The lime-green 74 Sears is an ugly beast, perhaps the most crudely finished bike I have ever owned with full 531 DB frame set. With its 42+" (107 cm) wheelbase and 18" (46 cm) chainstays, it is certainly not a criterium bike, either. So, it decided to become a city bike, with cheapo fixed gear wheels (18 x 42), Stronglight 93 leftover cranks, an inexpensive pannier carrier for commuting, etc. For now, I even left on the Esge kickstand -- factory original, matching the Esge "chainstay bridge". At least it turned out to be English BB and headset! The Nitto Moustache bar sports a pair of Universal 61/68 levers w/o hoods, and there are the original SP brakes (1 Weinman and 1 DiaCompe, wouldn't you know it?).
First, it feels good to ride; the moustache bars are really nice for climbing out of the saddle. The long wheelbase acts like it wants me to finally master the track stand. And, I don't feel that I'm taking too much of a chance by leaving it on the street in downtown DC. Nobody down there would want something this plug ugly. Actually, first day I rode it I wore boots instead of bike shoes, and added some shocking pink toe straps to set off the paint. now he ice is gone, so I'm back to off-topic pedals...
I guess I've gotta do these things once in a while to keep up my reputation.
harvey "last year's pretender to the funkmeister crown" sachs mcLean va