I have decided that I'm going to look for a Hercules Cycle to restore. We had one as a Company Bike when I was in Malaya. Used by all and sundry but never taken off the camp and left there to rot and die after we withdrew. I'm going to look for one. Ours was painted a gloss khaki and archaic even then! The Armourers shop used to look after it. I seem to remember that the WRVS* lady had one similar too ............ NO, she wasn't the well ridden bike..................
*WRVS was a sort of Christian social worker outfit who looked after the mens spiritual needs and the like. It didn't affect me as while the others were wenching, smoking and drinking gallons of Tiger beer and enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Singapore during out 1st class trade course, I was sat on my bed bible reading and knitting scarves and socks for the needy and attempting to convert those fallen wenches to the path of christianity and righteousness............

It still brings tears to my eyes....................