Darktone

forum moderator- please delete this thread and me from this forum. Thank you.

obed7

well, if we can not talk you out of it, good luck.

Darktone

Sorry, this is just one thing I am stuck on.

SkyDog75

Today's "Schwinn" bicycles are a product of Dorel Industries, who mass-produces bikes and slaps on a sticker for one of the many brand names they own: Mongoose, Schwinn, Iron Horse, Pacific, Roadmaster, etc. They have nothing but the name in common with bikes made by the defunct Schwinn Bicycle Company. Nowadays, Schwinn-branded bikes are built mostly for the low-end market and sold through big box retailers like Walmart or Target.

I won't bother trying to talk you out of buying a new Schwinn, but I really can't recommend one in good conscience, either.

Darktone

Not looking to buy the cheap ones made for the big box stores. Looking at a nice on from a bike shop. By the way most of the Trek bikes are made over seas to. Being from Wisconsin I have had many freinds lose jobs when that happened.

Darktone

This is one I like but I don't like the dropped handlebars. Super Sport CX - Hybrid - Bikes | Schwinn Bicycles

SkyDog75

Ah, that changes things quite a bit. I've read that there are higher-end Schwinn "Signature" bikes being sold through shops, but I'm not familiar enough with the product lineup to recommend a model. (Or to recommend against them either for that matter.)

And yeah, unless you're buying a high-end handcrafted bike, chances are any new bike you're looking at is made in Asia. And that's a trend that started decades ago. One of my bikes is an '86 Trek that was built by Bridgestone in Japan. The difference is that Trek is still its own company, having bikes built to their design specs, and not just another company's sticker.

t x

What the others either don't know or aren't saying is that there are two Schwinn lines: the low end bikes sold to big box stores, which mostly suck (although I do own a decent one) and the Signature line sold in LBSs. The Signature line is higher quality and comparable to other entry level bikes. As far as the bike you've chosen, it looks decent for your needs. If you absolutely must have a Schwinn it is a good choice, but you could find a similarly spec'd bike for cheaper (or a better bike for the same price).

dave42

I know an authorized Schwinn dealer here in TN. been in business for ages. He stays covered up in repairs, and he sells used bikes on the floor, many being very nice vintage Schwinn restorations and consignments.

If you want a new Schwinn, he can order you one out of the catalog.

It seems awkward. But, like I said, he works 60 hrs a week doing repairs and what all, so it's all good.

I buy from him when i'm up that way.

Are there stores with Signature Series Schwinns on display? They don't do online sales, I don't believe.

dave42

Howdy, t x. I, too, own a good one from walmart. Bought it at the flea market for my wife.

Functionally, well, it goes. I'd ride a hundred miles on it if I needed to.

Darktone

We have several Schwinn Bike shop stores with in fifty miles of us. Stopped by one today that must have had 80+ on display.

dave42

It's funny. I also have a mongoose mtb, one of the "good" lbs ones. Paid 5 bucks for it at a junk store.

I remember my first good bike i got for christmas in 1987.

It was a mongoose decade pro freestyle. Mom paid around 400 dollars for it. In 1987.



I got more interested in girls, guitars, etc, and somebody wandered off with it.

Hope they rode the hell out of it.

Darktone

wow $400 in 1987 was a lot. I bought a motorcycle in 1979 for $743 brand new!

dave42

Then, in 5th/6th grade, along came a trek 800 mtb.

Freedom. 60 mile days. Town to town.

All over several counties.

Sold it on my way out west for gas money when i was 16. Sold my telecaster in Idaho for gas money to get back.

Kept my acoustic, though.

So, I imprinted on treks.

When i came back in to cycling, i bought a steel trek road bike on ebay.

I guess i do understand the Schwinn thing.

Memories. Association.

Get one. Have a blast, man.

dave42

Yeah, 400 was a ton of money. It was nice.

But, 400 bucks and several years of riding...it worked out.

They were well-made pieces of machinery.

That year the color was electric pink/chrome.

Suntour freewheel/fixed cog.

Awesome stuff. I hate that it got stolen. I'd like to ride it again, and find some kid to give it to.

Oh, well.

Sorry to ramble. One thought leads to another.

I'd be fascinated to see a nicer new schwinn in person.

dave42

Just figured out how to quote in mobile view...maybe.

Sounds good to me. Viable, local support. Go for it.

Darktone

Thanks Dave, I see on the Schwinn website they have several dealers in Eastern Tennessee. Not sure if they are full blown dealers or just stock a few bikes.

Darktone

I want a rigged front fork also and this cuts me down to only a few choices in the Hybrid.

Duo

Actually, you will probably enjoy and decent road bike that fits.

This morning I got on my mountain bike and rode a little and it just doesn't perform or provide the comfort of my touring bikes. Both of my road bikes were bought used, so money wasn't much of an issue.

If you are putting on that many miles a day, run not walk to your nearest best deal on a rode bike.

Darktone

the nice paved trails they have here make me want something more like a road bike but I really don't want to ride in that position. I am in my 50's and I don't find that riding to comfortable. I do have an old road bike and I just can't get comfy on it. This is why I am looking at the Hybrid.

RonH

You should be able to get the shifters thru the bike shop. They'll probably have to order them.
So you're just a kid (51 y/o) and don't want to ride a real road bike? I'm 70 and ride only road bikes with drop bars.

If you ever decide on upgrading to a better quality bike we can give you LOTS of help and suggestions. Good luck.

Darktone

Thanks! I work as a mechanic/ tire shop guy and I have some arthritis too. I just feel to achy after riding like that. If I can get another 18 years out of this one it might last me a lifetime- lol.

alcjphil

everyone is different. I am 65 years old and I did my first 100+km ride of the year today. It would have happened much sooner, but I had hip replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis 9 weeks ago yesterday. I cannot imagine trying to ride that far or as fast as we rode today on anything except a road bike. If you look around, the vast majority of cyclists who regularly do long day rides do them on road bikes. There must be something to it

Darktone

maybe some day I will evolve into. Maybe when I retire and don't have to be bent over a car all day long all week long. I know if I did not have to work I would be able to ride more and longer.

alcjphil

I hear that a lot. Know what? Since I retired, there hasn't been a single year that I have ridden as many miles as I did when I was still working. That is mostly because I used a bicycle to ride to work for over 25 years. It was a conscious choice. When I bought a house I made sure that it was in a place where I could use a bicycle for transportation. If you are going to evolve, don't wait