I've lived in the Seattle area most of my life and I'm looking forward to seeing this area on a bike more instead of a Transit bus or car.
I've got a 1985 Sears Free Spirit which I'll use for commuting, getting in shape, and for fun rides.
Riding on the bike trails and taking in what's going on at a slower pace I have found peaceful and stress reducing.

Hi sourdoughT, you've been a member since February, and you are only just posting? You are very shy, indeed! Where exactly are you located? I'm in Kent, myself. There are a lot of Puget Sounders here, so don't forget to check into the Pacific Northwest Forum.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Welcome to BF.

My neighbor has a free spirit that I've worked on so he could ride with me. That lasted about a month. He hasn't been on the bike since 1999.
Since I worked on his bike I know just how heavy it is and what a piece of crap it is. You couldn't pay me to commute on that thing.
Do yourself a favor and get a new (or newer), better quality bike. You'll be glad you did.

Thank you East Hill and Ron H.
It will be awhile before any change in bikes. This bike has served me very well over the years however.

Welcome to BF! The kind of bike isn't really as important as the fun of getting back into riding.

Not all Free Spirit bikes are the same; over many years they were sourced from different manufacturers, including Austrian-made Puch. For what it's worth, I have a Sears Free Spirit, a couple of Fujis, Raleighs, a Panasonic and a Univega, and the Free Spirit is as good as the others.

What you may find, however, is that your old friend's performance has gotten worse over time, due to bearing grease drying out, chain needing service, brakes dragging on the wheel rims, cables needing adjustment...little things that added together make a big difference in how enjoyable your rides will be.

Could we see photos ?

East Hill