i have a schwinn powermatic (probably a few years old) and i was wondering if anyone else out there has one or has some experience of them.
one problem that ive had is that when i do a drop of over about 3ft i find that the pedals (or at least the axles that the pedals spin on) bends down under my weight (only about 50kg). is this normal?
any other comments on the bike?

A Schwinn in Australia? Never heard such a thing. Does it have 1 piece cranks? They're probably flexing in anticipation of breaking. Unless the spindles are bending. Certainly doesn't sound normal though.

http://www.4130.com/ride/bikes/schwinnpowermati.html

One-piecers, indeed.

If you don't want to drop at least $175 on new pedals (w/a 9/16" spindle) and some 3-piece cranks, then I'd recommend looking for some decent medical insurance.

Cool, it's in Schwinn Scrambler blue. Beerman, you've got to stop quoting prices from the US. It's a different world over here.

Universal Currency Converter (http://www.xe.com/ucc/)

Happy?

What good is that? I deal with exchange rates all day, but it doesn't help anyone over here. We have to take into account Fedexpensive and DHL, and GST and duties, it's not worth it to buy something from overseas. And here you just double the US price for a start. That's why I import so much stuff.

Does it have 1 piece cranks? They're probably flexing in anticipation of breaking.
Breaking? i dont like the sound of that. unless of course i get it on video, that could be funny to watch! (after i get out of hospital)

In Aussie, look for some decent 3-piece cranks - maybe try eBay as you will not have the same import fees imposed. Good used Profiles for under $100USD then a new set of pedals.

Flex in cranks is normal though. REALLY! One of the things about steel is that it does have a certain amount of flex to it. It helps to distributed the force of landings through more of the material. Instead of the force being focussed on a single spot, the entire crank takes the force of your landing.

But, there is better grades of steel (4130) and lower grades (mild) that are used, so you want to make sure you have good 1-piece cranks at the very least, with pedals that use a good spindle.

thanks for your help. but i dont really know much about bikes, so whats the difference between 1 piece cranks and 3 piece?

so whats the difference between 1 piece cranks and 3 piece?

I piece cranks are all 1 solid piece, the 2 cranks arms and the spindle. 3 piece cranks are 3 different pieces that make up the same parts as the 1 piece crank(2 arms and 1 spindle), but the arms bolt to the spindle. Also 3 piece cranks are 100X stronger, and durrable and a lot cooler looking(not that that matters of course).