Michael C.’s Free Spirit Green Briar

Posted

Well, today we’re back to average sized bikes once again. And even better, it’s an average sized department store bike!  This OTS sent in by Michael C. is a Free Spirit Green Briar.  A sensible bike, sensibly appointed, parked if front of a sensible Volvo wagon—makes sense.

Free Spirit Green Briar
Tire!

This is my father’s bike that he purchased at Sears some time ago. This bike is just like my father, conservative, understated, and from another time. As far as I know it is all original with the exception of the rear tire. While helping me complete my cycling merit badge while I was 17, my father, Dante, had a blow out and the tire was unrepairable. He got a black wall tire but it just doesn’t look the same. Now the front needs replacement and I’d like your help trying to find tires. I’d like to stick with a gumwall tire with the same tread I have in the picture. In one of your old posts you named the tread but I can’t find the post or what you named it. Thanks in advance.
Michael C.

Michael, I don’t think they make that tread pattern any longer, but you can’t go wrong with this: Cheng Shin C638 Raised Center Tire 26

Thanks Michael

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  1. Mike D’s 1986-87 Schwinn World
  2. Randy S.’s 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix
  3. Steven D.’s Ascot Vornado
  4. Andy B’s Norco Monshee
  5. Big Jim’s 1972 Schwinn Continental
  • Bob H

    Cool bike, Michael. The looks of a classic 3-speed with a 10-speed drivetrain. For some reason green doesn’t seem to be a popular bike color, but I like it.

  • Hugh

    When I first saw one of these, it made me think of Ireland, It has that old world look.
    I had one for a short time last summer. I think it looks correct except for the rear tire.And I`m not positive about the rack. You might want to check out niagaracycle.com They have the best prices I have found so far. You may consider going back to gum-walls. They really look good on that bike. Good Luck

  • Hugh

    Hey Michael,
    I found the old pics and the rack is correct.Ride Safe,Hugh

  • Michael

    Thanks for the compliments! Yes, the rack is original. I’m trying to talk my dad into having the whole bike serviced as I don’t think it’s ever really had more than slight maintenance.

  • Mikey C

    I’m a “Mike C.” and own a bike like this as well. Mine is not as pretty as this one, but it is almost original save a replacement seat and a rack from another Free Spirit. I still have the original seat but it doesn’t look as well made as the one on yours. Mine was a freebie that was going to be tossed that sat by the side of a house for a couple of years. Not rusty but the decals are a bit faded. Also, it looks like it was one of Shimano’s early Positron efforts. I have a 1989 Brittany that is showroom condition and find that these Free Spirits are built like a tank and are quite an enjoyable ride. “E-Bars” I guess are a lost setup but I think Schwinn did still makes their “Sid” and “Nancy” bikes.

    Isn’t the Greenbriar from 1982?

  • Mike Y

    hey michael and everyone else. i have the exact same bike in just about the same condition. i was wondering if you knew anything on the bicycle? thanks

  • http://www.1freeworld.net Mikey C

    I believe it is circa 1982 by judging the Positron setup on the bike. It is not a full setup as only the shifter/deraileur are Positron. The later Schwinn World Tourist I gave to a friend is a full Positron shift setup. My Sears Brittany is dated about 1989 from a website article I read about a guy describing the exact bike I own with the chrome fenders that he purchased from Sears at that time. Reading this article and comments again reminds me that I need to get mine out for more riding. Like I said before, I love mine and it doesn’t look bad but I sure wish it was in the same condition as this picture.

  • Mike Y

    hey, well thanks for the info. I got lucky i guess. i bought it of a guy i go to school with for 15 bucks and the thing rides like a champ.

  • http://panasonicbikemuseum.info Darin

    WOW, my father had one of these until 1988 when he got his Panasonic DX-4000. I remember it well. 😉

  • http://therealmichaelwc.blogspot.com Michael C.

    The date sticker on the bike says 83 and i think that’s about right.

    Coincidentally, this was the only other road bike i rode before my DX-6000

  • Shayne

    I have a ladys bike just like this one how mutch is it worth?

  • Evan

    I put an engine on one of these

  • Hendrick

    I bought one of these in a same condition as this post for $115, I really enjoy riding it to work, but do you think I got ripped off?

  • Mikey C.

    Yeah, you probably did unless it was flawless. You should be able to find these for under $50. I see them frequently on craigslist for under $50 but bike flippers there always try their best to get far more.

  • Bill

    Does anyone know how to find and translate the date code on a Sears Free Spirit Greenbriar? I found what I think is the serial number plus this number: 489.474131 the period in the number is some kind of round symbol.
    Thanks. Bill

  • ctown

    Where can I find the history of this bike? I need to know if the frame is a bolt-on and the type of crank system.

  • ponchocpw

    I just found one of these bikes with out a seat.post i am wonering what size the seat posts are.

  • Tyrone Elaster

    Do you want to sell your free spirit Greenbriar e mail me at Tyroneelaster@yahoo.com I have the femail one

    • Steve Miller

      I have both male and female if your interested.

  • Roberto

    where can i get the front fender for this exact same bike that i have? (free spirit greenbriar 26″)?