Expert: Dr Don Howe - 4/24/2008

Question
   I have been using a friend's son's bicycle for some time. During this time the rear brake cable broke due to a weakness near the handle (no abuse). Also, before that, in one or two of the 21 gears there began a slippage when I peddle with any significant yet still normal (not abusive) force. The slippage is in the hub which means that possibly the entire rear wheel might have to be replaced. He noticed the broken cable and seemed somewhat upset when he brought it to my attention and so I have already bought a new cable replacement set though I have not yet attempted to install it. How much of normal wear and tear should I be responsible for with a borrowed thing? I just want to get this situation squared away and never borrow anything worth more that 5.00 without having an understanding of what my obligations are. I am trying to save money and do not at this time want to part with one single penny that I do not absolutely have to. After further investigation into the gear slippage, if I cannot remedy it myself I will point it out to him and see what he says he wants me to do. Thank you.

Answer
Ray, thank you so much for your question. When we borrow something from someone, we are accepting whatever condition it is in? If that condition changes while in our use then we are responsible. Ray, it sounds like you have been using this bicycle for a long time. When you first accepted it to use, you were accepting it in the condition you received it. So if the condition of the bicycle has changed in anyway, I have to say you are responsible to fix the bicycle to the condition you first accepted it. THEN GIVE IT BACK TO YOUR FRIEND. You can buy a used bicycle in good condition cheap nowadays.
Explain to your friend that you are tight on funds, and then come to an agreement you both can be happy with and split the cost down the middle. You and your friend being on the same page and in agreement in the bible is called likeminded. Hear what Apostle Paul is saying in Phl. 2:2 "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind."  
Just remember a silly thing such as a bicycle is not worth destroying a relationship with a friend. Use this as a lesson, and do not borrow things from other people unless you really need that item, review the conditon of the item in the presence of the person, and point out any problems. We do this same thing when we go to a Rent-A-Car place like ENTERPRISE and they go over the conditon of the car in your presence, and document any scratches, dents, etc, and you have to sign that you have acknowledges this documentation.
I hope this helps.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY.
Rev. Don Howe, PhD, ThD