Soaranator

Really curious about this....Just getting back into cycling and am totally puzzled by what I'll call "The Shwinn Enigma." In learning about the Trek DS and Specialized Crossroads I stumbled across the Schwinn Searcher Signature series on their website. Looks to be a notch or two above what Schwinn sells at big chain stores and possibly a contender in what I've been looking at. Available only in indie LBS's.
Here's the enigma: I go to the dealers who are listed as carrying these bikes on the Schwinn website, and some of the dealers don't even mention they are Schwinn dealers on their websites and do not have much information on these bikes. I've stopped by the closest one and called a few, all said, yes, they are available and, yes they are pretty nice. (I'd like to SEE one and go for a test ride) Most of these dealers tout Trek and Specialize online and onsite. Smaller shops do not have room for these particular models as other models sell better. These bike are invisible on a google search compared to comparable Specialized and Trek products, especially used. So, if they are so hard to find and are not showing up used, how does Schwinn make enough money to continue with this Signature line? Who buys them? Where? Where do they go? Not much reference to them in the newbie threads asking for bike selection on this forum either... Enlighten me please.

Delmarva

I don't think anyone here will have the answer to how Schwinn makes money off those bikes beyond the obvious. Because many bike shops are not known for their well designed and up to date websites your best bet is to keep calling until you find a dealer with some in stock. Dealers stock bikes that sell because they are well known and have a reputation. That includes Giant, Specialized, Trek, Jamis, Fuji, etc. Although the Schwinn name is widely recognized the company is completely new and many of us associate the name with entry level products. Schwinn makes some nice machines but they are not as well known Thus are harder to find.

Noize4

Years ago, Schwinn was almost peerless. Although the stuff they have in specialty shops is much better than what you'll find in big box stores, it's still very outclassed by Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc. For evidence of this, look at all their websites. The equipment groups, the content, everything on the Schwinn bikes are lower end and lesser quality, although the prices are close.

In short, the bang for the buck is very poor, and they've fallen from their pedestal. Look elsewhere.

SkippyX

I bought my wife a Schwinn Signature series bike - a Schwinn Cream. It's certainly not a hybrid.



I bought it because of all the bikes she tried (including a couple of hybrids), that was the one she fell for. I think it was a fairly good buy, considering that we didn't see any other bikes in that traditional style for less money. The only bike I saw of that type that I'd consider a "quality make" was a Linus bike, and it was significantly more expensive.

There's a definite difference between the Signature series and the standard big box store bikes.

We were lucky in that we stumbled on the bike in a LBS with which I've done business in the past.

HOWEVER,

When it comes to hybrids, every manufacturer makes one (or three, or four...). It's not like there's a dearth of them out there. If I were shopping for a specific type of bike, the branding on the bike wouldn't make much difference to me. I'd buy the one that fits my budget that I liked the best on the test ride (after consulting the webz a bit). If there was one that I was interested in that I couldn't find at any LBS, I'd like not worry about it and simply go with the best one I could find.

downtuber

if you ever go to Target or Walmart you cant miss them, lol. I saw a Schwinn Trailway 700c hybrid at Target a few months ago (non-Signature series). I wasn't shopping for bikes but I passed by the bicycle section and was tempted to take a quick look at what they had. I wasnt expecting much but was surprised by the quality of the components on some of the Schwinns, particularly the Trailway and the OR2, both Schwinns. The Trailway had Promax brakes, SRAM 21 speed derailleur and SRAM trigger shifters, all aluminum frame and parts, Suntour aluminum cranks, suspension forks and seatpost, super slim aero aluminum wheels. for $250 I couldnt resist so ended up buying it and I wasn't even looking for a bike. I usually commute with a folding bike.

this Trailway is a featherweight. weighs practically nothing. and man if it doesn't ride like a dream. peddling is effortless. so fast and light it feels like riding on air. for a budget bike I think I got a fantastic deal. note that the Trailway can come with either the Shimano or the SRAM gearing/shifting system. the one I got came with SRAM ESP 21 speed. shifting is amazingly smooth and effortless as well. the day after I bought it I went to the LBS to have it tuned. after inspecting it the guy said the gears were already well tuned and no further adjustments were necessary. so all he did was oil the chain and fitted the bike to me. I bought a bike light and some Ergon handgrips from the LBS to replace the crappy stock rubber handgrips and I was on my way. mind you, I wasn't looking for another bike so I sort of bought this Trailway on impulse. as an impulse purchase though I have no regrets about this bike at all. if you're looking for a secondary budget bike you cant go wrong with this one.

Gravity Aided

Some years ago, the Schwinn name was sold to a company called Dorel, who seems to buy bike companies and move production mostly to China so they can build for the big boxstores . This has also more recently happened to Cannondale and other legendary bike names . All things being equal, go to an LBS and buy a bike of known quality and a service department that will stand behind your purchase. It may still be made in China , but you'll have an idea of where to get fitting, service , and upgrades .

Soaranator

Thanks for all the replies, and yes Gravity Aided, I intend to help out my LBS by purchasing a quality bike there. Since my first post I've fallen in love with the Specialized Sport as a replacement for my used but swift 2006 Fuji Absolute 4.0. Really wondered 'bout them Schwinns - don't see any of them anywhere.

Gravity Aided

Sounds cool . Let us know how it's doing . I see a lot of folks around here on Specialized .We have a very high profile LBS that sells them .

Solpower101

you should check out this signature bike from schwinn. they are rare bikes and thats part of the charm when you finally own one.

yashinon

I bet Schwinn sells enough of the Signature series bikes. Some smaller shops around here are exclusively Schwinn dealers. However, I have seen limited selection of Schwinn in these shops. Unfortunately, the big box stores overshadow the better quality Schwinn products. The rest is marketing, Specialized and Trek are just more visible and have a better network of retailers.

The Schwinn Vantage looks rather nice:

Vantage F1 | Schwinn Bicycles

Can you find this locally? Probably NOT!

avidone1

You realize of course that you are replying to someone who hasn't posted on this forum in over 3 years.
Sometimes it's just better to start a new thread.

yashinon

ugh!

goraman

This explains a whole lot, I got my wife a 2014 Trailway at Target nearly 42 pounds! No name forks and wheels and Shimano Tourney derailleurs and a no name rear cog set.
The rims , forks and seat tube were very heavy. And another guy here started with a much lighter Trailway.