1934 Hercules Popular Lady’s 22″ Bicycle with Watsonian Sidecar
1934 Hercules Popular Lady’s 22″ Bicycle with Watsonian Sidecar
This 1934 Lady’s Hercules is fitted with a rare Watsonian Juvenile sidecar in superb condition. I restored it, and subsequently sold it, in 2009. My daughter Delphy tried it out, below…
This is an ideal set-up for enthusiasts of thirties costume and accessories, as well as those who enjoy interesting obscurities from Great Britain’s wonderful motoring history.
The sidecar is remarkably well-preserved. I had all three windows replaced. The body, chassis, interior and fittings were already in excellent condition.
The sidecar has been well fitted to the bicycle. There are two fitting bolts and, in addition, it bolts to the spindle.
The hood clips over the sidecar in case of rain.
The bicycle has been serviced, and it functions as it should. I’ve road-tested it, and found the brakes a little weak, though that’s indicative of the type of bike; they do actually work.
I should mention that riding a sidecar outfit takes some practice. Sidecar riding is a lost art.
1. You have to lean into bends, ie sidecars do not steer around corners, the bicycle drags it round.
2. The added drag of a sidecar means the bicycle pulls to the left when riding in a straight line; traditionally one rests only the right hand on the handlebars to even the pull.
The Hercules has been repainted at some time in its life. It’s well-preserved for a 75-year-old.
Tyres are 28 x 1 1/2.
The saddle is a Lycett L20 Ladies Model.
Here’s a close-up illustration of the sidecar fittings to the bicycle.
The sidecar retains its Watsonian emblems.
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To read more about Watsonian and their Juvenile sidecars
and to see photos of these two sidecars together
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The sidecar seat is very basic, being a hammock type of arrangement.
(This bicycle and sidecar is now sold)
