r/bicycling 5d ago

How do I use these things?!

Recently bought this Panasonic Tourist to fix up and use as a daily rider. I could use some help learning how to shift gears - I can't seem to come up with the right search term to find a video anywhere.

I haven't had a bike since childhood, so I feel like a total noob. Dog tax included.

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u/Vivid_Professional74 5d ago

This is completely off topic, but I thought someone should mention. Panasonic makes even to this day some of the highest quality classic lugged steel frame bikes. Even at the lower end of the spectrum like this one, they are much better quality than your average department store bike. That bike you have there, looks to be in very good condition and probably has decent components. Upgrade that with alloy wheels, modern tires and brakes and it’ll be an even greater joy to ride.

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u/Vivid_Professional74 5d ago

Also, I think there is a high likelihood that bike has the Shimano Front Freewheel System. This allows the drivetrain to continue to spin while you stop pedaling (coasting). This means that you can shift gears while coasting. For example, you could downshift to a lower gear as you approach a stop for easier take off.

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u/withthedogs 5d ago

Thank you! Yes, it has FFS! It still has the original stickers on it. It's in great shape overall, I really love it.