Bicycle Questions

OLeoLionessO

So I finally found what kind of Fuji I have (at least I hope I'm right) and what year it is. With that said, I was looking for some answers.

Fuji 1986 Club Fuji Road Bike, Valite Tubing, Quad-Butted

Should this be my first bike? (meaning) I like this bike so should I stick with this while I build up how many miles I can ride, and build speed? Or should I look into a different bike for mileage and speed?

How do I use these kinds of gears? I'm so use to the gears with numbers on each side (the 1-2-3, then the 1-10 on the other side). What's your advice on learning about these gears?

For this kind of bike and handle bars, there is lots of pressure on my palms and thumbs while riding(yes, i have gloves and a decent women's seat). How should I adjust the seat to fix that?

Value of this bike?

This bike has a small dent in the frame near the rear tire (right side). It's got scratches, paint scuffed and falling off, just minor damage in general. Would it be worth more money restoring it as close to it's original state as possible? or worth more modifying it (change paint color, brakes, gears, etc.) I don't know how the value of a bike is judged.

Yogi_Carl

You mention a dent to the rear of the frame. I would want to take the whole bike to a local bike shop and have it checked for alignment and safety to ride. Some dents can be hiding fractures or could be indicative of a twisted frame which will cause steering and balnce problems especially at road speeds.

Your own safety comes before a restoration, no matter how tempting.

Sorry to be boring, just looking out for you!

girlonabikedc

Ditto on taking it to a bike shop so they can give it a look over & make sure it's safe. They can also show you how the gears work, and maybe do a fitting to help alleviate the pressure on your hands.