Bicycle Guy

Okay, so I picked up my new Schwinn Willy from the LBS today. I just had to post a picture.

Took the bike for a short ride and found out I have a long way to go to get used to riding again. I did have a great time on my first bike ride in 30+ years and it was really great to feel the wind in my face again while gliding along. I am glad I bought the seven speed instead of the three speed as several here recommended.

I found a helmet that matched the color of the bike frame, so of course I had to have that. There are a ton of things (stuff) I still need, but will buy them here and there over the next few months. I plan to ride in the neighborhood for a month or so before trying the bike/walking paths.

Ken

tsl

Nice lookin' ride! I like the white fenders.

I went 35 years between bikes. Four years ago this coming March I bought one, thinking I'd do maybe 20 miles a week, in only nice weather. I rode 3,000 miles that first nine months, and have ridden nearly every day ever since.

Hope you have the same amount of fun!

Edit: Matching your accessories, like the helmet, are a good sign.

CNY James

nice man, congrats on your purchase!

HandsomeRyan

That is a good looking bike. The fenders and rack coupled with the nice upright geometry make it a really great bike for cruising and running errands.

Don't forget to keep the chain wiped down and lubed and the tires pumped up to the correct PSI regularly.

Hard to tell from the angle of the picture but are the brake levers adjusted to the correct angle where they are comfortable to grab? They look like they might be tilted up too far.

I built up a single speed bike similar to what you are riding but mine isn't as classy looking as yours.

Bicycle Guy

Ryan,

I am not sure of proper angle for the brake levers. This picture was taken with the bike as assembled by the LBS. The levers seemed okay to me, but I might do some adjustments to the angel after several hours of riding.

Thanks all for the comments. I feel a bit like a new father!


Ken

HandsomeRyan

They should be adjusted to wherever it is comfortable for you to grip them. Mine tilt down a lot further but my I may be a different height than you and I'm sure my bike has different geometry. What is comfortable is most important; it was just a thought I had when I saw the pic.

Bicycle Guy

What type of wrenches do you carry? I see the "dog bone" style ten or so sizes in one, and I noticed the flat wrench that has maybe 15 different sizes. I don't want to carry a complete set of wrenchs, but want to be ready for my first flat tire.

Any suggestions?

I did try the search here, but didn't find my answer.

Thanks
Ken

CNY James

you should be able to get by on one multi-tool.

does it have quick release hub? if so, then you will just need tire levers and a patch kit. If not, I wouldnt carry more than you need to get the wheel off the frame.

Bicycle Guy

It does not have quick release hubs.

If I understand this correctly, that means I will need at least a 15mm wrench to get the wheels off. I'll check the nut size.

My current list of items is: extra new tube (I have this), a multi wrench of some sort, 15mm wrench, tire levers, a regular and phillips screwdriver, needle nose pliers, and maybe a small crescent wrench.

My last resort if all fails will be my cell phone and a call to my wife!

Ken

mikesova

That's a sweet looking retro bike. I like it.

xtrajack

Welcome, I wound up going 24 years between bikes. I bought mine the second week of June '08. Been riding at least 4 days a week since. Loving every minute of it.

HandsomeRyan

Since I ride a fixed gear bike I use a Pedro's Trixie tool which includes a 15mm wrench (for removing axle nuts). You can use wing nuts to attach it to the water bottle mounts for convenience.



Another option is the eighth inch wrench which also can be screwed to the frame with thumb screws. It opens beer too!



I carry more tools/supplies than most people but this is an example of some of the stuff I keep shoved into my saddle wedge bag.
(I only carry one plastic tirle lever, not 3 steel ones like the pic. I also use a much beefier chain lock now than that flimsy little cable I used when I lived in TN.)

Artkansas 

Did the store give you a fitting on it and adjust it to fit you?

Bicycle Guy

No real fitting, but a very minor seat adjustment. They said try this and let us know if it is confortable for you once you have some hours on it.

Ken

Juan Foote

I just purchased my first new bike in 18 (or so) years, and have been riding as much as possible. Thinking about getting the wife a new one as well.

kh6idf

Congrats on the new bike and getting back into cycling. I'm also in the same category - about 30 years since my last bike. Great color, mine's blue also (a Marin Fairfax). My longest ride so far is 27 miles (3 days ago). I've been riding for about 2 months.

Bicycle Guy

I have seen pictures of the Marin Fairfax. Great looking bikes!

If I can get to a 27 mile ride in two months that would be amazing. I think I will try for an easy 15 miles. I have ridden a desk for so long that it is going to be a slow process for me.

Best
Ken

Alfster 

Ken, great looking bike! The chain guard and fenders will make for a great commuter and utility bike. Have fun!

rumrunn6

Sweet!

Bicycle Guy

Thanks for the comments!

This is really a fun project for me. My budget, including extras, was to stay below $600. I know some spend that on a really good set of wheels. So far I have been able to stay within my budget even though I am on my second pannier already. I started with no bicycle or equipment, so staying under $600 has been a bit of a challenge. I have a computer to install, and a floor pump to buy to finish off. I will still be under budget-slightly.

It would appear from this forum that there are lots of "older" people who are getting interested in biking again. This forum can really be a resource for them. When I decided to buy a bicycle, I found out how difficult it is to pick one. Price is not the only issue, so is the shear number and different styles of bicycles offered. If you go to a bike shop, you might see 100+ different bicycles to choose from. If you are lucky, you will find a sales person who will help guide you to a good decision.

I have also found that part of the fun is finding "gadgets" that can be purchased. Oh, I just remembered, I am going to need a bell also!!!!!!

Ken

longbeachgary

Cool bike.

ARider2

Nice looking Willy! Enjoy your new bike. With any new bike the cables will stretch a little withing the first couple of week (or months, depending on amount of use), so as soon as the brake lever travel is too long, or if the shifting becomes clunky or is not precise, then bring it back to your LBS for a tune-up.

Roody

Ken, I bet you'll have a lot of fun on that bike. I went 30 years between bike rides and have been making up for lost time ever since. By the end of my first summer, I was doing all my local transportation on a bike and I still am--8 years (and about 25,000 miles) later.


Ahem.....

cooker

Great that you are getting back into cycling. The seat looks low, although of course I don't know how tall you are. Low is okay when you first get started back into biking, as it gives you more stability and you can easily get your feet on the ground if you have to stop suddenly or feel unsteady. As you begin to ride more and longer you may need to check that the seat is high enough so you won't strain your knees. The leg should be almost but not quite straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke. If the front of your knee starts to hurt around the kneecap, ask the bike store to help you adjust the seat higher.

Bicycle Guy

Cooker,

I thought the seat looked low also, but my legs are very close to max extension at the bottom of the pedal stroke. I am 5' 11" tall, but I think I have somewhat short legs. I am thinking the seat could be raised an inch or so as I become more comfortable with riding.

Thanks for the tips!!!

Best
Ken