Is my new crappy bike OK?

[slinky]

My neighbor was going to throw out this bicycle, which appears to be a Fuji Sandblaster. I think it's a 1993 or 1994 model judging by one picture I found online but it has virtually no markings except for the brand name. I wanted to ride it in the city from place to place, good enough to ride some reasonable distance without having too much trouble (perhaps 5-10 miles per ride, at most) and of low quality enough so it's not a major target for thieves (although I did buy an OnGuard Brute STD). Bike theft here is crazy and I wanted to work out in a gym for about an hour at a time, so I got the big lock and cable. I think it is a 22" frame, could be 24", which seems to be OK for a man who is about 176cm (5-9). I'm surprised that these bikes have little value, since I'd think if they work then they should go for at least $50 if not more. But what do I know. Looks like it has 6 gears in the back, 3 on the pedals, for a total of 18 speeds. The wheels say 22x155, inflate to 35-65 PSI and appear to have more terrain tread than pure city.

If I do keep the bike, which I am for now, does it pay to get it tuned up at a bike shop? Do I even need to if everything seems to work? I've taken it on a test ride and it seems to function, just the speed control on the pedal doesn't click into place for each of the 3 gear wheels. Brakes seem fine and don't rub. I'm not sure what to look for or not, hoping to learn more about what I have and upgrade when and as needed. Thank you all!

 

[MontyVeda]

It looks tidy enough Slinky.

The shifters look like the friction type... so won't 'click' in to place. Don#'t be afraid to tinker, and learn the proper terminology (eg. rear dérailleur and front dérailleur). Also have a look on youtube for advice/how-to guides on how to maintain and adjust everything... Buy each tool as you need it and you'll save a fortune in the long run. Some bike shops will charge through the nose for relatively simple jobs, but saying that, if you're really not confident doing your own tinkering, then take it to a bike shop.

 

[HLaB]

'Tools for the job' I think they say; it won't be any speed demon but it looks like it'll do the job fine

 

[smokeysmoo]

^ this. It's the type of bike that if it stops, goes and changes gear then just ride it and carry out basic routine maintenance such as MICKLING the chain.

Bike shops will gladly take your money, but TBH there is no rocket science involved in any aspect of bike maintenance, so get stuck in and give it a go.

Going off the rear mech it looks in great shape to me, mechanically at least

 

[slinky]

Thanks guys - I'm not afraid to tinker and learn the terminology. It's the first bike I've had in a very long time. I just got it last week and was quite excited since it's so convenient for transportation when I don't have the car. BEST of all... no need to find parking, just a bike rack or solid, tall metal pole firmly in the ground.

As far as shape goes, other than scuffing on the paint, mechanically it seems to work well. Even the chain (thanks for the maintenance advice!) is only moderately grimy and slides into and out of gear without any hiccups. I think it is the rear derailleur which clicks nicely in and out of speeds. The front does not, which I'm glad to know is OK. The brakes seem to work very effectively and I can see how they are close but not touching the wheels and can be adjusted. I'll check out YouTube for maintenance. I'm sure the bike shop will be glad to do minor adjustments at a price... just wanted to confirm. Thanks so much. Looking forward to being more involved here as I start riding!

 

[sreten]

Hi,

Change the tyres, They are very poor for City use and you quickly ruin their
off road capability, trust me the investment in new tyres is completely worth it.
Kendas on Amazon is a good budget choice.
(I'm assuming US and don't know the market well.)

A bike shop tune up is worth it if everything is explained to you, rather
than you being plied with BS, but I wouldn't recommend it, work it
out for yourself, the front derailleur adjustment is not complicated.

FWIW the saddle looks too far forward and downtilted.

Initially set saddle height so you can get a toe down either side.

rgds, sreten..

 

[screenman]

Get shot of the saddle cover..... Apart from that there has been some good advice already.

 

[MikeG]

All of the above............and haul that saddle bag up until it is tight under the saddle. It shouldn't swing about, and where it is it looks like it is fouling the brake cables. Your first job should be swapping the tyres, and making sure the new ones have about 100 lbs of pressure in them.

That's WAAAAAAAAAAAY better than my first bike!

 

[biggs682]

tyres for sure need swapping , but most impotant thing is to enjoy it