Sears Robuck & CO Free Spirit Ted Williams Bike
07-19-13, 10:58 AM
#26
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Oh no - My gettocal is just my on rendition of the decal - Some of them are close but none of them are exact - They are for personal use by having them printed as a bumper decal then cut out and applied...
Finding original or high quality reproductions of the Ted Williams logo could be expensive...
Finding original or high quality reproductions of the Ted Williams logo could be expensive...
07-19-13, 12:01 PM
#27
Still learning
Since the beginning of time, Sears sold JC Higgins bikes before Ted Williams was born.
07-19-13, 03:45 PM
#28
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The Chief from 1915, a little older than him but right time period.
https://www.nostalgic.net/bicycle176
I'd love to own one someday.
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Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
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Last edited by SirMike1983; 07-19-13 at 03:50 PM.
06-25-19, 06:05 AM
#29
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Bikes: sears robuck ted Williams free spirit womens bike
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how can you telll were your bike was manufactured????
Sears, Ted Williams and Free Spirit bikes were all over the map when it came to price and quality. As previously mentioned, the cheapest models were welded gaspipe frames, one-piece Ashtabula cranks, and most likely Shimano Eagle derailleurs (which were the cheapest you could get in the first half of the '70's). Quality wise, they were the on the high end of department store cheapies - the stuff that came through the bike shop always reminded me of Huffy bikes made on a good day. I believe a Sears cheapie cost a couple of dollars more than a Huffy, and the Sears name did have a quality reputation at that time.
Once you get into lugged frames and three-piece cranks you're most likely talking Puch's, although I think some other European manufacturers also made them. I think Sears, Roebuck & Co. put out specs to various manufacturers and entertained bids for the following year's production. The frames on these bikes were about the equal of a UO-8, Grand Sport Deluxe or Roger Riviere, although it always seemed the paint was a bit cheaper. Where they usually fell down was the components weren't quite as good as the French bikes. They usually used German hubs, cranks, etc., which weren't quite as nice as the French components.
Then there were the Reynolds 531 Ted Williams bikes. Hardly a Paramount, but then they didn't cost much considering you got a 531 frame.
As to the names: For years, Sears had a contract with Ted Williams for it's top of the line sporting goods: Bicycles, shotguns, badminton sets and Lord knows what else. Once the contract ran out, they started using Free Spirit on the bicycles, and I think some other stuff - at this time they quit dealing in lugged bikes, and I don't think I've ever seen a Free Spirit frame that wasn't an American made cheapie.
Once you get into lugged frames and three-piece cranks you're most likely talking Puch's, although I think some other European manufacturers also made them. I think Sears, Roebuck & Co. put out specs to various manufacturers and entertained bids for the following year's production. The frames on these bikes were about the equal of a UO-8, Grand Sport Deluxe or Roger Riviere, although it always seemed the paint was a bit cheaper. Where they usually fell down was the components weren't quite as good as the French bikes. They usually used German hubs, cranks, etc., which weren't quite as nice as the French components.
Then there were the Reynolds 531 Ted Williams bikes. Hardly a Paramount, but then they didn't cost much considering you got a 531 frame.
As to the names: For years, Sears had a contract with Ted Williams for it's top of the line sporting goods: Bicycles, shotguns, badminton sets and Lord knows what else. Once the contract ran out, they started using Free Spirit on the bicycles, and I think some other stuff - at this time they quit dealing in lugged bikes, and I don't think I've ever seen a Free Spirit frame that wasn't an American made cheapie.
06-25-19, 11:17 AM
#30
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Got a picture of the bike? Or at least a detailed description of what you've got (frame, derailleurs, brakes, etc.)?
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Syke
“No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”
H.L. Mencken, (1926)
03-20-22, 08:08 AM
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Beach Cruiser
Hi All! I have acquired a Sears and Roebuck Ted Williams Free Spirit Beach Cruiser. (I’m new so it won’t let me post pics) It is white and has a large basket on the back that straddles the back tire. The basket was likely added later from what I see. I don’t see anywhere on the bike that mentions where it was made. It’s a 3 speed and the gears shift well. It says Shimano on the hub. I am 100% new to this so please be kind. Does anyone know any info on such a bike as this as far as when/where it was made? If I can find a way to post pics, I will! Thanks so much!
08-08-23, 10:21 PM
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