An Interesting Bike (ride)

I took a test ride on the recently donated Schwinn World Tourist today. This bike is somewhat unique in that the freewheel is in the crank rather than in the rear hub. What this means is that while you're coasting, the chain and chain rings (but not the pedals) are turning. While it does allow the rider to shift gears while coasting, the extra drag of the chain and chain ring turning can't be very efficient. Then, of course, there's that possible circumstance when the chain happens to drop off the small chain ring. If it gets jammed between the frame and the chain ring, with no freewheel in the rear hub, the back wheel comes to a screeching halt. I don't think that would be a fun way to stop.

I'm sure some great thinker at Schwinn (or Giant at the time) thought this was a good idea, however they must have eventually realized that the "convenience" of being able to shift while coasting wasn't worth the complexity, inefficiency and risk.

Regarding "convenience"; it was very difficult for me to even consider shifting while not pedaling. I've been totally conditioned to pedal while shifting. I think it's more a matter of how you learn to shift than one being more convenient than the other. So, as it turns out, there really wasn't much of a market for this design.

I must admit however; even though the chain whirring by while coasting was a bit unnerving, the bike has a very comfortable, plush ride and will be excellent for cruising around town once we get it cleaned up.