I recently bought this 1970 Raleigh Hercules with hopes of updating it. It had been in a wreck previously and the front wheel actually had a break in it. After looking high and low for some replacement alloy rims I finally bought a set on eBay but when they arrived they were the wrong size. I was having problems finding tires that I liked also. So I had a set of 700c Alex alloy rims in my garage and I decided to lace them up to the 3 speed hub. It was easier finding tires that I like too. To get it to fit I put smaller tires on it, 23mm, but they work. I had to flatten the fender out slightly where it met the frame but you can't tell. I replaced the seat post with an alloy shock post, put on an alloy stem and handle bars and a new leather seat. And alloy brake levers. I was going to put tektro 559 brakes on it but I couldn't find any affordable ones so I found some cheap center pulls that worked. Had to buy the cable stops. Still want to replace the cables and pedals but what do you think? Rides nice and must have lost 5-10 pounds.
by tailleur