Originally Posted by
martyphoto
Here's some information for you, and for all those who are snarky about the bike from the "toy" section of Walmart:
I have the EXACT bike you linked to, the silver and yellow Varsity. I purchased it at my local Walmart in March of 2010 (its actually an 09 model). Since that time, this "toy" bike has racked up nearly 18,000 miles.. yes, EIGHTEEN THOUSAND.. with absolutely NO PROBLEMS! I ride it as transportation daily, a 26 mile RT commute to work and back, 5 days a week, plus an average of 25-30 per day on my days off. In appropriate weathe, it is not uncommon for me to take a 50-60 mile ride, just because I can, and because I truly enjoy riding this bike. By choice, I did convert it to a flat road bar (easier on my back), and I did go to MUCH better Continental Gatorskin tires after the stock tires wore out around 3,000 miles. 2 sets of tires, one set of brake pads, plus the bar replacement, is ALL I have done to this bike. Even with the high mileage, it still has the original chain and shift cables.
The reality is that even those fancy-schmancy TREK, Cannondale, Diamondback, GT, and other bikes are all made in... wait for it... CHINA. In fact, I have been to several of the local Phoenix bike shops and challenged them to show me one of their "high end" bikes that has gone 18,000 miles with no breakdowns, and they have all failed to do so.
So, don't let anyone feed you any BS about how bad the SCHWINN might be, or how much better a TREK or other make is. Its all pure BS. As a rider, will you notice the 5-6 pounds of difference in overall weight? NO. The current 700c SCHWINN road bikes all have the SAME components as the major brands, Shimano Tourney or Altus derailleurs, often ProMax brakes, (as mine does) etc.
If all you want to do is throw $200-$400 extra away, go get yourself a TREK or something, and feel all warm and fuzzy because you THINK you got a better machine. If you want a solid, rideable, reliable bike for $300 or less, buy the SCHWINN and quit worrying about your image. In fact, I am so confident about my Varsity, that it is going to be ridden from Phoenix, AZ to Washington D.C., departing around April 15, 2013. The planned rout is over 4,200 miles, and I am 110% confident in the bike making the trip without a hitch. Heck, the thing as already essentially made the trip... 4 times!!!!