Thump55 says:
Unlike your post above where you said "the frame is the heart of the bike, components come and go", in the case of a person just getting into the sport, I would say a properly functioning groupset is the most vital component (after proper fit, which I'm sure we can both agree is the most important). Schwinns lack a good groupset IMHO.
If someone is buying a used bike, then a chromoly steel frame is of most importance to me, provided that most of the components are functional at an operative level.
If the question is, "what is the best new road bike I can buy for $250?", then yes, go for the Schwinn. If the question is, "I'd like to get into road biking and I want to give the sport a fair shake to see if I like it, what should I buy to get started?" Then the answer is not Schwinn.
In general, Signature Schwinns purchased from a LBS are great bikes! However department store bikes should be avoided in just about every case, if possible, whether they have the Schwinn head badge or not!
Right?
