Utility Cycling - Schwinn Sid by mail vs. Schwinn Coffee by bike shop - which?

I don't have a bike shop I'd consider local. At best, I'm about $15 in gas, round trip, to set foot in a bike shop.

I've been eying up the Schwinn Coffee (3spd version), and I've found a dealer who will order one and build it for $389.99, which is MSRP. With taxes, I'm around $420.

Performance sells the Schwinn Sid, which seems to be the same bike, but with electronic automatic 3spd shifting, courtesy of Shimano's Coasting system. I don't know how I feel about Shimano Coasting, honestly. Performance wants $437.50 shipped for the Sid.

With gas to the bike shop, the prices are a wash. Wait time is nearly identical between the two as well.

I'm not afraid of unboxing and assembling a bike - I used to do it ages ago, when I worked retail, and was pretty good at it.

I just don't want to skip what could be a "free" upgrade to the "nicer" bike from Schwinn. Can someone who knows these models in particular, or can at least offer perspective on Shimano Coasting vs. SRAM I-motion 3spd please let me know if I want to dip a toe into this auto-shifting business?

if it were my decision I'd go for the coffee

1) cool name
2) sorta of local shop support (not to denigrate your skills, but if there are warrant issues it is easier than mailing the bike back)
3) better brakes front and rear calipers vs coaster
4) I really want to shift myself.......
5) less complication

have fun

I would skip the coasting, as that will be a bit more of a pain to set up, & gives you less control in the long run. Three speed internal (non auto) is where it's at.

If you don't live near a shop that works on the Shimano Coasting group, I wouldn't get a bike with one.

I've looked at the Sid. It's actually a pretty nice bike, but I wish they'd make it with a shifter. the automatic shifting system seems like it would break down quickly and be impossible to work on. it's needlessly complicated, and that's always a sign of trouble. I would avoid it. For less money you could find an old 70's Schwinn 3-speed, which is the same bike with more style and better components. And, of course, another 10lbs. but as they say, steel is real.

I've looked at the Sid. It's actually a pretty nice bike, but I wish they'd make it with a shifter. the automatic shifting system seems like it would break down quickly and be impossible to work on. it's needlessly complicated, and that's always a sign of trouble. I would avoid it. For less money you could find an old 70's Schwinn 3-speed, which is the same bike with more style and better components. And, of course, another 10lbs. but as they say, steel is real.
From what I can gather, Performance Bike sells the Coffee in a single-speed version. The rest of the world gets the standard Coffee, which is a three speed bike. Unless I'm missing something, the Coffee is the Sid, albeit a Sid with a shifter and better brakes.

I'm not against old bikes, but I have a jones for something new. I tend to have very poor luck indeed, when it comes to finding nice older bikes locally.

And, for everyone else, thanks for the advice. I've put in an order with the distant bike shop (DBS) for an '08 Coffee. Now comes the waiting game.

Called the DBS today to see if the bike they were ordering for me a week ago had a solid ready date...

It's backordered, no ETA. I wish they'd called a week ago, so I could have made other arrangements. I'm trying to find a bike elsewhere.

Why is this bike so hard to actually buy? I did some searching, and people had trouble in other BF threads. Does anyone know of a shop that will ship the bike direct? Perhaps that will work.

I vote for the Coffee.

But I have a vehement hatred for coaster brakes. I don't like not being able to backpedal slightly. I also hate when a bike shifts unexpectedly, so the combo of coaster brakes and auto shifting sounds like a whole lot of not fun. Some people love coaster brakes though, to each his own.

Nice to see schwinn making some old school 3 speeds. So much better than most hybrids, beach cruisers and such.

Coaster brake isn't so bad if you get used to it, I think.

I wouldn't trust automatic shifting to be reliable and choose gears accurately unless it becomes more widely accepted. Just cuz they build good auto transmissions for cars doesn't mean anyone has figured out how to do it passably well for a bike.

Our Performance Bike store is out of these too--says they will be available in September. Why can't the crank up production?

I hope this means they are hot sellers, not that there is production problems. Even the single speed coffee is unavailable.

When it comes to gearing on a bike the motto is...K.I.S.S....Keep it simple stupid to avoid
problems any auto brings. Besides, you'll need repairs or tune ups someday so support your
local bike shop! :thumb:

But I have a vehement hatred for coaster brakes. I don't like not being able to backpedal slightly. I also hate when a bike shifts unexpectedly, so the combo of coaster brakes and auto shifting sounds like a whole lot of not fun. Some people love coaster brakes though, to each his own.

I got a bike with a coaster brake recently, and I have to say it is an adjustment. I considered doing away with it, but the way the bike is designed, a coaster brake was the best brake option. That or nothing. Not being able to back pedal is a pain, though, especially since I'm a very lazy pedaller, getting up to a decent speed, then moving the pedals to a comfortable coasting position for a while.

I, too, would be wary of auto-shifting bikes. Especially if you can't try them out first. It actually sounds cool, and I might like to try it, but not to spend money on it without trying it. Plus it sounds like your proximity to a bike shop might be a factor. If the mechanism is complicated enough that you can't fix it yourself, and the bike shop is that far away, it sounds like a recipe for not having a bike a good amount of the time. But then it sounds like you've already settled on the other bike and it's just a matter of getting one. Good luck.

I have had a Schwinn Coffee 3 speed for about a month. It works great as a utility bike with a couple of minor quibbles. I've been very happy with it so far. I put on a homebrew 14W light, a xenon strobe light and a loud car horn, powered by a SLA battery. Keeps me safe crossing busy streets, which is necessary on most of my trips, even if they are four blocks.

Positives:

1) Steel frame. Nice and sturdy.

2) Comes with chain guard, fenders and rear rack. Very nice.

3) No quick release mechanism on the wheels. Easier to lock this way.

4) Very low maintenance drive train. SRAM internal hub works well for short distances or relatively flat travel.

5) It is a nice looking bike. Maybe too nice-looking. I'm thinking of uglifying it.

6) The price is very reasonable considering the features. It is hard to get an internal hub 3 speed commuter bike at this price point.

Negatives:

1) Wish it came without quick release on the seat. They got it right on the wheels; but how did they screw up the seat?

2) I wish it was geared a little lower, but I carry a few extra pounds and I slapped some extra weight on the bike. So for more typical riders it probably is fine. I have a hard time getting up moderate hills that are more than 300 meters long. Steep hills of any distance are out of the question for me.

3. I don't like the design of the rear rack--It has one stay on each side that comes down at an outward angle. I've got two folding Wald wire baskets and they won't go straight down. They go out about 15 degrees.

I have had a Schwinn Coffee 3 speed for about a month. It works great as a utility bike with a couple of minor quibbles. I've been very happy with it so far. I put on a homebrew 14W light, a xenon strobe light and a loud car horn, powered by a SLA battery. Keeps me safe crossing busy streets, which is necessary on most of my trips, even if they are four blocks.

Positives:

1) Steel frame. Nice and sturdy.

2) Comes with chain guard, fenders and rear rack. Very nice.

3) No quick release mechanism on the wheels. Easier to lock this way.

4) Very low maintenance drive train. SRAM internal hub works well for short distances or relatively flat travel.

5) It is a nice looking bike. Maybe too nice-looking. I'm thinking of uglifying it.

6) The price is very reasonable considering the features. It is hard to get an internal hub 3 speed commuter bike at this price point.

Negatives:

1) Wish it came without quick release on the seat. They got it right on the wheels; but how did they screw up the seat?

2) I wish it was geared a little lower, but I carry a few extra pounds and I slapped some extra weight on the bike. So for more typical riders it probably is fine. I have a hard time getting up moderate hills that are more than 300 meters long. Steep hills of any distance are out of the question for me.

3. I don't like the design of the rear rack--It has one stay on each side that comes down at an outward angle. I've got two folding Wald wire baskets and they won't go straight down. They go out about 15 degrees.

Good review:thumb:

Now...about your issues...

#1 Pet peeve of mine too, replace the QR with a nut and bolt, or purchase a proper seat clamp assembly. I do on all but my MTB's.

#2 get a higher tooth rear cog. I just checked, it comes with a 22t, so you can get a smaller chain ring. Hopefully someone can order it for you, or has a spare Schwinn one lying around. Get a 42 and you should be good to go.

#3 Rear rack? You can add spacers at the top of the rack to move the baskets out, I had to do that on one of my bikes. I used a couple of pieces of old broom stick cut to length. Then used hose clamps instead of the stock mounting brackets. (If you need a picture let me know)

Aaron:)

2) I wish it was geared a little lower, but I carry a few extra pounds and I slapped some extra weight on the bike. So for more typical riders it probably is fine. I have a hard time getting up moderate hills that are more than 300 meters long. Steep hills of any distance are out of the question for me.

If you haven't done so already, a rear gear change is a cheap and easy improvement. Must be some unwritten rule that 3-speeds ship overgeared.

The bike came with a 22t rear cog. Will the SRAM 3 speed internal hub take a larger cog?

Thanks for all the input. I managed to find a Coffee in my area, and bought it yesterday afternoon. I put about ten miles on it today, and I'm pretty happy with it. The bike is shockingly different than my other two bikes, an MTB and a touring bike. I can tell it's going to give me a good workout. My legs were quite sore after my ride - I'm used to the bike having twenty one gears to exactly match the power my legs were willing to give. With only three, I'm finding the difference being made up by my legs. I'm not confident standing up on this bike just yet, because the coaster brake is so odd to me. It doesn't do much to stop the bike, unless you're standing up for a bump. Then, it will put the binders on right and proper, nearly pulling the bike from beneath the rider.

It's really a hoot!

Huh, so you got the one without the auto shifting? I thought it came with handbrakes?

Huh, so you got the one without the auto shifting? I thought it came with handbrakes?

For some reason, it has both. The handbrakes are shining pillars of stop-itude, and would be well placed on a much faster bike. The coaster brake is inadequate for the 40-ish pound bike and my 230-ish pound frame, even at low speeds. The only time it seems to really stop is when I attempt to stand for a pothole. I love the bike, but the coaster brake is a serious flaw, in my humble opinion. There will be photos.

Huh, so you got the one without the auto shifting? I thought it came with handbrakes?

Believe it or not, they come with 2 hand brakes AND the coaster brake. Not sure why...

Aaron:)

For some reason, it has both. The handbrakes are shining pillars of stop-itude, and would be well placed on a much faster bike. The coaster brake is inadequate for the 40-ish pound bike and my 230-ish pound frame, even at low speeds. The only time it seems to really stop is when I attempt to stand for a pothole. I love the bike, but the coaster brake is a serious flaw, in my humble opinion. There will be photos.

How odd, you could simply remove the reaction arm, that would stop the coaster brake from activating. I guess three speed hubs are hard to find without a coaster brake, so that's probably why you have one.

How odd, you could simply remove the reaction arm, that would stop the coaster brake from activating. I guess three speed hubs are hard to find without a coaster brake, so that's probably why you have one.

I think not...but that is my opinion. I have over a dozen 3 speed bikes with either Shimano or Sturmey Archer 3 speed hubs, the non coaster brake models out number the coaster brake models by over 3:1 A quick review of catalogs shows that many of the newer bikes do come with coaster brake 3 speeds. Most likely a marketing ploy. FWIW I would prefer mine WITHOUT a coaster brake...simplifies maintenance and adheres to the low maintenance principle that I apply to most of my bikes.

Aaron:)

It may be that currently more bikes are produced with a coaster brake, but I don't know that non-coaster brakes are less available if you're just looking to buy the hub. I wanted to replace my 3-speed coaster brake hub with a higher spoke count model and judging by the eBay auctions I saw, older coaster models are more rare, or at least more expensive, than non-coaster models. But that just gives me an excuse to buy a new one, since, as you've noted, there's no short supply of them.

I hadn't ridden a bike with a coaster brake for about 35 years until I purchased my Coffee. After a couple of weeks I got used to it. It isn't a primary brake, but neither is the rear hand brake. I don't consider it a flaw, but I think of it as merely a supplementary brake. I think the coaster could help you stop quicker with an emergency stop, and it could come in handy in the rain, although I haven't ridden much in bad weather so far.

I think not...but that is my opinion. I have over a dozen 3 speed bikes with either Shimano or Sturmey Archer 3 speed hubs, the non coaster brake models out number the coaster brake models by over 3:1 A quick review of catalogs shows that many of the newer bikes do come with coaster brake 3 speeds. Most likely a marketing ploy. FWIW I would prefer mine WITHOUT a coaster brake...simplifies maintenance and adheres to the low maintenance principle that I apply to most of my bikes.

Aaron:)

Of recent hubs, I've only seen sram 3 speeds without the coaster. Lots of old 3 speeds with handbrakes sure. I would guess that the main thing is that every other 3 speed that pacific cycles (schwinn) is cranking out is a coaster brake cruiser, then it would be uneconomical for them to spec a few non coaster hubs. The non coaster hubs could even be a more expensive lower production unit. I'm just suprised that with a coaster hub, they still spent the money on a rear handbrake.

Of recent hubs, I've only seen sram 3 speeds without the coaster. Lots of old 3 speeds with handbrakes sure. I would guess that the main thing is that every other 3 speed that pacific cycles (schwinn) is cranking out is a coaster brake cruiser, then it would be uneconomical for them to spec a few non coaster hubs. The non coaster hubs could even be a more expensive lower production unit. I'm just suprised that with a coaster hub, they still spent the money on a rear handbrake.

Possibly required by law? I know that in many areas the statute(s) require that you skid the rear wheel to prove you have brakes:rolleyes: if the chain breaks... FWIW my wife's 1971 Raleigh Colt has the god awful Sturmey Archer TCSIII hub on it, I am adding a rear hand brake...after I mowed down a couple of bushes trying to use the coaster brake. Coaster brakes are fine, but I want more/better braking power, my personal choices (in order) are Roller Brakes, Drum Brakes, Disc Brakes, Rim Brakes, Coaster Brakes.

Aaron:)

Coaster brakes work well, but since there only practical for the back wheel, they can not be nearly as effective as a handbrake on the front. The faster you go the more force it takes to stop. When you brake your forward momentum and your center of gravity (you and bike) cause you rotate about the front wheel. So your back tire tends lift off the ground limiting its braking ability.

The old cruisers are slow, mine tops out a 12 mph. At this speed, the coaster is still effective enough. If it went faster it would need a front supplementary handbrake.

If I could add a handbrake I would.

The old cruisers are slow, mine tops out a 12 mph. At this speed, the coaster is still effective enough. If it went faster it would need a front supplementary handbrake.

If I could add a handbrake I would.

Is your fork drilled? I thought most cruisers could take a BMX caliper brake. Even if it isn't drilled, most forks can be.