General Cycling Discussion - Autobike back from the dead?!?!

I worked very late tonight. On my way home, next to the trashcans in front of a house I saw a dismantled bicycle.

Up to a few minutes ago, I had never seen or heard of an autobike. But I looked at the rear wheel, and it was readily apparent what this puppy did.

I have the frame with all the goodies, and two reasonably straight wheels. The hubs look generic, but the cluster is Shimano. I actually think I could get this back on the road.

But after i read the stuff online, I don't think i will. I'm gonna dismanlte it for parts, and recycle the frame.

Geez-I doubt that the frame is worth saving, or the parts, either.....

I haven't seen the Autobike "live", but it's probably a decent bike, especially for the price you paid.

With a frame on the heavy side, I'd probably use it only for short haul commutes, or even as a trash bike. I wonder, however, if it's easy to lock the rear wheel shifting mechanism and convert it into a single speed bike.

Another option, if you often find junk bikes in your neighbourhood, would be to wait until you see a junk 3-speed and use both to make a single bike.

Regards,

I see this thread is from 02 but perhaps some one knows where I could find replacement wear parts for an Autobike shift assembly. The shift ring and wear plate with screws is what is needed. I found the Autobike at a local thrift store and was intrigued when I turned the wheels to see how true they were that the chain moved with out the pedals turning. Then I noticed it was without shift cables and found the shift mechanism. I paid the toll and took it home. The internet was not kind citing shift problems and difficulty of set up. I use the bike for exercise around the township and yes the bike takes some getting used to. I have a variety of other bikes from Pezzo to Huffy so I know the classy to dimestore. I rate the Autobike as fun, interesting, and conversational. The parts I need are standard wear items unique to this bike.

what does an autobike look like?

http://www.niknaks.com/autobike.htm

The bob-weights on the rear spokes control the derailleur. They move out towards the rim when you are going fast, and in towards the hub when you are going slow.