I’m beginning to think that if BRQ had his way, every bike would have a mattress saddle and upright bars. Not that there is anything wrong with that! I’m just making an observation. This is his latest victim project, a Sears Free Spirit FS12.
Good Day to all at the OTSG! …it’s me again. I’m starting a new trend for myself, something that I have miserably failed to do. At the suggestion of Ryan Surface–I will try from now on to send a before and after picture of any bike that I submit. Until recently, I never even photographed the bikes that I restored/sold/donated/kept.(all 300 give or take?) I came across this Freespirit FS12, and even though I was not planning on purchasing it–it had great potential, I just couldn’t pass it up. I have seen a few Sears bikes, had a few–even admired a few at this Gallery. I always thought that they were just bottom-end department store bikes, never really giving ’em a chance. This one interested me, A. though it was old and dirty it was basically a nice bike, B. it had an eclectic mix of components that I thought was kinda cool. The original components (or what appear to be) are as follow: Dia-Compe brake calipers/levers SR three-piece alloy crank(dual steel chainrings) ACS alloy stem Sachs-Huret front/rear derailleurs and stem shifters 27 inch steel rims (front hub stamped Excel Inc. 84/rear hub Shimano) Steel drop bars (brand unknown being I did not want to disturb flawless factory wrap on bars) Alloy kickstand What was added/changed: touring bars, brake levers to accommodate bars, spring saddle of same vintage or older, old steel pedals, tires, cables and mixed white/blue housing to note: rather than use touch up paint that never matches exactly, I like to strategically put reflective tape and stripes to cover/seal bare metal or scratches whenever possible Hope this makes the cut, it’s a twelve. Peace, BRQ