A never ridden 70's Hercules Balmoral

[Captaintomo]

Picked up a Balmoral off a lady who's late father owned a bike shop. For some reason he kept this bike in his garage since the 70's completely unused. The bikes cables weren't even connected. I've taken it home polished up the frame which has come out wonderful. There are scratch marks and chips as to be expected and the chrome has come up very bright for the most part. I've regreased the hubs, headset and bottom bracket as the grease was basically solid. I'm looking to sell it on but not really sure what the value of these bikes are? Am I right to believe it was built by Raleigh? Would appreciate if someone can give me a ballpark what to expect value wise. I'll get some pictures later to add to this thread. Cheers all.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Need to see both sides and details to make a valuation. Market is not good at the moment.

 

[Captaintomo]

Yeah fully aware the bike market has taken a dump post pandemic. Here are some pictures.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

@27motorhead Tim this has your name all over it. You'll thank me later

 

[Captaintomo]

Based in Edinburgh. Could probably organise shipping if someone really wants it. Would just need to source a box.

 

[27motorhead]

Thanks @Guinessisgoodforyou ! That is a gorgeous machine.

Here's a eBay search of SOLD listings for Hercules Balmoral.

The highest one was in London that was on for £120, but they may have accepted a BEST OFFER bid. London has plenty of hipsters who like nothing better than to ride around on old bikes looking cool. Just like us on here!

Value is a hard one. It's certainly worth £150 on a good day, but you need the right person at the right time.

I'd always look to offer postage as it widens your audience to UK based hipsters, not just Edinburgh based ones.

Best places to sell stuff seems to be eBay or Facebook. eBay will take quite a big fee, but is less hassle, FB (I've sold kids bikes via my wives account) has a big audience too and free, but there's lots of scammers and not sure about payment/posting as we only did local pick up only as we use to be London based so had a big captive audience.

Good photos and back story will help sell.

Personally I'd put it on eBay at £150 or best offer and see how it does. You can lower the amount after a week or two if it doesn't sell. Postage wise it'll cost you about £35 with insurance via Paisley Freight. I'd personally only use Parcel Force or them with bike. Somehow @Guinessisgoodforyou cracked the system and posted a bike to me for £25 via Parcel Force, but he took it to his local Post Office so I assume it was human error or his charm that did it. Enter the bike box dims and computer will say no to £25!

GLWS, that's a lovely bike!!!

 

[Captaintomo]

Cheers motorhead. You've given me something to aim for now. As for shipping, for anyone looking to ship a bike soon, I recently used Fedex to send a bike. Was very good value for money. Was roughly £30 including £900 insurance cover for a huge bike sized box. Was collected and delivered next day.

If anyone fancies the bike give me a shout or keep a look out for it on eBay in the coming weeks.

All the best.

 

[27motorhead]

Cheers motorhead. You've given me something to aim for now. As for shipping, for anyone looking to ship a bike soon, I recently used Fedex to send a bike. Was very good value for money. Was roughly £30 including £900 insurance cover for a huge bike sized box. Was collected and delivered next day.

If anyone fancies the bike give me a shout or keep a look out for it on eBay in the coming weeks.

All the best.

Fedex sounds like good value at £30 with that insurance level! I'll make a note of that.

Good time of year to sell. Weathers improved, people getting out more and have not yet gone on their summer holidays/away so good audience. Be prepared to accept a lower offer if you want it gone, but good pics and description sell. Good luck!

 

[Captaintomo]

Well that's the Balmoral sold to a nice chap and it only took a couple of days. Plenty of interest and 40 peoples saved the listing on Facebook! Thanks to all who chipped on with advice.

 

[27motorhead]

Well that's the Balmoral sold to a nice chap and it only took a couple of days. Plenty of interest and 40 peoples saved the listing on Facebook! Thanks to all who chipped on with advice.

Great news. Out of interest how much did it go for in the end? Did you have to post it or did they come and collect? Goregous looking bike!