I've seen derogatory remarks towards "gaspipe" bikes here. I always figured it was low end, thick wall steel tubing that made for a heavy bike. Is that what it is? My Columbia certainly seems that way.

However, today I looked at a Sears bike. It looked like it was a knockoff of an English 3 speed; but I think at some point a bike shop converted it to a 5 speed, as it had, well, a 5 speed hub (forgot to look but must have been Suntour) with a Simplex derailler. The rims were steel but had some sort of fancy pattern on the brake area, and the frame looked like it had lugs for the various attachment points. Anyhow, I thought it didn't feel too bad on weight, and when I tapped a tube it sounded more like exhaust pipe than thick wall tubing! Is there an opposite end of gas pipe, or was this bike made of "gas pipe"?

[Of course, I didn't think to bring a magnet with me, nor a tape measure. Have to remember that for next time.]

Probably one of the many Puch bikes sold by Sears. Not bad bikes, but likely still gas pipe.

The term "gaspipe" most generally refers to low-end straight gauge tubing of any sort. And yes, it's heavier, but often it'll only make a difference of 2-3 pounds overall, when compared to a lightweight steel frameset. It's the rest of the componentry that makes the bulk of the weight, and you were prolly feeling the difference of a more modern drivetrain on that Sears. Remember, a 3-speed hub is pretty heavy. So are steel cottered cranks, sprung saddles, etc.

Funny, I wasn't expecting a cottered crank on a Sears bike, nor the appearance of lugs. Springs in the seat, maybe. It just seemed lighter than a "Sears" bike should have been.

Maybe I'll look at it again, if it doesn't sell--I was a bit iffy, as the standover height didn't seem right. But I just realized that my road bike is the same way. I'm not sure why I'm interested, as I don't do too much casual riding, like down to the store and back. And cottered cranks, well, I'd rather not. As if I needed another project. But I like the notion of a laid back bike, for slower riding days.