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Free Spirit FS12. Any info on who made the frame?

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Free Spirit FS12. Any info on who made the frame?

Old 06-27-19, 07:10 PM
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Glennr134
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Free Spirit FS12. Any info on who made the frame?

Hello all,

Got this bike from the manager of a local restaurant we were at to work on their air conditioning system It's a free spirit fs 12 . 12 speed, steel 27 inch rims, cottered crank set and falcon derailleur. The frame is a very nice lugged steel one with neat braze ons for the cables. Any info would be cool and if it's worth keeping.
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Old 06-28-19, 05:59 AM
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Based on the serial number and overall characteristics, I'd say it was a Taiwanese manufactured model, circa 1986. It's typical department store level for the era. with stamped dropouts, steel rims, nutted hubs, cottered steel crankset, stem mounted shift levers and brake safety levers. Most members would probably have passed on it.
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Old 06-28-19, 06:51 AM
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It looks to be in decent shape and to need no more than a little elbow grease. Clean, lube and ride it. Then decide whether you want to keep it or not.
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Old 06-28-19, 08:43 AM
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I pulled one from a dumpster just like that a few years ago. The paint was excellent and when I stripped it down it really wasn't that heavy. I converted to a 5 speed with alloy rims, seat post, and moustache bars. It is the loaner bike for smaller guests.
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Old 06-28-19, 10:22 AM
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It looks nice to me.
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Old 06-28-19, 11:11 AM
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That is a vast improvement over the Free Spirit Huffy/Murray boat anchors of the 1970s. (Been there ... done that. Mine fortunately got stolen. )
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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Old 06-28-19, 06:09 PM
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Tune up, grease up, ride! I don't care what people say about department store bikes but my old free spirit rides great. Very comfortable and smooth. I believe sears used Murray to build their free spirits. I think there was another manufacturer sears also used but cant remember off the top of my head. It was free, ride that thing or maybe power it? I think a vintage bike with engine would be awesome. Other people may not agree lmao.
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Old 06-28-19, 08:12 PM
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Thank you for the info, I took it for the tires, they are brand new. Was going to clean it up and use it for our boy scout troop bike rides for anyone who needs a bike . Hardly any of the scouts even own bikes which is a shame. The frame just looks like its built better than most department store bikes I remember.
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Old 06-28-19, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by John E
That is a vast improvement over the Free Spirit Huffy/Murray boat anchors of the 1970s. (Been there ... done that. Mine fortunately got stolen. )
My first century ride was on a 3 speed (shimano) 70's (I think) Free Spirit the bike weighed 38.5 pounds with my lock on it!

I don't wish I still had it, but it was the worst best bike I'll ever own!
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Old 06-28-19, 09:31 PM
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I used to assemble dptmnt store bikes and can tell u that frameset would definitly be in the top 10% as far as quality. We used to build some of that type out with better components and they were decent for sure. Great poor mans transportation.
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Old 06-28-19, 09:57 PM
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I have a similar looking one, but called the Sunbird. It had a Made In Korea sticker on it. Came with 590mm wheels/tires but I just got the frameset, so put a 622 wheelset on. Fixed because the frame won't accommodate 622 in the rear with a brake.

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Old 06-29-19, 09:29 AM
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I always like the name "Free Spirit" as the name of a bicycle, regardless of the quality. Thumbs up, long since gone Sear's Naming Department.
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Old 06-29-19, 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by LesterOfPuppets
I have a similar looking one, but called the Sunbird. It had a Made In Korea sticker on it. Came with 590mm wheels/tires but I just got the frameset, so put a 622 wheelset on. Fixed because the frame won't accommodate 622 in the rear with a brake.

Cool save... I'm still on a quest for a similar quality level Sears bicycle, for a similar "sleeper" build. That wine color is a super plus too.
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Old 06-29-19, 08:10 PM
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The frame set is what caught my eye. It has very cool braze on cable ends. The duel ones are in a v shape and both run into it. The lugs are nice and crisp as well. Will clean it up and use it on our boy scout rides as a loner for who it fits.
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