As mentioned on another thread, I purchased a Craigslist Fuji Thrill tonight, for $30. It needs a fair amount of work to get it in running condition, but I must say that it looks far less complicated than the bikes I'm riding now.

The earliest information I have found on the web on the Fuji Thrill was 1993, and I think this bike predates that. For example, the '93 was a seven-speed, and mine is a six speed.

The front DR is a Shimano Biopace SG. The RD and the brakes are labeled EXAGE COUNTRY, which I've never heard of. The frame is cromoly. The cranks are 175s, and I haven't measured the bike for size yet. I'm guessing it's a Large or about a 56mm.

The tires are rideable but trash. The wheels may need truing as well. Where does a beginner, in terms of bike repair / maintenance, begin with a bike like this? After I clean it up, what's my next step? (Told you there'd be a lot of questions!)

Look about 1/4th of the way down this page to see a 1985 Fuji Thrill

https://wildlifeuk.net/blogs/kingfisher/2007/09/

I'm not a bike mechanic (and I don't play one on TV, either) but I would develop a relationship with a mechanic in your area, and let him know what your intentions are. He can guide you as to what priorities you should have, and what tools to buy. If you buy the tools and parts from his shop, then it's an equitable trade-off.

Post lots of close up pictures.

Though I've been tinkering with bikes since childhood, I don't
consider myself a mechanic. That being said, I purchased a
couple of do-it-your self bicycle repair books and found them
to be very easy to follow and very helpful. Your LBS can
probably suggest a title or two and set you up with some
basic tools, tire levers, basic wrenches etc. You want to start
with basic jobs such as changeing the tires and tubes and
learning to adjust the deraileurs and brakes. These are readily
learned tasks and if you can't pick them up from the books
your mech. will most likely be glad to help you. Leave Bottom
Bracket work and wheel truing and dishing for the experts for now.

Happy trails on your new steed

The Biopace was developed as an idea to help with knee pain. Some people say it really works. They have a following.

Whenever I start to do something to one of my bikes that I am not sure about, I go to these websites first.

Sheldon Brown has more good info about anything to do with bicycles than anyone on the internet. About the most important link anyone interested in bicycling could have.
https://sheldonbrown.com/repair/index.html
https://sheldonbrown.com/home.html

Park Tools has an extremely helpful repair site. It shows you what tools you'll need and what to do with them. Just click on the part of the bike you want to work on.
https://www.parktool.com/repair/

If you are learning to maintain a bike, I suggest getting a good bike repair book in addition to the online resources. Park's Blue Book and Zinn and the Art of Road (or Mountain) Bike Maintenance are usually recommended.

Geez, I'm jealous. On the DC Craigslist, there are never any $30 or $50 decent rigid mtb's...even the Magnas are asking more than that.

Sheldon says:

Exage ("EXcellence" + "New AGE") This was divided into Exage Country and Exage Trail at one time. The first group to feature front indexing, roughly comparable to Acera-X/Alivio.

+1 for Zinn and the Art of _ Bike Maintainence. If you aren't planning on getting into suspension bikes the "road" version is a better choice. They have both at my neighborhood library so you might want to check there. Once you grasp the concepts in the book you can use the park tools web site for reference. Also, this site is supposed to be good:

https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/

re biopace - I have a bike with it (1st gen deore XT) and I don't really notice it one way or the other. What I do notice is that for road use (I have my MTB set up with slicks and fenders) I only have about 3 useful gears. The rest are too low. When I used to pull the kids in the trailer the low gears came in handy but the "kids" are bigger than me now

Wow. Biopace. And a freewheel. Threaded headset, I bet. But I don't think the bike is old enough for you to join The Wheelmen.

My motto is "......IF YOU KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT IT, WORK ON IT ANYWAY...." and if it doesn't fit, then force it. Or get a bigger hammer.

This could be the challenge of 2008...................Can the forum lead DG through the maze of bicycle repairs and tools without the Earth's orbit changing, or massive storms in California, or.....................hmmm, it could already be too late.

You can do it DG, and we can help.

Clean it up, lube, get the saddle and bars adjusted and ride it! See how it does. Check the chain for stretch, replace if necessary. Can the wheels spin without rubbing on the brakes? What shape are the brake pads in? I'm guessing it probably has cantilever brakes, if so and they are the long ones do you have any heel clearance issues? Resist the urge to upgrade anything that isn't broken or worn out. Steel rigid mtb's are fun and will make you a good rider.

Cool...looks like a real Chick Magnet too.

Here's some pix...the bike needs a LOT of work.

Less likely to be stolen if you keep the mismatched tires. And the spoke protector.

OK, I lied. Tonight I bought a 1991 Bridgestone MB-4 for $60, and the seller threw in a like-new frame pump and cable lock. This bike is going to become an Xtracycle, if it's in good enough shape.

After removing some ugly fenders and a bent front basket, here she is, in all her red glory:

THAT IS A GREAT FIND!!!!

We need to start a rigid club! It has* to be a trend.

I believe divingbiker has just 1-upped Solveg & DG.

Yes!

This Fuji Thrill thread is just so old hat now.

Hey, that wasn't my intention! I just wanted to share in the fun!

Shoot, I'm sharing in the fun just knowing you got a Bridgestone! I think it's just terrific!