Resurrecting 1968 AMF Hercules 3speed
07-17-13, 12:56 PM
#1
RetroGrouch
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Resurrecting 1968 AMF Hercules 3speed
I took my sister's childhood AMF Hercules bicycle (ca 1968 or so) to restore and give to my wife for around town cruising. The bike was sitting in my mother's garage for 30+ years, and needs an overhaul. Nearly everything is there, but bits and pieces need replacing or restoration. It has the old chrome steel 26" rims, and one needs straightening. I would like to replace the rims with newer more modern aluminum rims. Are there any 26" rims out there (polished, ideally) that would fit new Schwalbe Delta Cruiser whitewall 26 x 1 3/8" (650 x 35A) tires?
Here is the bike as I got it:
Here is the bike as I got it:
07-17-13, 01:05 PM
#2
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Is that all chrome? Looks awesome. I think these would be the rims you need:
Front: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Rear: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Double check your spoke counts before buying, I'm almost certain it was still 40 rear/32 front in '68, but check just to be safe.
Front: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Rear: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Double check your spoke counts before buying, I'm almost certain it was still 40 rear/32 front in '68, but check just to be safe.
07-17-13, 01:05 PM
#3
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I just replaced the steel rims on my 78 Raleigh superbe but the first thing I would do is figure out the exact diameter of the rims. Mine were 26" but in reality took 590 rims. I was able to reuse the pokes and nipples. You can find my thread if you are interested.
07-17-13, 01:36 PM
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The 26 x 1-3/8" (590 ISO) Sun CR-18 rims are a nice fit for the Delta Cruiser's. There are several online sources for these rims, I just ordered some from Amazon.
07-17-13, 01:49 PM
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The rims and tires would be worth more than the bike. I would just tune it up and ride it. If the front rim is bad you can find a donor pretty cheap.
07-17-13, 02:07 PM
#6
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I had a similar dilemma refurbishing my wife's Raleigh Sports with shot rims. I ended up buying an aluminum wheelset in 26x1-3/8" from an ebay seller for $75.
I did not retain the 3 speed, just went single speed.
I did not retain the 3 speed, just went single speed.
07-17-13, 05:58 PM
#7
RetroGrouch
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Is that all chrome? Looks awesome. I think these would be the rims you need:
Front: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Rear: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Double check your spoke counts before buying, I'm almost certain it was still 40 rear/32 front in '68, but check just to be safe.
Front: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Rear: https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...s-ea-3-590-iso
Double check your spoke counts before buying, I'm almost certain it was still 40 rear/32 front in '68, but check just to be safe.
07-17-13, 06:01 PM
#8
RetroGrouch
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06-02-14, 10:43 PM
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You can install a 700C wheelset and before long reach caliper brakes became available, the only upgrade route was to install drum brakes. It raises the bottom bracket somewhat and you do get a bicycle that can take a wider range of tires. If you want to also update the IGH, Shimano Nexus IGH is even better than the stock Sturmey Archer IGH it came with.
