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Questions for you bicycle riders out there

S

SwiftWind

Platinum Member
I bought this bicycle at a garage sale for $20. Its a Schwinn High Plaines Bike.

The former owner said she bought it in 1996, rode it for one year, and then garaged it for the rest of its life. Also, I haven't had a chance to fill it up with air yet. Hopefully I just need to pump them back up.

questions:
1. The owner said I would have to take it to a bike shop for a "tune up". I'm not exactly sure what she's talking about. The brakes work though. What do you think?
2. The wheels look like they have a lot of tread left in them, but they also look really old. Does the rubber dry out over time? Do you think I should change the tires, the tubes or both?
3. What's the best way to clean up the bike?
4. Anything else I should do to prolong the life of the bike?
5. Around my area I see people riding in the street with the bikes. I don't feel confident riding this thing in the street just yet. Is the curb considered an absolute no-no?

Thanks for your time!
 
For 1-4, take it to a local shop and have them take a look for you. The tires can dry rot, the brakes might need to be replaced, the gears probably need adjustments, and they will probably clean it for you too.

Don't know about #5, I ride wherever; paths, sidewalks, streets, mall, beltway, space.
 
If it is that old you don't have experience with bikes take it to the shop. @5 you shouldn't riding on the sidewalk unless you are a 4 year old riding a tricycle. There are laws riding on the sidewalk with a bicycle where I live and there is also a pretty good chance you will hit someone walking and get sued. Riding in the bike lane/on the road isn't terribly hard, you just have to get used to cars whizzing by you and not get freaked out by that. Start out riding in low trafficked areas to get used to it.
 
Ok. The reason I wasn't sure if I should take it to a bike shop is because I didn't want to be quoted a bunch of stuff I didn't need. If you think I need to to do it though, I'll give it a shot.
 
Bike shops aren't like car dealerships, at least in my experience, they'll tell you exactly what you need to make it safe, and might make a few suggestions....good thing is that most bike repairs are pretty inexpensive.
 
Originally posted by: schizoid77
Bike shops aren't like car dealerships, at least in my experience, they'll tell you exactly what you need to make it safe, and might make a few suggestions....good thing is that most bike repairs are pretty inexpensive.
Click to expand...

Thats good to know. I admit, I'm traumatized by auto mechanics.
 
Def. get 2 new tyres if they've been on there for 10+ years. Sidewalls will probably be dead/cracked.
Tune up means checking the cables are all tight/gears work properly (they might not if the cables need adjusting - same with brakes), making sure nothing rubs (e.g. brakes) etc.

Use water probably and give it a rub over to get rid of any dust etc.
Make sure you check cables, keep it nice and oiled.
 
Originally posted by: SwiftWind
Ok. The reason I wasn't sure if I should take it to a bike shop is because I didn't want to be quoted a bunch of stuff I didn't need. If you think I need to to do it though, I'll give it a shot.
Click to expand...

It's a bicycle, not a pc. I know the tendency of the folks on this forum is to over analyze everything but, did I mention it's a bicycle?

Soap and water to clean it up. If you're feeling frisky, a coat of polish. Everything is out in the open and it's function can easily be determined. Make up your own mind if the tires and/or break pads need replacing. Is the rubber cracked or crumbly? Do the controls work smoothly? If not, use a little light oil.

The biggest adjustment is making the bike comfortable for you and how you like to ride. This all can be done with normal hand tools.

Why would you pay a shop to do what you can easily do yourself with a little bit of care and time? I get the impression that some folks in these forums ask for help on how to tie their shoes. Did I mention it's a bicycle?
 
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
 
Originally posted by: schizoid77
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
Click to expand...

So, who do you use to tie your shoes? 🙂
 
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: schizoid77
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
Click to expand...

So, who do you use to tie your shoes? 🙂
Click to expand...

Having someone who is properly trained to do the bike tune-up can be a lot easier and less stressful than reading for hours and hours... for something he's only going to do once or maybe twice.
 
Originally posted by: TridenTBoy3555
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: schizoid77
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
Click to expand...

So, who do you use to tie your shoes? 🙂
Click to expand...

Having someone who is properly trained to do the bike tune-up can be a lot easier and less stressful than reading for hours and hours... for something he's only going to do once or maybe twice.
Click to expand...

What I'm trying to convey is bicycles are not a complicated device which requires special training and knowledge. Unless you plan on spoking wheels yourself, the upkeep/tuning of a bicycle is obvious. All the parts are in the open, they are easily installed/uninstalled and, the proper function can be readily determined. There is no reading required. Supposedly, anyone capable of finding these forums can maintain and ride a bicycle. What is stressful about caring for your bicycle?
 
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: TridenTBoy3555
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: schizoid77
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
Click to expand...

So, who do you use to tie your shoes? 🙂
Click to expand...

Having someone who is properly trained to do the bike tune-up can be a lot easier and less stressful than reading for hours and hours... for something he's only going to do once or maybe twice.
Click to expand...

What I'm trying to convey is bicycles are not a complicated device which requires special training and knowledge. Unless you plan on spoking wheels yourself, the upkeep/tuning of a bicycle is obvious. All the parts are in the open, they are easily installed/uninstalled and, the proper function can be readily determined. There is no reading required. Supposedly, anyone capable of finding these forums can maintain and ride a bicycle. What is stressful about caring for your bicycle?
Click to expand...

That's easy to say if you have mechanical experience or experience bike riding, but it would appear the OP does not. I would rather pay the money to get it properly tuned up then pay the medical expenses when my brakes fail and I crash into a house.
 
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: TridenTBoy3555
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: schizoid77
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
Click to expand...

So, who do you use to tie your shoes? 🙂
Click to expand...

Having someone who is properly trained to do the bike tune-up can be a lot easier and less stressful than reading for hours and hours... for something he's only going to do once or maybe twice.
Click to expand...

What I'm trying to convey is bicycles are not a complicated device which requires special training and knowledge. Unless you plan on spoking wheels yourself, the upkeep/tuning of a bicycle is obvious. All the parts are in the open, they are easily installed/uninstalled and, the proper function can be readily determined. There is no reading required. Supposedly, anyone capable of finding these forums can maintain and ride a bicycle. What is stressful about caring for your bicycle?
Click to expand...

Knowing how to exactly do everything with them... 😵 For instance the bearings inside my rear wheel, or whatever is there, are loose I believe and I can't fix that unless I had the proper tools. Bikes require tools that most of us don't have just lying around. -_- So now you have to know where to get the tools, how much they are going to cost and then figure out how to fix the problem. AGAIN, YOU HAVE TO READ. NOT EVERYTHING IS PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
 
I could tune up my single speed Huffy when I was a kid, sure...but this 24-speed Specialized I have now has tons of more adjustments to make. I really don't want to mess with it when I could have it back in 2 hours completely tuned-up for $10 by a local shop.

Plus, this bike will most likely need new tires and new brakes due to drying out, it might even need a new chain depending on the conditions it was stored. It's just not worth it to do it yourself. IMO.
 
If you do get new tires just get narrow smooth tires. No point in having off road tires if you aren't going off road. They just suck up more energy and wear out faster on the road.
 
Originally posted by: TridenTBoy3555
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: TridenTBoy3555
Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Originally posted by: schizoid77
He bought a 12 year old $20 used bike. He's better off having someone who knows what they're doing determine if he should be flying down hills on it yet.
Click to expand...

So, who do you use to tie your shoes? 🙂
Click to expand...

Having someone who is properly trained to do the bike tune-up can be a lot easier and less stressful than reading for hours and hours... for something he's only going to do once or maybe twice.
Click to expand...

What I'm trying to convey is bicycles are not a complicated device which requires special training and knowledge. Unless you plan on spoking wheels yourself, the upkeep/tuning of a bicycle is obvious. All the parts are in the open, they are easily installed/uninstalled and, the proper function can be readily determined. There is no reading required. Supposedly, anyone capable of finding these forums can maintain and ride a bicycle. What is stressful about caring for your bicycle?
Click to expand...

Knowing how to exactly do everything with them... 😵 For instance the bearings inside my rear wheel, or whatever is there, are loose I believe and I can't fix that unless I had the proper tools. Bikes require tools that most of us don't have just lying around. -_- So now you have to know where to get the tools, how much they are going to cost and then figure out how to fix the problem. AGAIN, YOU HAVE TO READ. NOT EVERYTHING IS PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
Click to expand...

This is a $20 used bike not a multi-thousand dollar racing bike. In your case, I would simply recommend replacing the rear wheel. Guess what, you don't even have to replace it with the same manufacturer for it to work. There are these things called used bike shops that abound in every city I have ever lived in that supply cheap parts and rides for everyone.
 
Originally posted by: SwiftWind
I bought this bicycle at a garage sale for $20. Its a Schwinn High Plaines Bike.

The former owner said she bought it in 1996, rode it for one year, and then garaged it for the rest of its life. Also, I haven't had a chance to fill it up with air yet. Hopefully I just need to pump them back up.

questions:
1. The owner said I would have to take it to a bike shop for a "tune up". I'm not exactly sure what she's talking about. The brakes work though. What do you think?
2. The wheels look like they have a lot of tread left in them, but they also look really old. Does the rubber dry out over time? Do you think I should change the tires, the tubes or both?
3. What's the best way to clean up the bike?
4. Anything else I should do to prolong the life of the bike?
5. Around my area I see people riding in the street with the bikes. I don't feel confident riding this thing in the street just yet. Is the curb considered an absolute no-no?

Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...

#1 - yes, bike shop will properly adjust the shifting & braking, so when you shift the derailleur & chain line up with the gear - and there is proper tension on the brake levers. Probably have them replace the cables, they are cheap. If it's been sitting for over 10 years, you'll probably want a new chain. The chain should be replaced every couple years anyways so that you can go much longer between having to replace the more expensive gears.

#2 - tires go bad over time - and if you're riding on the road, it's more enjoyable to have slick treads instead of knobby treads. If you don't want to spend the $$, knobby treads are okay. You can always try the current treads first and see how it feels.

#3 - soapy water on the non-mechanical parts, buy a bottle of lube from the bike shop for the mechanical parts.

#4 - don't ride the bike off 5 foot drops. Lube the drivetrain after most rides.

#5 - even with traffic, the roads are far safer than the sidewalks.

All the above minus new treads - parts & labor I'm guessing should be ~$80.
 
I'd definitely replace the tires and tubes and probably the brake pads since they are 12 years old now...probably 13 actually. A tune up is probably a good idea just to make sure everything is lubed up and working properly and that everything is adjusted properly. It will probably cost you about $30-50 but it's money well spent.

Get yourself a decent floor pump, one with a gauge. Get a seat post bag and throw in a spare tube and tire levers. I'd also carry a water bottle and a mini pump.

Other than that, just ride the thing. I'd second the recommendation of starting out on roads less traveled until you get used to dealing with traffic.
 
I was quoted $70 for a tune up without any parts. Parts are extra...seems a little high compared to what you guys have been saying. I'll keep looking around.
 
It always depends on the shop. The guy in my town charges $35 for a basic tune-up (shifting, brakes, minor wheel truing) or $70 to do that plus disassemble & clean the drivetrain.
 
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