gdawg55

Anyone have any experience with the Schwinn Le Tour Legacy? I noticed bikes direct is blowing out the 2011s for $799.95. This seems like a good deal for a nice steel bike with 105 components. Any thoughts?

TomCat_Ford

I don't have any experience with the bike, but I have seen several threads about it within the past couple months. I'd do a quick search and pull up what people have said about it. In short, you have some people who think that Schwinns aren't worth it anymore and some people who think that it's a good looking bike for a good price (I'd tend to lean in this direction).

gdawg55

Thanks TomCat.....I did do a search and found a few threads. Just curious if this would make a good bike for exercise and mostly recreational riding....maybe some light commuting. I have lost track of Schwinn over the years, and curious if it's still a reputable brand.

TomCat_Ford

I think that their higher-end bikes (like the Le Tour Legacy) are probably great bikes. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one today.

The problem is that the Schwinn name was kind of drug through the mud when Pacific bought them out. Now I get the general impression that people equate the Schwinn name with a Wal-Mart bike. If you ask me, that is rather unfortunate. While their department store bikes leave a lot to be desired, it appears that they still offer a few good choices for people looking for a nice bike in the sub $1,000 price range.

DVC45

I think it is a good bike.
I was ready to buy the Classic (lower end version) last spring when they had it for $399, but they ran out of my size. I really like how it looks.

a1penguin

The Schwinn bikes at Xmart stores are carp. The Schwinn's sold at LBS are a cut above. I've seen the Le Tour parked at work and it looks like a great bike for your needs.

peterw_diy

I think they made smart decisions about where to cut corners in order to sell it for $800. For a strictly recreational ride, it looks like a pretty good cheaper alternative to some of the other steel options (Surly, Soma, All-City, Gunnar, ...), assuming the build quality is OK and one of the limited frame sizes fits you well.

I do wish they'd sprung for Tiagra hubs, and I think the carbon fiber seatpost is a weird choice given that this bike seems to target steel-is-real retro grouches. But not bad for $800, especially since the competition tends to offer aluminum frames with Sora parts in the $800-$1000 range.

gdawg55

Thanks for all the replies, but they have sold out of my size....oh well. Back to my search.

treadtread

Nashbar steel cyclocross. Same price, 105 components.

monsterpile

The Schwinn looks like a nice bike. I really loved the 2010 model blue paint scheme on that bike alot. The Nashbar CX or touring bikes are heck of a deal IMO although they have understated looks.

stringbreaker

One of my co-workers bought one last year and he really enjoys the bike,it has given him no problems except a couple of flats. He rides the crap out of his bikes and this one is holding up nicely

Phil_gretz

For modern bikes in this price range, you can ignore the name on the frame's sticker. For comparable frame geometries, materials, and components, they're all the same. Quality is the same. Frame factories are all the same - and assembly methods are all the same. If sold over the internet, they're the same. If sold through large retail outlets, they're the same.

So, the differences come when you involve: a bike shop who fits, sells and services the bike, OR, a particular frame material that is unique to its price price point. If it seems to good to be true...it is.

Generic steel frame, Tiagra brifters, generic wheelset. Should be okay if you're not abusive, pay attention to mechanical issues when they arise, and don't weigh beyond what the wheels are designed for.