bag, and chromed bright work.



But the 1946 Hercules has the rider almost perfectly upright, with the knees traveling through the bends in the handle bars. The Hercules is a slower, more leisurely bicycle.




However, it is quite easy to go a great distance on the Hercules, it just takes a long time to get there. I spent about 90 minutes today on the 1946 Hercules, and really did not feel any fatigue because the bike is not demanding on the rider in the least.


The temperature reached almost 70 degrees today - very warm for February. The past month or so has been very good for riding, considering it is the middle of winter.

Raleigh Sprite - February 2017 Rides

The Raleigh Sprite represents the ultimate development in the internally geared Raleigh Sports-type bike line. By the mid-1960s, Sturmey Archer had developed a five speed hub, derived by changing the shifting mechanism of the previous, four-speed FW hub.

The result was the first generation Sturmey Archer S5 hub. This hub was meant to be a performance upgrade on both the FW and AW hubs, offering very high and very low extra gears. The hub was set into Raleigh Sports-style wheels with steel spokes and Westrick pattern rims. The Raleigh Sports platform of frame, fork, and accessories was the platform for this hub.

The result was basically a higher performance Sports bike: the Sprite. This late 1960s-era Sprite has been in my collection for a couple of years. I recently swapped a Brooks "Honey" colored saddle onto the bike.




I also located a set of Raleigh frame pump clamps and added a traditional frame pump.







We had another mild day today, at least mild for February. The roads were clear of salt and dampness, giving me a chance to take this Sprite out for a nice ride.

Unseasonably Warm

Another winter weekend, and another weekend of above average temperatures has come and gone. We reached the mid-50's today, which is quite warm for this time of year. The forecast says this week will reach 65 on Tuesday and 70 on Wednesday. That's very warm for February.

Seeing as today was not a bad day outside, I took the 1941 Schwinn New World for a ride. I've been riding just this bicycle this winter because there's just not enough ride time to rotate bikes.




Although it has been unseasonably warm for much of the winter, there is not enough daylight to keep several bicycles in rotation and ride them all. This time of year, I really only ride on the weekend - not enough daylight to ride after work during the week.

This 1941 New World really has the "well-ridden" look to it, but the condition is pretty consistent throughout. "Honest wear" would be a good way of putting it. Mechanically, it is a real joy to ride though.