Schwinn Coffee
03-31-12, 07:23 AM
#1
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Schwinn Coffee
This is not a TRUE vintage bike, but definitely a classic design. The more hardcore vintage guys/gals will turn up their noses, but I really like the classic designs, but without the classic hassles. To me, this is a homage to a 1960s/70s urban 3-speed.
I had a Gary Fisher Simple City 3, but it got stolen last year. I had it locked up with a thick cable and a heavy padlock, and after leaving it for the weekend in an upscale suburb, it was gone.
I missed that bike, so I replaced it with this Schwinn Coffee 3-spd (and a U-lock this time.
)
It's all set up for my short morning commute. (1.8 mi.) I ride it to the train station, take the train for 35 minutes, then, walk the last 0.9 miles.
It's just a thought, in case anyone else here would like vintage style, but without the hassle.
I had a Gary Fisher Simple City 3, but it got stolen last year. I had it locked up with a thick cable and a heavy padlock, and after leaving it for the weekend in an upscale suburb, it was gone.
I missed that bike, so I replaced it with this Schwinn Coffee 3-spd (and a U-lock this time.
)It's all set up for my short morning commute. (1.8 mi.) I ride it to the train station, take the train for 35 minutes, then, walk the last 0.9 miles.
It's just a thought, in case anyone else here would like vintage style, but without the hassle.
03-31-12, 08:17 AM
#2
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Jeremy, it seems the coffee is a pretty nice bike and has been pretty well received, plus it has a steel frame! 
Were I interested in the bike my biggest complaint would be the Shimano Nexus hub. I've had one bike with a Nexus 3 and it was the loudest 3-speed I've ever heard. It is far louder than any of the SA 3-speeds which are typically pretty quiet and especially so after putting a little oil in them.
Were I interested in the bike my biggest complaint would be the Shimano Nexus hub. I've had one bike with a Nexus 3 and it was the loudest 3-speed I've ever heard. It is far louder than any of the SA 3-speeds which are typically pretty quiet and especially so after putting a little oil in them.
03-31-12, 08:22 AM
#3
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I like those, and the Giant Via. The Via has a slightly more vintage looking execution IMHO.,,,,BD
https://thehubbikecoop.org/wp-content...le-600x581.jpg
https://thehubbikecoop.org/wp-content...le-600x581.jpg
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03-31-12, 09:25 AM
#4
The Left Coast, USA
So, it's frame is Hi-Ten and not Cro-Mo? I give it bonus points for that, a good Hi-Ten bike is a joy to ride if it's not too heavy. The Via is, of course, Cro-Mo.
Didn't it have horizontal top tube in prior versions? Too bad they moved away from that geometry.
Didn't it have horizontal top tube in prior versions? Too bad they moved away from that geometry.
Last edited by FrenchFit; 03-31-12 at 09:32 AM.
03-31-12, 09:30 AM
#5
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I always liked the Coffee but don't think it will last nearly as long as a Chicago Schwinn, but if thats ot a concern your good! and riding i style I must add! ;0)
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You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
03-31-12, 12:08 PM
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What's your impression of the build quality? I've been interested in this bike for my dad, but I've been a little concerned that it'll fall apart quickly.
03-31-12, 02:08 PM
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I'd agree. But I gotta admit, I like quite a few of the Schwinn Signatures of the last few years. The Corvettes gotta be one of the coolest cruiser frames ever (they look even better in person). And I just recently got one of Frontiers, as a "Tween" bike for my daughter(she wasn't interested in anything that look old.), and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it, it's a pretty solid bike all the way around.
03-31-12, 03:19 PM
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I like the Coffee, but I've gotta say - the tone of this thread is very similar to the post on C&V recently about trying to bring back a "Vintage" State Co bike. I think it's the "vintage style, but without the hassle" comment. I know you aren't a spammer, based on your comments history, but just an FYI.
03-31-12, 06:56 PM
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I saw one of these at the bike co-op a few months back. It looks pretty good, but the parts quality seemed a bit less than the actual old Chicago models. Not really sure how it compares to other similar priced bikes. I would love to know your opinion of it after a few months of use.
03-31-12, 07:31 PM
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We got one of these in for a customer a few weeks ago since they had to have one. The build quality was ok and it's decent looking along with a pretty decent ride but for the money if not less you could get a very nice Chicago schwinn including a full overhaul with all new tires, tubes, cables, and pads. Not quite sure why anyone would want some "cookie cutter" bike for more money than the real thing.
Edit to say I agree 100% with photogravity about the nexus hub. I spent an hour working on the thing thinking there was something wrong with it due to how noisy it was compared with the SA hubs i'm used to seeing come in for repair.
Edit to say I agree 100% with photogravity about the nexus hub. I spent an hour working on the thing thinking there was something wrong with it due to how noisy it was compared with the SA hubs i'm used to seeing come in for repair.
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