The Schwinn brand has been around since 1895. While that may say a lot about its reputation, many of its bikes seem to have lost a bit of their former glory.
The iconic brand has suffered blows over the years, including market competition, setbacks, legal battles, bankruptcy, and acquisitions. With that, it’s only natural to have doubts when considering this brand. Are Schwinn mountain bikes good? Do they still live up to their name?
I’ll address these concerns in the following sections. Plus, I’ll give you the pros and cons of a Schwinn bike. So keep reading!
Are Schwinn Mountain Bikes Good?
Schwinn mountain bikes have always been a reliable option for those looking for a high-performing and durable product at an affordable cost.
While the quality of these bikes is a far cry from the standards set during the brand’s early years, they’re still pretty decent compared to some of those presently on the market.
That said, Schwinn bikes are better suited for beginners or casual bikers. Yet, they don’t necessarily cater to expert cyclists.
If you purchase one, you may need to replace components like saddles and pedals. You may also encounter poor installations that require fine-tuning for a better ride.
Still, what happened to the company’s reputation for manufacturing top-quality products? And what’s to blame for its current state?
To find that out, we have to go on a quick stroll down memory lane.
History of the Schwinn Bike
Ignaz Schwinn founded the Schwinn Bike Company in 1895 in Chicago. While the company may have had a slow start, business quickly picked up during the bicycle boom when the company was able to sell a lot of bikes for the better part of the 20th century.
However, the 1980s were challenging. The company faced legal concerns and global market competition. Although it won some of them, it eventually declared bankruptcy in 1992.
Zinn-Chilmark Fund bought the Schwinn brand in 1993 and moved its headquarters to Colorado. Then, in 1997, they sold it to Questors Partners Funds, the same company that acquired GT bicycles.
Later in 2001, Schwinn/GT filed for yet another bankruptcy, which led to Pacific Cycle gaining ownership of the company.
Pacific Cycle was later bought by Dorel Industries and relocated manufacturing to Taiwan and China. During this time, the high-end brand went through a transformation where it focused more on selling lower-cost bikes.
Today, Pon Holdings owns the Schwinn brand after acquiring the company in October 2021.
With this conglomerate’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality bikes, many expect the Schwinn brand to regain some of its former glory.
Schwinn Mountain Bikes: Pros
If you frequent big-box stores like Walmart and Kohl, you’ve probably come across Schwinn discount bikes. These designs typically use plastic and steel components for cost-savings.
However, there’s also the signature line you can check out on their website and some select bike stores. These bikes are made of more durable materials that are longer lasting than the cheaper alternative.
That said, here are the advantages of Schwinn mountain bikes from a general perspective:
1. Ergonomic Design
A common feature of Schwinn mountain bikes is their simple yet ergonomic design. The seats are often adjustable and slightly elevated for a more upright position.
Additionally, the handlebars are designed to reduce strain on your shoulders or back while cycling.
For the frame construction, most Schwinn bikes use aluminum. This lightweight material gives you an elegant, durable bike that’s easy to maneuver.
2. Frame and Component Warranty
Another advantage of owning a Schwinn MTB is that it’s warranted against manufacturing defects, from poor workmanship to defective materials.
For instance, most frames are covered within the product’s lifecycle. That includes aluminum, steel, and dual suspensions.
Sometimes, coverage can last up to five years. Yet, warranty terms generally vary, which is why it’s recommended that you always take good care of your bike even if it comes with a warranty.
It’s also worth noting that warranties only apply if you’re the initial owner. So, always check terms and eligibility before filing a claim.
Nevertheless, here are some replaceable parts:
- Handlebars
- Seat posts
- Derailleurs
- Forks
- Stems
- Crank arms
- Normal wear parts less than 30-days from purchase
3. Great Suspension
Schwinn mountain bikes come with excellent suspension that can either be front, also known as ‘hardtail,’ or full suspension.
However, some bikes, like the Schwinn High Timber, have both suspension types for maximum speed and comfort.
Then, there are those bikes that feature no suspension at all. Known as a rigid bike, it’s an ideal choice for skilled bikers or anyone looking to hone their talents.
Keep in mind that when you take out the suspensions, you rely heavily on your arms and legs for control. At the same time, you benefit from having a lighter bike because rigid bikes usually weigh around 30 pounds, whereas a bike with suspension can weigh nearly 40 pounds.
Considering all these options means you should know which type of suspension you need. This is because the correct suspension can give you a smoother and more comfortable biking experience.
More importantly, it helps to keep you safe from injuries as the forks absorb and minimize the impact of rough terrain.
If you usually ride on smooth trails or climb slightly elevated slopes, you’ll need a hardtail suspension, which you’ll find on the following bikes:
- Schwinn Bonafide
- Schwinn Moab 3
- Schwinn Mesa
- Schwinn High Timber
On the other hand, rough terrain and high-speed descents require something stronger and more formidable than a hardtail. Here are some examples of Schwinn bikes with full suspension:
- Schwinn Traxion
- Schwinn Protocol
- Schwinn S29
- Schwinn High Timber
4. Good Cost-Performance Ratio
Schwinn mountain bikes are a good bargain considering their durability, comfort, and performance.
Although the Schwinn signature line costs more than standard discount bikes, you’re paying for high-quality materials and a longer life span.
So, if you’re a beginner, a Schwinn bike is a smart investment that won’t break the bank. If you’re a serious biker, make sure to weigh the pros and cons thoughtfully.
5. Wide Range of Choices
Do you need a cross-country bike? An all-terrain bike? A regular bike for commuting?
Schwinn has something for everyone! The company’s wide range of mountain bikes is designed with every type of cyclist in mind.
Besides the suspension types mentioned, each bike is tailor-fitted with features, such as frame sizes, wheel diameters, and brake style.
Frame Sizes
Schwinn bikes come in two frame variations: single and multiple frame sizes.
Bikes with a single frame size are built to fit most adults in a medium height range. An exception to this is the Schwinn S29, which is recommended for bikers who measure between 5’9” and 6’2”.
Additionally, the wheel diameter also factors into the equation so height recommendations vary.
Here are some Schwinn MTBs with a single frame size:
- Schwinn Traxion
- Schwinn Moab 3
- Schwinn S29
- Schwinn Bonafide
- Schwinn Protocol 1.0
On the other hand, bikes with multiple sizes are offered in small, medium, and large frames, which is the case with Schwinn Mesa and Schwinn High Timber bikes.
To give you a better idea, check out this guide for the height equivalent for each frame size:
- Small: 5’3”–5’7”
- Medium:5’7”–5’10”
- Large: 5’10”–6’1”
Wheel Diameters
Schwinn bikes may be available in different wheel diameters ranging from 24–29 inches. For adults, you’ll likely need 26 inches, 27.5 inches, or 29 inches.
Choosing one over the other depends on your intended use.
Generally, bigger wheels mean more grip and traction. So, the bike is more stable on climbs and descents.
Of course, that has certain trade-offs including extra weight, less speed, and more difficulty in tight turns. Nevertheless, they’re better suited for taller riders.
Brake Style
The brake system is another essential in a mountain bike as it plays a big part in your comfort and safety.
With a Schwinn mountain bike, you can get any of the three brake designs, such as linear-pull, mechanical discs, or hydraulic discs.
Out of these three, the latter has the best braking power suited for conquering steep hills and mountain peaks.
Nonetheless, if you coast on dry and smoother roads, a linear-pull brake will do. Your bike will cost less too.
Schwinn Mountain Bikes: Cons
Despite their many advantages, Schwinn mountain bikes have a few drawbacks as well.
1. Need Component Upgrades
It’s not unheard of that Schwinn MTBs need component upgrades for added comfort. After all, lower costs mean having to cut back on certain features.
Some people don’t mind replacing a few parts. Others, on the other hand, claim that they’d rather buy a bike at a higher price, but with less hassle.
It makes sense if you think about it. After all, if you sum up the replacement cost and the original price, it can make your Schwinn bike almost in the same price range as its pricey counterparts.
The most common replacements reported by Schwinn MTB users include the following:
- Seats
- Crank arms
- Front shocks
- Rear shock
- Inner tube
- Pedals
2. Improper Installations
Another issue cited by some users involves improper installations. If you’re a beginner or unfamiliar with the components, these problems can be annoying.
Your best bet is to seek help from someone more knowledgeable to prevent further damage down the line.
Sadly, some cyclists experience immediate deterioration of their Schwinn bikes due to poor installations, such as:
- Front brake line on the wrong side of the handlebars
- Front or rear derailleur incorrect shifting
- The chain link falls off easily
