Got a new/old bike -- good for starting on, at least

[jamijo]

So, went and spent the first part of this past week visiting friends and family in Michigan. One of my friends is heading out to California for grad school this fall and had several bikes in the garage that needed to be disposed of before the end of August. We were talking about my interest in getting back into biking, and... one of her bikes followed me to home here in Pittsburgh.

It took a few hours of work, some replacement parts, and some choice curse words by DH to get it up to ridable again. I have the 'before' picture, but haven't yet taken the after pic. I'm hoping to get a ride in around here tomorrow and will try to remember to snap one.



It's an older box-store 12-speed (probably from Sears). Free Spirit Soverign, walk-thru frame (it works, even if I'm not thrilled with it). Took as much of the rust as possible off of the brakes and stem, replaced the pedals with Bontrager platforms, re-wrapped the handlebars (white), new seat that's a little more padded than I'd like but will do the job for now. Figured out how to adjust the brake and shifter cables so that a) the bike stops and b) I can access the gears (rear derailleur needs a little TLC, can't get to the smallest cog but it's doing a lot better than it was). Going to clean & lube the chain as soon as hubby has a free day to show me how to take the rear wheel off and replace it, probably weekend after next.

Hoping to get at least a few rides in over the next month before classes start again, even if it's just heading over to the grocery store and back.

[MyRubyE]

Can't wait to see the after picture! Enjoy and let us know how your ride felt after trying it out.

[uforgot]

Having a stray follow you home is a great way to get started again and now it's time to enjoy it! I think you're right about Sears. They had Free Spirit. I grew up with a JC Higgins (Sears, too) and have lots of good memories.

Don't forget the ride report. Heading to the grocery store and back is fun, I do it all the time.

[Trek420]

To inspire you onward, here are some people who've lovingly remodeled that bike:

http://oldtenspeedgallery.com/owner-...s-sport-racer/

[Tri Girl]

Congrats! Can't wait to see what it looks like in the "after" picture.
It's a great start, and even if you do upgrade one day- keep that ol' gal in the stable. It will make a great rainy day bike, an errand bike, or a winter commuter.