JReade

What would classic and vintage do? So I traded my 1979 Schwinn Continental for a 1980 Fuji sports 12, and the fuji owner threw in 20 bucks. (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ade?highlight=)

Well, two nights ago, I received this email :

Now, the rear brake I understand, it happened to me, as the rear brake housing stop is the bracket that attaches to the seat clamp. It turns as you tighten the seat post clamp, and this happens. No big deal. The other aspect, ie the highest gear is too tough and the lowest gear is too tough? I rode that bike for ~20 miles before he got it, and I had no problem in any gears..but it's a 35 lb bike! What would yall do here?

Little Darwin

You traded with someone ignorant about bicycles, otherwise you wouldn't have gotten the deal you did. Shortening a chain to make it easier to pedal???? Not in this universe.

In my opinion, the highest gear being too tough on flat ground is what a high gear is supposed to do. I only use the highest gear on any bike when going down hill or with a strong tail wind.

Let me guess, the part for the front brake lever is a turkey wing...

As far as lowering the gearing, replacing the chainwheels or freewheel are the only options to make pedaling easier, other than going with a lighter bike.

Thumpic

You should explain the differences between the two bikes. If he was not aware before you made the deal; you should swap back.....

curbtender

I think you got him in that trade. He may be able to get a bigger freewheel, but it won't change a heavy bike that much.

mkeller234

I agree. He could also replace the crank with a triple in the front. In my experience, Schwinn bikes have fairly low gearing to begin with.

mkeller234

I'm not sure I completely agree. That Fuji is still plenty heavy since it has steel rims. The Fuji was also in pretty sad shape at the time it was traded. Here is my post from the original thread:

Little Darwin

I forgot what I would do. I would explain that the highest gear is too high for flat ground, and should only be used when riding down hill... That is what gears on a bike are for.

As far as hill climbing... I would offer advice for what would really work to correct the issue. It probably has a 14-28 freewheel, so you aren't likely to get any lower gearing without exceeding RD specs. Changing the chainrings is likely to be difficult because of availability f parts.

Some bikes with ashtabula cranks can handle a triple chainwheel, but I have one I never used because it rubbed the chainstay... and a triple is likely to need another RD anyway.

Why did the person trade? Did the Fuji have the same problems?

To keep the peace, I might trade back and explain that obviously he is not a strong enough rider to deal with the Schwinn , otherwise, I would just politely explain the issues and possible resolutions.

randyjawa 

If possible, I would meet with the guy, the bike in question present, and ensure that you understand his concerns. It might be something as simple as showing the fellow how to shift and what he did wrong when messing with the seat.

As for swap back, that is an ethics issue between you and yourself. Were it me, I would try to guide. That failing, I would consider returning the bike for the one I traded. Again, this is between you and you.

Anyway, that is how I would handle it and have done so in years gone bye.

rhm

+1, it's your call.

What would I do? Well, aside from trying to avoid ever getting in that position myself, I'd offer to make sure the bike was now adjusted correctly, I'd figure out what upgrade options he has (bigger freewheel, probably), and explain what that'll involve (longer chain, longer derailleur cage). I would not offer to do any of the work. I might offer to trade back, depending on the present condition of the Fuji... but odds are, I would already have worked on it a lot by now.

pastorbobnlnh 

Teach him how to friction shift. Adjust the seat post and brake for him. And if he needs different gearing in flat FL (even on a bridge), he needs to exercise more, so go ride intervals with him.

auchencrow

J Reade -
You are under absolutely no obligation swap back or to educate him (unless this is your in-law, your boss, or your minister).
Either way, I think he is a lost cause. To wit:

"Also I adjusted the seat, and when I did so, the rear brake locked up. I noticed that part of the rear brake mechanism is attached to the seat, so I adjusted the rear brake."

- What did he say?
The only way I could envision that happening is if he slammed the "seat" all the way down until the seat clamp bottomed-out on the rear brake bridge and/ brake cable housing. (At least I don't know of any "seats" that have any brake components (normally) attached to them!)

As you may recall, both mkeller and I expressed that you could have done better than the Fuji. You have an opportunity now to take the Schwinn Continental back, repair it before he does more damage, and do a better deal later on.
It was a pretty attractive orange Schwinn and people do love old Schwinn's even though a lot of people in this forum don't think highly of them.

Personally I would swap back for that reason - but I would tell him you'll keep his $20 for your troubles.

nlerner

Sounds like he increased the tension on the rear brake when he adjusted the seat height (it's easy to do with those cable hangers that go around the ears of the seat lug), and his difficulties might be because his rear brake is locked up on the rear wheel. That would make climbing very difficult!

Neal

Chris_in_Miami

If I understand the transaction correctly, he traded a Fuji that he hadn't ridden and didn't fit him for your Schwinn. I don't think the customer is saying the Schwinn is worse than the Fuji. I'd offer him technical advice, but wouldn't feel obligated to trade back.

I'd suggest that he check the tire pressure, these beasts need to have all the planets in alignment to ride properly. I had an old Varsity recently and could not believe how sluggish and heavy it felt.

USAZorro

Exactly. I suspect that, as clueless about bicycle mechanics as he is, he might have a problem with brake rub.

curbtender

OK, it wasn't a spanking deal, I'm just surprised he offered money along with the fuji. If you want to get him off your back, give him the 20 back and tell him to go to the LBS.

yuoil 

As this was a CL ad and not your best friend, I would help make sure he knows how to shift, and show him how to adjust the brakes. Perhaps he didn't tighten down the cable enough. If I had made this trade and the fuji fit me well I wouldn't be willing to trade back; but I would give him a refund on the cash if he asked. It sounds like he might just not know how to shift the bicycle, and/or he is not in the same shape he was last he rode a bicycle.

Thumpic

+1...best answer yet............

wrk101

+1 Until you have developed quite a bicycle "motor", highest gear is not for flat ground, its for going downhill.

roccobike

+2, It took me about a 2 years before I was be able to cruise in the high gear. As for the low gear, Schwinns were pretty low geared, but if that one isn't there are plenty of large rear gear freewheels around. He needs to keep at it and develop those legs.

m750rider

Simple.

Arrange a time for him to pick up the brake part, tell him to bring the bike with him so you can see how he has it adjusted, or out of adjustment, whichever. He obviously isn't a bike mechanic or very bike smart.

It doesn't sound like he's asking for anything but a little help, give him a hand, teach him how to help himself. It will do you good.

RobbieTunes

I agree with those who suggest simply getting him and the bike to come see you, adjust the brakes and the fit. The Conti is heavy, but smooth, and hard to kill. Plus, it looks like a CF bike with the smooth joints and stuff.

He needs to make sure he's got proper PSI in the tires and runs the small ring/largest cog; should be able to climb fairly well with it, as thousands of riders did in the past.

Fasteryoufool

I don't see why he needs to respond to the guy beyond "take it to your LBS". He did a business deal with the guy, why's he got a personal relationship now, and suddenly become this guy's knowledge base for bike stuff?

I went once and traded a woman labor to get her POS Magna BLO on the road for a Micargi 'tweenager-size mountain bike (dunno frame size, had those silly 24" wheels on it) and she wanted my friggin' phone number to call in case her bike needed more work. I told her no.

cudak888 

Ignore him. In plain English, his email roughly translates to:

"I was going to go to the bike shop, but I thought I'd see how many freebies I could weasel out of you instead."

Trust me, these two things are just the start.

-Kurt

Fasteryoufool

Exactly.

sonatageek

I would not respond. He needs to go to a LBS and get things adjusted.