The Complete Restoration of the Antique 1927 Hercules Speed King Racing Bicycle

This is a compilation of all the videos we shot dealing with the restoration of the Hercules Speed King.

[@christopherwebb3517]

It's amazing how little the outward appearance of the standard bike has changed in nearly 100 years. It just goes to show how perfect the design really is.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's true! The "safety bike" frame of the 1890's hasn't changed all that much!

[@traininthebutt7215]

The old geometry is s little slackier, but steel frames haven’t changes much at all.

[@BikeronaTrek]

Wow, what a beautiful restoration, and its even being ridden! Great job on this 1927 Hercules bicycle!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@keiranwhite7980]

Great restoration great bike great video. Thank you

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching, Kieran!

[@adamnovina2139]

Bringing history to life again is something astonishing. Old years seen as a Black and white movies dosnt reflects the beauty of handwork that IT is actually. Great job! Congtatulations 👍

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching, Adam! These older bikes have a certain build quality and design that are pretty special!

[@franciscoportelapineiro8617]

Very beautiful restoration, great great Job and best colaborators for this hard work. Smels original flavour . The decals is stunising 😮. Congratulations 😊

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@rollinrat4850]

Beautiful. Now this could be a proper scorcher! "Beware of the scorchers!"

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Indeed! :)

[@seanpollonais1208]

This video has had such an emotional effect on me. Firstly, it was so compelling, it made me watch the entire thing although I was protesting the time and pace at some points. Seeing men dedicate so much patience and attention to bring beauty into this world was the biggest pleasure and it feels like our world would be better off with such respect. This is not nostalgia for a bygone era but great admiration for an attitude that confirms that there is still beauty to be extracted, all around us. One tip: when mixing solvents, it’s easier to pour the lighter one first and then mix in the thicker. Tiny detail. Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for the supportive and kind comments, Sean! And thanks for the solvent tip as well!

[@KOROKIK]

Beautiful build ❤…wow wood rims 😮

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks! Noah does a great job making those rims!

[@classydays43]

The reveal on that saddle was breathtaking. And it still rides 96 years on!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yes, Rudi does great work! Thanks for watching!

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Absolutely fantastic, I’m so pleased for the old lady from England

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@timothyharris1125]

I have a Hercules restored. Its definitely a commuter with a Coaster brake

[@Cycling1867]

What a lovely watch ! My first vintage bicycle was a 1928 Hercules Loop frame I had bought for £20. It brought back so many lovely memories of riding it watching this video, thanks for posting it.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That sounds like a beautiful bike, S&C! Thanks for watching!

[@toshaveornottoshave-4804]

Hi guys, the restoration of the frame is beyond praise...

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks, Oleg! It cost way more than when I restore a straight razor. Maybe I should stick with straight razors. :)

[@toshaveornottoshave-4804]

@@bikestrikesrazors Speaking of razors, there hasn't been a video on this topic for a long time!))

[@toshaveornottoshave-4804]

With regard to the bike, I have been reviewing this video several times, all this reminds me of the restoration of old motorcycles, where it is sometimes more difficult to find the right original part than to assemble the motorcycle itself, and only thanks to such enthusiasts it may be possible, with regard to the steering wheel, looking at this old catalog, I also realized that it turns out that this position of the steering wheel took place, we used to fool around as a child and put it in such a funny position, but as it turned out it was really from the manufacturer, about wooden rims it was a discovery for me)) and so Brothers you are handsome, thank you for such a journey to the origins of cycling, it was very interesting... I hope I didn't write very carelessly))

[@martinlanigan803]

Hercules must have made pens i came across very old fountain pen with name hercules on it and it looks very old

[@TonyPablo]

Amazing hardwork restoring a real collectible bike. Thank you for sharing.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for watching, Tony!

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

amazing video, top trumps winner!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching, Mark! It was a fun project. :)

[@joeocchipinti1934]

what a bike love it

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for watching, Joe!

[@garyseckel295]

That was very interesting! My favorite segments being the saddle with all the both technical and filming details. Also, the antique wooden wheel details with those incredible aluminum inserts. The replicated jersey, black & white film of restored racer being ridden, AND my pride of our here-in-my-Ohio antique wheel builder! So interesting! Both the restoration experts helping and the puzzle pieces of history coming together! Beautiful! Best, most professional content bicycle videos on the Internet!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much, Gary! Didn't know you were in Ohio! Guess you can just drop in and pick up some Stutzman rims anytime you want. :) Thanks for watching!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@garyseckel295 Wow, nice Hase!

[@KOROKIK]

I wanted to see you skid on those coaster breaks 😊

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Did that plenty of times as a kid!

[@deangarlitz5587]

What an amazing bicycle! I have an old Hercules, but it's from the 50's I believe. I also have an old Speedway bicycle, I was told it was from the 1800's.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks, Dean! Yes, it's hard to date the Hercules bikes, I've got one I think might be from the 30's, but they were using the same lugs in the 1960's! That Speedway sounds like a cool bike!

[@nickdavis9280]

That was epic! I hate to think how much money you must have spent on this project. Wonderful bicycle!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks, Nick! Yep, I try not to think about that! :)

[@JimLangley1]

Great project and video, your Hercules came out amazing, absolutely love the decals, saddle, wood wheels and paint job. Thank you!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks much, Jim, and thanks very much for watching!

[@mfowler4651]

Fantastic. Thanks for the detailed research around this restoration adventure.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, Matt! I'd say you might see me riding it up the street here, but with a 46x16 and a coaster brake, it's completely inappropriate for this neighborhood. :)

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

The quality of the workmanship from those involved is impressive, hope they are able to pass those skills on to the next generation....next item should be a custom canvas frame bag and a journey into the wilds of America 👍😁

[@bikestrikesrazors]

My bank account is still reeling- Now you've got me excited about a custom canvas frame bag! :)

[@h3h3eot]

Thank you for the names of your sources

[@Bornagainbikes]

WOW! What a lovely bike. Happy riding my friend 😄

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks and thanks very much for watching!

[@johnsheetz6639]

The geometry looks very good. I'm just a casual Rider but it looks may be comfortable. and those decals!🤩

[@bikestrikesrazors]

It’s remarkably comfortable (The ballon tires help)!

[@dalemeyer8207]

Sick !!!

[@rosemorrison7075]

What a beautiful restoration! I'm so glad you got this bike and did a demonstration ride for us to enjoy! Hope you have many happy miles of enjoyable cycling.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching, Rose!

[@lasanallien6657]

Wow! Wow! Wow! That bicycle is gorgeous!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much, LaSan!

[@dinodaniel2237]

Great video, love cycling history. All the best, enjoy the ride!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching, Dino!

[@jrbs]

Love the saddle ❤

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Rudi does great work!

[@georgekrpan3181]

The technique that I use to ride hills with that kind of gearing is to stand with my hands in the drops. Beautiful bike!!! The 30 lb weight is surprising, not really heavy at all. The wood from the 1932 Olympic velodrome was used to build a clubhouse on the Arroyo in Pasadena, still standing.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's amazing about the wood from the velodrome! I'll have to check that out the next time I'm down there! Thanks for watching, George!

[@briandineen7857]

Way cool, great project 👍

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks much, and thanks very much for watching, Brian!

[@markfeldman6509]

What an awesome piece of skilled workmanship. You should be so proud of your team for completing such a work of art. Enjoy riding it and post some still close up photos. Thanks for sharing.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks, Mark! I'll try and get to work on those close-up photos!

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

I do bike riding videos through historic neighborhoods. It would be fun to do one on a 100 year old bike.

[@rodneyol6836]

Incredible, thank you so much!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Rodney!

[@1a2b3c4.]

The one item that made the ride time period was the hat. The hat definitely is a trip back to the future.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I love those flat caps, Mario!

[@dalemeyer8207]

WoW !!!

[@h3h3eot]

Awesome bike....

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much and thanks for watching!

[@marioandresecheverrimazuer9259]

Linda bicicleta. Felicitaciones.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Greetings, Mario, and thanks very much for writing!

[@johnsheetz6639]

Good content! Like! Keep going I'm probably going to subscribe I'm watching more.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for watching, John!

[@jaypoly]

Wonderful work. I was recently working on Coventry Street , Digbeth , Birmingham Uk…the very place where Ed and Harry Crane started Hercules Bikes at the beginning of 1900..eventually becoming one of the worlds largest bike producers. The rest is history. 👍👍

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Very cool, Jay! Is there still any manufacturing done in that area?

[@jaypoly]

There is still some small metal fabrication works around the area. The biggest bike manufacturer in the UK is now Brompton in London down the road. In Digbeth itself, there are a lot of media and arts design companies, especially in a place called the ‘custard factory’ ( Bird’s Custard ) 👍 Enjoy that great bike.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Interesting! Thanks very much for the information! In the San Fransico Bay area nearby, most of the manufacturing is gone and has been replaced by media and design places as well. Pixar and other digital FX movie companies have replaced the factories. Thanks again! Rich@@jaypoly

[@MaximRecoil]

It's nice to see an actual restoration rather than a "restoration" like most videos, which are really nothing more than disassembling/cleaning/lubricating/reassembling. How do the wooden grips stay on the handlebars without shifting around? They didn't look tight at all when you installed them.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, MR! In the early days they would’ve used animal hide glue to hold those grips on, but I went with a small amount of silicone adhesive, which I figured would be safe and reversible if I ever wanted to get them off. The location of the grips way out on the ends of the bars like that, while historically accurate, is strange and uncomfortable while riding, so I usually just keep my hands up on the bars. Thanks for watching!

[@Tommyhearnsrighthand]

👌

[@1a2b3c4.]

There's a special wood stain they sell at hobby lobby it puts like a color streak in the wood, like green, red, and yellow, the one I prefer is gold. Wood looks like wood except as you look at it some of the fibers in the wood are the only ones to take the stain.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That sounds interesting, Mario! I’ll check it out!

[@RReese08]

Thanks for the great video. I purchased a Hercules several years ago from a bike shop friend who was located near Pasadena; I have no idea where he acquired it from, but he'd had it for several years himself before selling it to me. Best I can figure, it's a mid-1920ish but no idea what model it is. Its overall condition is rusty, but I don't think beyond hope. The decals are shot, but it does have a metal head badge and it's painted ox blood red. I've been torn for some time whether to restore or sell it, but this video makes me really curious now what I may (or may not) have. I'd be happy to send pictures if you want, because I want to know more. Thanks again! :)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Sounds like a cool bike, R! You can send photos to [e-mail] and I’ll take a look.

[@RReese08]

@@bikestrikesrazors Will do. Thanks!

[@1a2b3c4.]

I'm surprised you didn't chrome the pedals.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thought about it. Maybe I will in the future. :)

[@yankw5187]

wooden rims look good

[@jasperedwards3341]

hercules is also a german bicycle company

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Interesting! Thanks for watching!

[@scream6966]

What tires have you built with the bike…where can I buy them? They completely match with a such ancient bike…I have a Bianchi in 1920’s.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi and thanks for watching! The tires are "Continental Ride Classic". They come with a reflective side strip that you can peel off (with some effort) so they look more appropriate to the older bikes. :) If you can't find those, the "Continental Ride Cruiser" may work also, but it's a wide tire.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Found someone with them in stock on eBay, although their shipping seems a bit high. I like that they stock them in some different colors. That reflective strip takes quite a bit of time and work with sharp fingernails to pick at a spot, lift it a bit and peel it off (in sections), but it's kind of relaxing doing it while you sit on the couch and watch television. :)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Here's a link to the eBay page with the tires: www.ebay.com/itm/353501470897

[@scream6966]

Wow! Thanks for such detailed explanation! I will definitely get them then try to peel off…:) Again, much appreciated!! Have a good ride…

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@scream6966 No problem. :) If you have any trouble peeling the reflective strip, there's one area where the strip bubbles up a bit and that's the easiest way to start getting the strip off. :)

[@markhancock7527]

Great video what are the frame Angles seattube & Headtube.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

They’re very steep, but I’ve never measured them. If I do, I’ll let you know. Thanks for watching!

[@markhancock7527]

@Bikes, Trikes & Razors! If it is a 1932 Olympic riders bike it could of been ridden by Frank Southall of Norwood Paragon a club in the Croydon Area there is you tube footage of him riding a similar bike from 1933.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@markhancock7527 Thanks very much for pointing that out Mark! I noticed in the video that his bike has the same fork crown as mine. Could be the same model bike!

[@markhancock7527]

@Bikes, Trikes & Razors! Yes i think so he did turn professional for Hercules. There was another Norwood Paragon rider in the team Stan Butler who used to run Allins cycles in Croydon.

[@markhancock7527]

@Paul Whitcomb Yes i believe Frank was from Croydon area.Stan Butler is no relation to Claud Butler but Geoffery Butler who had a bike shop in Croydon was Claud Butler brother.Norwood Paragon have a website with History on it.

[@Lokf2012]

Are those tyres Continental Ride Classics? If so, how did you get rid of the reflex line around the tyre?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi and yes they are! It takes a little time and long fingernails, but you can just peel the reflective strip off with some effort. There's usually an area that's bubbled up. Find that to get started.

[@Lokf2012]

@@bikestrikesrazors Wow, that´s great news! Thanks a lot!

[@Caliiforniicatiion]

❤️👏👏🙏🇧🇷🙏👏👏❤️

[@floris869]

3:28 rechromed? was it not untill 1930 they started to chrome parts of bicycles?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yes, I actually misspoke as I had it nickel plated and not chromed. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@floris869]

Nice you did a good job!

[@ricardoa6186]

Y con ke frenas?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

There’s a coaster brake on the rear hub so when you back-pedal, it slows the bike down. It doesn’t work that well but it will eventually stop the bike. Thanks for watching!

[@newbe5201]

Ну были же в оригинале деревяшки ну зачем алюм сердечник в ободах делать боже ну как это так

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Stutzman makes completely authentic all-wood rims as well but I knew I’d be riding the bike quite a bit so I wanted the rims as strong and user-friendly as possible so I went with the wood with aluminum inserts. Don’t tell anyone and no one will ever know. ;)

[@frankfrizzo183]

I hope you had thoes decals copied before you used them.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I wanted to, Frank, but they were mounted on their backing paper such that they weren’t even visible until they were applied and the backing paper was peeled off. I have to take some high-res photos of them on the bike now so I can have reproductions made if I ever need them.

[@frankfrizzo183]

@bikestrikesrazors hey how about a video on thoes vintage style cycling outfits you wear. They look great. I would love some like them.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@frankfrizzo183 Hey Frank! Here's a link to a video we made about the jerseys! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opCuhZWpZa2hqKc​

[@englishcountrybicyclist5037]

There's no chance that frame is 1927. Late 30s maybe.

[@josephramdin7031]

Could of cut this video down to half and still be interesting, don’t need to see you polishing a rim…

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's the beauty of KZbin, Joseph- You can always stop watching whenever you want to, or skip ahead if you're bored. :)

[@josephramdin7031]

@@bikestrikesrazors indeed, I skipped most of the video 🥱