3 speed Hercules to single speed conversion

chris.a.manjft69yPLK

Hello everyone. I have a 3 speed 1958 Hercules that id like to convert into a single speed temporarily until I figure out how to tinker with a 3 speed hub. I know that frame spacing is different for these old bikes I want to know if anyone has any info on what wheelset and parts to buy to make this happen.

P.s I know I’m going to get flak from the traditionalist for doing this but I just want to get this thing on the road sometime soon.

ugo.santalucia

If you have 120 mm dropouts, which is likely and if you have horizontal dropouts, which also is likely, then all you need is a single speed rear wheel and a new chain. You might or might not need a single speed chainset, depends how straight is your chain line and whether your ring is happy with single speed chains...

veronese68

Not what you're asking but do you have a Hercules hub and if so do you have a Hercules shifter? I bought an old bike for the Mrs to lock up at the station and it would always slip in either 2nd or 3rd depending on how I set the cable tension. This made me think the pull ratio may be different. I bought a cheap wheel with a Sturmey Archer to fix the problem. Still have the Hercules hub in case I find a shifter to match.

duncanmathews

Hi Chris. I'm running a 3 speed Shimano coaster- brake hub as a single speed. The shifter broke so I just removed it, took off the cable, and literally pulled out the tensioner thingy from the hub. Now it's permanently in low gear. It still makes a pleasing clicky sound when free-wheeling and the brake works fine.