Continental shake-down cruise
 

Took my '72 Continental out for a 12 round trip ride to the beach. First ride ever since getting it together. Brought back memories of cruising about on my Varsity. All the noise from the chain & sprockets was a familiar note. The Twinn-Stik shift levers still slowly let the derailleurs relax. The seat insisted on lifting it's nose to the heavens just like the old days. Brakes are the classic gentle speed ******ing device. Quick stopping is not gentlemanly. All that was missing was the sinking seatpost.

At the 6 mile mark, the front tire decided to remind me of another colorful facet from the old days by going flat. Did you all know that gas stations charge $1.00 for air?

Much I like about this bike, but it's going back in for work and reassessment. Might bail out on the project while I'm not to deep into it.

No pictures ? I'm a pretty big fan of a pump on every bike I ride. I consider it a 100% sure thing that I will get a flat if I don't carry one.

Gone are the days of free ice water and air. Nothing is free these days.

When I ride its almost always on a vintage Schwinn, and besides the flats I have never had the problems you describe. Matter of fact (and this is true) in all the years I've been riding I can count the amount of flats I've had on one hand. Luck, I know. :)

Embarrassing confessions time: The noise was due to an unlubed and original chain. When I demounted the tire, I found the broken-off tip of a cheap tire tool.

Tightened up the seat bolts. We'll try again. The rims that came with the Continental are cheap alloy rims with a freewheel that might be worn out. The paint job is gone. The kid who owned the bike before me stored it outside and covered it in cheap stickers. Lotsa rust, but plenty o' metal on those frame tubes. The Conk will live at my parent's house for my use when I visit.

I'm not a navy guy, but considering the Schwinn's weight & battleship-quick handling, it fits.

I like the tank like ride quality of a Continental. With alloy rims, you be able to get better braking if you work on it.