Donald Gillies wrote: <snip>
Sears offered a weirdo "Ted Williams Model" - I think it was not footnoted as not available in all stores - for the awesome sum of $180 or $200. The reason why this bicycle cost so much was a total mystery to me. We know now that it was reynolds 531, but I think it was plain gauge throughout and the parts (in the early 1970's) were hardly different than a $69.95 bike. But it was lugged - not welded - which made it much much lighter, and it had alloy rims.
<snip>
Actually, the 1974-1975 Sears was full 531 DB frame, stays, and fork, as the term was used then. The one I owned had very long stays, and the poorest lugwork I ever owned on anything. They came in one size, and one color (lime). Made a decent fixed-gear commuter till totaled in an accident. The parts included very nice Shimano Crane and Titlist derailleurs, decent hubs, and alloy rims. Forged Shimano drop-outs.
As documented (I hope) in the archives, it was preceeded by a Ted Williams Sport Racing model from the early to mid 60s which was also made by Austro-Daimler. That one had Normandy hubs, Weinmann rims an CPs, and Campy Record derailleurs. Seamed tubing. Several list members have these pure funk items. A '61 of this model was my first 10-speed, bought used, and surely had the Gran Sport derailleurs front and rear.
harvey sachs
mcLean va.