I'm considering getting the Schwinn Seventh Avenue Hybrid bike from Walmart.
The closest bike shop that sells Trek or Specialized is about 60 miles away, public transportation won't get me there, and I have no car. And I can't see dropping $400-500 on the bike I don't really want if there are any other brands closer.

I've read to not buy bicycles from Walmart, and I figure that this is generally true, but the reviews for the Schwinn seem generally positive. It seems like I might need to adjust it, but that's a skill I'd like to pick up anyways. Maybe people are over-generalizing here?

I, too, am considering a Wally Schwinn, the seven-speed Admiral and if I get it I will take it to a real bike shop for proper adjusting as the assemblers at Wallys are a bit inexperienced with bicycles.

Are there bike shops in your town that offer other brands?

I bought a $345 Marin Muirwoods 29er off eBay in my size, had the local bike shop build it up for me and its a blast to ride. I feel its the best bang for the cycling bucks I've ever spent and the value ratio is quite good. A double butted steel frame that is light and strong - sure it costs a little more than a big box store bike but its quality you can't find in a big box store bike at a lower price. I don't just look at the bottom line, I look at the quality of what I buy. I need something to go a long way exactly because I live on a budget. That's why I bought a dealer quality bike. I see it lasting me a long time. Why? Dealer bikes are made light and strong, come in several sizes for the proper fit and bike mechanics feel proud to work on them because they're quality and easily serviceable.

As for the Schwinn Seventh Avenue, its heavy, comes in one size and is overpriced for you can get. A big box store Schwinn is not in the same league as a dealer Schwinn. I should know because I own one of the latter and its a great bike. I know that for me - a Walmart bike would never really meet my needs and bike shop mechanics won't work on it because its a bike built to attract a buyer looking for something cheap, not something well made. Those are considerations you need to take in mind and as the old saying has it, the lowest price is not necessarily an indication of good worksmanship.

You can and should do better in buying a bike.

It looks like the closest bike shop is about 45 miles away.

It does seem to be on the heavy side, 35 pounds according to a review. About 10 pounds heavier than a Trek hybrid, but I'm not sure how that compares with the steel frame bikes.

It sounds like the frame should fit me fine though.

You say it's not a good for the price... can you recommend any others for that price that I don't need to go to a bike shop to buy?

How about buying a bike online from Nashbar, Bikes Direct, Road Bike Outlet, etc? Will ship right to your door in a few days, and you can get some good components and lots of choices. If you can do some simple assembly and tuning, you're on your way.

I've seen Bikes Direct, but I found it to be overwhelming as I don't enough to pick a high quality one, nor was I sure that anything I picked would be better than the Schwinn.

They're good places to shop online.

If you aren't mechanically inclined, your bike shop can finish the build.

It goes to quality. On Nashbar for instance, a Schwinn Searcher hybrid will be made of high quality alloy, will come in the right size and it will be better quality because its a dealer Schwinn.

Schwinn Searcher 1 Hybrid Bike - Hybrid Bikes



You do get what you pay for.

I bought a Admiral used but like new. I got rid of it quickly. Now have a Specialized Hard Rock Sport. 95 model I think. Changed the handle bars. I really like it.

Show us a photo as I possess a '93 Specialized Rockhopper Criterium. Why did you get rid of the Admiral??

At the price of the more expensive Schwinn, I'd rather get the cheap one and wait for something else to show up on Craigslist.

Any opinions on this one: Vilano C1 Men's Hybrid / Comfort Bike - Shimano 21 Speeds - Hybrid Best Prices - Road Bikes, Fixed Gear Bikes, Tri Bikes ?

I think the trouble I'm having is that I don't know what to look for. Are there any known bad components in the Schwinn Seventh Avenue? Or can you tell that anything is bad by looking at it?

They're alright if kept on the pavement and not driven off the roof or some huge boulder. That way their wheels will keep their true.

And what I've heard about ebay and craigslist is that some bikes have cracked frames and the cracks might fail to appear in the photo(s) of the crack itself. Oooops, I didn't know that!!!!!!! Grrrrr.

There is no shame in shopping Walmart or any discount store. But the bike you selected doesn't seem like a very good choice. It looks heavy and clunky. You could get a Schwinn Varsity at Walmart for $200 (is that what the Seventh Avenue bike is selling for?) and I think you'd be happier with that in the long run. And if you want to develop some bike skills, getting a bike in this price range will give you opportunities to fix it or upgrade it. Get a multi-tool, a kit with tire levers and patches, and a pump with a gauge. Keep your tires fully inflated. If your shifting starts to get sloppy, go to YouTube and learn how to adjust your barrel adjusters. Leave the limit screws alone. Sooner or later you'll need to adjust the brakes. Again, go to YouTube and get a lesson. I think you'll be very happy with this bike if you take care of it. Keep it out of the rain and clean the chain and gears 2-3 times a month. Enjoy.

If you're willing to buy a bike without first riding it, then try the Nashbar Flatbar Road Bike. It's often on sale for about $300. Very good bike for the money, comparable to a Trek Fx 7.2.

Me, I'm also attracted to the Motobecane Bistro offered at Bikes Direct. A good, reliable Italian bike with a solid reputation.

Not the famous French brand. Every bike in the world, except for a very few select high end ones, are made in Taiwan or China today.

Gravity Flat Bar with trigger shifters, that's what i would get if my bike ever got stolen.
You can pick your size unlike department stores. Maybe for $100 you can check out the Thruster Fixie and practice high cadence??