JPprivate

Has anybody seen this bike? Opinions?

https://milo.com/mens-schwinn-gateway-city-bike-26

(wonder if those are really 28" wheels)

Commodus

It's nice that super low end bikes are being made in a sensible manner. Seems like for a few years you would walk into a Xmart and see nothing but bizarre-looking dual suspension bikes that were useful for precisely nothing.

Now you have these rational bikes being sold at a very low price point, makes a lot of sense for a lot of folks I bet. Of course none of this has anything to do with your questions...

irclean

The cave is Target, and the bunny is the bike. Do what the knights do and "Run away!"

jeisenbe

Wow, it's just like an old Schwinn Breeze! It even has a repica of they chainring. I don't understand why it is listed as a "21-speed"; the picture shows only one chainring.

Personally, I would buy an old Chicago-built Schwinn, available for under $100 on Craigslist, or for $20 at a garage sale, and add a new rear derailer. Or if you can get away with only 3 speeds, the Sturmey-Archer hubs are nice for city riding, in flat to slightly hilly areas.

I would not recommend buying this bike new, however, unless you cannot find a good used bike. The new Schwinns are made in China with non-brand components, and are not known for durability, unlike the old Schwinns pre-1985.

JPprivate

That video is too funny. Thanks for posting.

No, I am not thinking of buying one, I was just surprised to see a bike like that sold at Target. Like Commodus said, you used to see only suspension death-trap MTBs.

jdswitters

not exactly a zombie thread 'cause I'm asking another question here.

See signature. I bought it before finding this forum, and sub $200 was all I had to spend on a bike at the time.

With about 100 miles on it so far, it has not been a total waste of money. But now I am dreaming of new bikes, feel that I should up grade this one at the same time. A new bike ready to go that I like would be a navara transfer ( https://www.rei.com/product/808786 ) raleigh detour ( https://www.rei.com/product/798385 ) trek boneville etc. all in the $600-700 range.

But I could also start upgrading components on the schwinn. Brakes first, internal 8speed hub, I already have 40 bucks into bontrager hardcase tire for the back. The question is, can I spend less than another 400 dollars on upgrade parts and end up with something similar to the bikes I listed. My initial thought is that I can't. But I dont know much at all about available parts and costs. One LBS says buy a new one, one says the parts are available and if I did the labor it might happen.

Since a lot of commuters are on a budget, I thought this might make a good thread on taking something inexpensive and slowly upgrading when funds become available.

pallen

The most practical thing to do would be ride your Schwinn until you've worn some stuff out. (Might not take that long) But if you really want to upgrade and have a clear final idea of what you want to end up with, I see no reason why you couldn't replace parts and then eventually buy a new frame. Then, move all your new parts over to the new frame. You could save some money this way if you keep your eye out for deals on parts and get lucky.

jdswitters

That was my thought, when the brakes go they get replaced, drive train, etc. Hadn't thought about ending up at a new frame, that is an interesting idea. Trying to make component upgrades that will eventually fit on something else.

NormanF

The Schwinn LBS brand sold through Performance and bike shops is top quality. You do get what you pay for.

Scooby214

I have looked the Gateway over at my local Target, and it has 700c wheels. Target calls all of their 700c equipped Schwinns 28" bikes.

The Gateway reminds me of the Schwinn Willy that one can find at a local bike shop. My favorite LBS has a Willy in stock, and the components on the Willy appear to be similar to the Gateway. The chainwheel on the Willy is a 36t, while I haven't been able to find chainwheel specs for the Gateway. The Willy is on clearance at my LBS for about $300, which is quite a bit more than the Target price for the Gateway. If I were choosing between the two, I would get the Willy, as it is available in multiple frame sizes, while the Gateway appears to be one-size-fits-all. I really need an XL frame to fit my long legs.

One thing I can say is that the Willy has a better fit and finish than the Gateway (at my local Target). This is probably a reflection on the differences in assembly techs. The Willy is ride ready, while the Target bike at my store as all out of adjustment. You do indeed get what you pay for in this case. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another LBS Schwinn, though I wouldn't recommend purchasing one of the Schwinns I have seen at my Target.

NormanF

Agreed. The Willy is the better buy as the frame comes in different sizes and is lighter and is assembled by a bike mechanic.

DJConspicious

I picked up a Schwinn seven months ago and am quite pleased with it. A few weeks after I bought it, it started making a noise when the right pedal swung around the bottom. I took it apart and regreased it and it has been fine every since. I only paid 229.00 for the bike and it looks like it is much more expensive. Sure the components aren't that great, but I'm into cycling to commute and for the leisure, don't want to risk having a $700+ road bike stolen.

Most bikes at stores like that however are junk. The components only last so long and the frames are ungodly heavy. And, like previously mentioned, most all of them are dual suspension.

Ajsupa

I have purchased this bike just over a year ago. It is great. I just returned from a 140 mile (7 days) bike/camping trip and have to say I would ride this bike again over many of the other bikes in the past I have rode for this camping trip. I used to have a Diamond Mountain Bike, but this bike was much more smooth to ride and very accomodating for my height and size. (6'1, 299lbs) The bike spec says 250lbs max, but I have been riding this bike now and am down to 299. I started at around 390lbs when I purchased this bike last year and now am down close to 100lbs. It has only 7 speeds, has a Shimano derailer and I have not had to change the tires yet and I assume I have over 3000 miles on the bike.

phughes

Way to resurrect a seven year old thread, but a big congrats on the weight loss! good to know the bike is working out for you. Great to hear stories like this.

juniorswv

I know this is old thread....I have been riding my schwinn gateway for 3 years plus....converted to single speed,new saddle ,new brake pads,new tires after 2 years..i ride 4 or 5 days a week and easy store runs...seems to work for me...but i am 70 years old and do take care of the bike....several miles a week and still a great bike.

saktoons

I found a two-year-old, but never ridden, Gateway on CL for $50. I'll do the alignments etc. and give it to my daughter. She wants a "who gives a &%$*" bike to use at university. I figure a China-made Schwinn comfort/hybrid is basically theft proof because who would want to steal it? It has the fenders to keep road debris off her back, a rack for lashing down books (or beer?), and what looks to be a comfortable riding position for going to/from class. She's not a slave to fashion, so the looks won't bother her. I'm not sure I could buy wheels, tape, tubes, and tires for $50, so getting a new rideable bicycle for that price is a bargain, in my book.

Would I buy a discount store Schwinn as my best or only bike? Nope. But this one, I hope, will work out. (And if it all goes pear-shaped in month or two, I'll be sure to check back in with a rant about the evils of buying a cheap department store bike at any price.)

acidfast7

Nah, in most countries 28" is simply 700c or -622.

saktoons

Uh-oh. I've created a monster. My daughter who has the $50 Schwinn Gateway (see post above) has been riding the local Rails to Trails and loves it. But now she wants a better bike...and expects her old man to buy it for her. (And he will!)

Korina

Congratulations for creating an awesome monster.

Vintage Schwinn

need a cheap bike to get grocerys and go to dr


The GATEWAY / WAYFARER / Vilano Hybrid / ADMIRAL are essentially the same exact bicycles..............Same ONE-PIECE CRANK....Same "CloverLeaf Front Crank wheel....... same 7 speed set up--- Shimano rear derailleur....
All have Aluminum 700C (622mm wheel )
The Admiral has a mixte step through frame , where I think the others (Gateway, Wayfarer, Vilano..) have a regular step through frame.
They differ in paint color offerings. The Admiral has the most traditional handlebar shape. I think the GATEWAY is about the same shape, and the WAYFARER and VILANO hybrid have a handlebar shape that is more like a mountain bike shape than traditional Northroads cruiser bars.

THE MEN's Versions (DIAMOND FRAME) are probably exactly the same.

These Women's Step-Through versions are perhaps the best buys among these as the frame is large enough to accomodate most men, and the seat height adjustment is very good. Lets face it, if you have an older male friend that has not ridden a bicycle in 40 years, and is not what you'd regard as athletic with good reflexes and coordination..............then this step-through (Women's model) is the best bet for those outta shape men between age 45 and 80.
They are decent enough BASIC bicycles that are safe and reliable IF THEY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED PROPERLY...........ONLY IF THEY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED PROPERLY...............see the link above with other concerns that they will not have sufficient GREASE when you get them.....you'll have to GREASE the BB bearings and likely the headset (headtube/front fork/handlebar stem) bearings. These bicycles weigh about 35 to 36 pounds and are decent inexpensive basic bicycles that will serve the rider very well for many years if no major defects and properly assembled, adjusted and greased. The rear derailleur shifts nicely but unlike ancient rear derailleurs, is lightweight, and has no bashguard and is much more fragile and subject to breakage/problems if the bike is dropped, knocked over, or otherwise abused. Treat it properly and it should function very nicely for many years. Excellent value at approx $185 total cost or less for someone seeking a basic bicycle.
https://www.target.com/p/schwinn-wom...m/-/A-15305154

https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Women.../dp/B003DQ2K56

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-7...ellerId=0&adic

https://www.amazon.com/700c-Schwinn-.../dp/B00UQ7OSJG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FV2T0WU...detail_4?psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Wayfa.../dp/B00TYB8LMU