How old is my Hercules Balmoral?

[averagebiker]

I have picked up a free Hercules Balmoral and am wondering how old it is?
The 3-speed hub is dated June 1990 but as it has a black cable outer and the brake outers are white I am wondering if it is a later replacement?
So when did Raleigh stop producing Hercules bikes? Did they go as far as 1990?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Not to my knowledge, bike looks 1970s, shifter and hub are later for sure. I could be wrong and am often

 

[Midlife]

We sold those in the shop in the 70's. The 3 speed trigger is more modern. There will be a number stamped on the frame. Maybe under the BB or on the seat tube vertically under the seat bolt.

 

[chickendrumsticks]

Wiki has a long article about Hercules although it may not help too much with your quest.

 

[averagebiker]

Thanks for the answers chaps. It mirrors my feeling that it is older than the Hub and shifter suggest.
My only concern with it is play in the rear hub. I am hoping it is just a quick adjust and tighten of the bearing cones?
But that can wait until next year lol

 

[averagebiker]

I found the serial number on the back of the seat tube.
It has been indicated elsewhere that the start of it (NH5.....) Indicates it was made in Nottingham in mid/late 1975.