I originally received this Western Flyer bike as a birthday present when I was 9 years old, in 1970. I rode the wheels off of it for about 4 years, and then got my first motorcycle. Big Red stayed around as my dad’s occasional ride. It even accompanied my parents on overseas assignments in Thailand and the Philippines.
Two years ago, my mom and dad came out to visit, and I had them bring Big Red with them. No one was riding it, and the bike had fallen into disrepair. I wanted to bring it back to life.
I stripped it down, and sent the frame off for candy red powder coat. New wheels and fenders, new Brooks Champion Flyer S sprung seat and matching leather Electra grips went on it when it came back. I painted the original bars and crank, and reinstalled them. A little creative decal work, and Big Red was back!
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