General Cycling Discussion - Schwinn Suburban Sport

Hello. I have a new interest in cycling and am looking for a good all around bike that I can ride on recreation trails and the road. I'm from Topeka, KS, but just got home from a trip to Columbia Missouri.

In Coloumbia I rented a Giant Sedona, to ride their trail. I rode 14 miles (I think thats a lot for a beginner) and I really liked it. So I talked with the salesperson and we talked all about hybrids and comfort and road bikes. He is a big biker, and know a lot...a lot of things I didn't understand. :-)

This morning I hit up the Colombia mall, where there was an MC Sports store. So I went straight to the bikes, just to see what they had. Me and a salemen started talking and he showed me a Schwinn Suburban Sport. I liked it a lot. It has the Shimano gear stuff, its 21 speed, seems to be very high quality. I took it for a spin and the gears are nice and quick, and the seat with a spring is real comfortable. It's $200

So I came home to Topeka today, and got on the computer to do some research. I looked EVERYWHERE and the only info I can really find on a Suburban Sport is the stores selling them (dicks sporting goods, mc sports, etc). All the prices were right around $200. So I found you guys, here, and a few other forums, and searched all of them...and still couldn't find anything. I EVEN checked all around the Schwinn website and couldn't find it! What's up with that?

So I'm wondering. Is the Suburban Sport a good bike for a recreational beginning rider? Is $200 a good price for the quality? I just need help on picking out a bike....and I really like this one...will it be good?

Thanks tons for info :-)...can't find it anywhere else.

I would DEFINATELY recommend you NOT buy from MC Sports or any other mall/chain store. Buy from a local bike shop so you have the service, support and knowledge of the shop to help you out along the way. MC and other chain stores have trained monkeys assembling the bikes typically, and the bikes are poorly assembled.

If you liked the Giant Sedona, find a bike shop near you that has carries Giants--they are a very popular brand with a good warranty. In addition, most shops will offer at least a year of free adjustments and service with the purchase of the bike.

Jon

So the Schwinn Suburban Sport isn't anything good? Even if I find it at my bike shop?

So if I decide to go with the Giant, I need to look around about prices. I'm looking at spending less than $300 since I'm a beginner. Can I get a Giant new for that price? Or should I try to look for a used one?

Thanks

If you can, go to a bike shop that carries used bikes. You can get a pretty good used bike in that price range, plus can get somebody who knows what they are doing to make sure you get the right size too.

If you don't know what you are doing, or have a trained monkey helping you (sporting goods stores and X-mart stores), you may end up with wrong size and then riding will quickly be not very fun and you may not realize why.

hmm. They knew what they were talking about at the place we rented bikes (ExtremeCycle).

We have a shop or two here in Topeka. One is Tailwind. I'm going to check them out tomorrow or Tuesday. My dad knows the guy that owns it...he has owned it for like 20 years. So I'm guessing he'll know what he is talking about.

Any other info on that darned Schwinn?

Thanks again guys!

hmm. They knew what they were talking about at the place we rented bikes (ExtremeCycle).

We have a shop or two here in Topeka. One is Tailwind. I'm going to check them out tomorrow or Tuesday. My dad knows the guy that owns it...he has owned it for like 20 years. So I'm guessing he'll know what he is talking about.
Sounds like a great plan! :)

Sorry...don't know anything about the Schwinn.

Googled the Schwinn. At that price point,and given the merchants carrying it,I'd have to guess that it's a low-end bike. On the other hand,I own a Giant Sedona,and can give it a thumbs up. It's a little heavy,but it's built solid,comfortable,and handles well. Giant also makes a version with 700cc wheels called the Cypress(my Dad just bought one and loves it).

I'd go for the Giant,or a comparable model from a LBS.

If I were you I would go to Cycle works. Its in Lawrence, and it's not far.
They have a HUGE selection of giants, and the staff is very helpful.

I dont know any bike shops in Topeka, and If you dont mind a little drive Cycle works is the anwser.


just my .02 cents

The $200 chain store bikes combine a heavy Chinese frame with low-end components, such as seven cog freewheels, that are NOT standard parts. Not many bike stores have a 2005 seven cog freewheel in-stock. Most high quality entry level 2005 bikes use cassette hubs, not freewheel hubs, and have eight cogs, not seven.

In contrast, the Trek store in my neighborhood has a variety of bikes in the $250 to $295 price range that are well made and use standard, easy to find, components. The bikes are assembled and tuned by experienced techs, and free adjustments are provided after the sale.

A bike from a bike shop may cost $50 or $75 more than a chain store bike, but will provide a higher level of satisfaction on "day one" and more satisfaction in the years to come.

I might head to Lawrence if I get some time....

Cycleworks eh? I've been to Sunflower Bike Shop downtown...they have lots of Treks and stuff, but I don't recall Giants or anything.

Thanks for all the info guys. I'm glad I didn't fall for the chain store Schwinn.

I'll let you know what I find.
Thanks again.