My most recent project, sympathetic restoration of a 1953 Hercules “King” QE2 Coronation model. A bit of a work in progress, as I still need a period/style-correct seat and propstand, but really that’s about it. I may need to repair/replace a slightly dented rim and of course it could use stainless spokes, and the oil filler cap on the rear hub won’t stay closed, but all that can be fixed over time. A bit unusual in that the other Coronation models I’ve seen have had painted fenders while this one has chrome fenders (though the others were also red and not black like this), and i am confident that they’re original. But it does have the downtube script Hercules decal with multicolor chevrons and white falcons, distinctive chain guard decal and headbadge, branded Hercules pedals and chainring (the features of the Coronation models), and original B Type 3 rear hub with Hercumatic shifter. It has patina and signs of wear expected for a nearly 70-year old, well-used bike, but appeals to my interest in unusual bikes not frequently seen in the States.

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A very nice original example.

Nice looking bike there!
To me, a well preserved original bike like that is as good as it gets.

That's a rather rare hub, wow.

3 speed hub was my first gearing...

1939 catalogue
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ec53799728.jpg

Particularly rare when you consider that Raleigh switched to munition supplies in 1939.
"During the Second World War, the Raleigh factory in Nottingham was used for the production of fuzes. Bicycle production was reduced to approximately 5% of its peacetime capacity.[size=8333px]"[/size]

Sure hope you can get it all back together and on the road Brian!

Need a tall stepthrough? Ladies' 23" Sports. All the cool kids have 'em (says the guy who has one). $100 is probably too much for this one given its condition.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...92254202656759

https://scontent.fric1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...11&oe=61834467

Loop-ish Sports? $50 in SW VA.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...90519489813687

https://scontent.fric1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...90&oe=6162E757

Would these English 3 speeds potentially fit under the description of "English style road bikes"? There is someone up north saying they're selling them for $10-$20,but there are no images, so I can't tell if they mean actual road bikes, or 3 speeds.

I'd say "English-style" is a strong indicator of a bike with swept bars and lax frame angles for upright riding. If you can't get pictures, maybe they'll give you model names (or brands) there are plenty of brands that aren't known for their road bikes.

My 1979 Sport on our lunch break.


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Nice Bike. LOL on the sticker "Please don't steal my Bicycle, thanks." Not sure what effect that might have on some crack head? ;)

That's a serious travelling machine.
There's still room for some panniers on the back rack....
My late 70's Canadian made/assembled Superbe has those same
eyelets for the brake cable.

Canadian Oddball
Here's one I've never heard of
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b6bf8a3c49.jpg
A Raleigh built Eatons Glider..
Gordie Howe Special Edition.
Gordie Howe was a major Hockey Super Star in the
60's/70's.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordie_Howe

A bit overdone but nice, and not too costly.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...65103147160164

https://scontent.fric1-2.fna.fbcdn.n...45&oe=618A8B4A

There was a clean looking 60's Ladies Sprite in green with a tall frame at the fleamarket yesterday, but it was missing both wheels and the shifters. I offered him $20 but he wouldn't budge.
On the way back to my car saw two women carrying it to their car.
It'll probably end up as someone's garden ornament.

Somebody spent a LOT of time and money on this.

My early 70’s scorcher that I have been using for the October 3 speed Challange. I think I will half report the number of times it has taken me to the pub...

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Continued*

It’s felt so good to drag it out of the shed, dust it off and put it back into the ride stable.

The other 3 speed being used is OT Shimano Hubed machine but it still has my affection. I got it to use while I put my 68 green Raleigh back on the road when I could ride again. Didn’t think I still had it but found under a tarp behind the house a few months ago when I was cleaning and purging stuff.

Santa Fe Century on a Classic Three Speed
 

I completed the Santa Fe Century yesterday on my 1952 Raleigh Superbe Sports Tourist, but only just - I finished fifteen minutes before the event closed. The route is 106.2 miles, (plus the six mile ride there and back from my house), and there is 5041 feet of elevation gain. It wasn't as hard as I thought it might be, because I did not have to give up, but I can't lie and say it was a pleasant jaunt through the desert southwest. The climb through the pass through the Chisos Mountains was a long, slow grind, and I had to walk up Heartbreak Hill in the San Pedro Mountains. (I was not the only one.) There was hail and a tremendous wind associated with the storm front that just about quashed my spirits, but I persevered. The Raleigh performed flawlessly throughout. I claim first place in the century in the category "bicycles with a full chaincase."
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At the start, when there were still quite a few other riders around me.

Good work. That's what is called 'heroic'. Always a good idea to have a bit of rain gear for the pesky stuff.

I had my rain cape - maybe not the best in a high wind. Luckily the rain and hail did not last long.

Well done! That's quite an accomplishment.