What's the reputation like for Schwinn bikes?

Question

I'd always heard they were a good brand, but you dont see many "into it" bikers riding them. im thinking about getting into biking and im looking to buy a trek 7000 or something else $300 or less and this schwinn caught my eye for $200. http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_4/602-7768841-7960653?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000KZ1G7Q

are schwinns decent bikes if im going to be riding with friends that are fairly into cycling and most have +$500 bikes or am i going to get burned bad and laughed at for riding a schwinn?

Answer 1

schwinns are pretty good if its just for riding around and not hard-core. I have one myself and it is pretty good

Answer 2

Scwhinns were very good a while ago, but they went bankrupt and Schwinn was bought by Pacific Bike. Since then the reputation went down.

My first mtb was a Schwinn Mesa and I really liked it as a begginer bike. It's not going to win the bling award of the year, but it was a solid bike with good geometry.

I would look into other model if you're into mountain bike, though. Try to buy at a bike shop, the difference is that a bike shop should know how to asemble the bike correctly (I've seen forks installed backwards in some generic stores), and should help you find the right sized bike.

Answer 3

I went throw this phase a few months ago. I got a Schwinn bike at Target for $200. It was a road bike that was decent. I got into riding when i found out it was not even a entry level bike! So I went and spent a lot more at a specialty shop. If your not going to get hardcore into it a schwinn is great. BUT if your going to get into the sport of cycling, go for the big brands like Trek or Specialized. You wont regret it!

Answer 4

Schwinn has been around for decades, unfortunately it is just a name that can be (and has been) bought and sold. Big mass producing, lowest cost possible company's buy these good names (same thing happened to Motobecane) and slap a sticker with the good name on the same cheap crap that they have been turning out. Now that they have ruined the Schwinn name, they will find a new one. You will know what name they end up with when it starts showing up at the "Mart" stores.
If it's between these two bikes, hands down, go with the Trek

Answer 5

As stated above, I would go with a bike shop brand like Trek, Giant or Specialized. The Trek 7000 is a decent Hybrid bike, but I would go with the Giant Cypress instead. It is comparable in price, but I think you get a better bike for the money. You can also get last year's model at a discounted price. About $240 for a brand new 2006. Good luck!

Answer 6

The problem with Target / Walmart bikes is that they usually come in one frame size, which may make a good fitting difficult.. The durability of the components are also questionable (wheel rims, drivetrain, brakes, etc). These big-store bikes are also often not properly put together.

The $300 Trek is probably a better bet-- Your local bike shop will be able to fit you for the right frame size, and properly assemble it so you have minimum issues when riding it.

Answer 7

I ride a schwinn. I am not big into biking with a bunch of buddies, but it has been a great bike for mo so far. I"ve had it for about 3 years.

Answer 8

I would avoid getting any bike at a mass merchandiser. If you really want to get "into" biking I would suggest going to a reputable bike shop. They will give you the best advice based on your budget and skill level.

Answer 9

Who cares what you're friends think. Ride what you decide to ride. Jesus. Schwinn's are good bikes.

Answer 10

If they weren't good bikes, they wouldn't have been around for decades.