The Best Schwinn Bikes Reviews [Guide to Schwinn Bikes and History]

Before we get started with this Schwinn road bike review, let’s take an in-depth look at the history of Schwinn Bikes. The brand first launched in 1895 and immediately caught the attention of consumers, as it was the only company to develop bikes with its own name on the bikes (Schwinn bicycle company).

It wasn’t until 1960 that Schwinn had its biggest breakthrough after developing the Stingray model which gained huge popularity around the globe. However, before creating bicycles, the Schwinn brand first invested in the Henderson MotorCycle Company, where inspiration for many of its current bicycles came from.

History was made on the Schwinn bikes when cyclist Major Taylor became the first world champion African-American professional cyclist. 

Bikes Which Schwinn Makes

As you’ll find from our list, Schwinn manufactures develops a wide range of bicycles to suit a large audience. This is one of the reasons which makes the brand so popular.

Road Bikes

These types of Schwinn bikes has thin tires, a light frame, and a leaning-forward position to help cyclists travel fast on the paved road. These bikes feature two types of handlebars, including drop-bar handlebars to help you cycle at your fastest.

Road bikes are lightweight with an aerodynamic design which enables you to transfer your energy to move these Schwinn bikes more quickly. However, this position can put strain on your upper body, which is why you should switch to flat-bar handlebars when in an upright position.

Commuter Bikes

A large portion of Schwinn’s bikes is commuter models. These bikes feature a durable, strong frame which is typically made from steel and allows you to add racks and a basket for commuting and shopping. 

Schwinn manufactures typically adds classic fenders to its commuter bikes to keep you free from mud  and water when you are exposed to these conditions.

Hybrid Bikes

Schwinn appreciates that you may be torn between a road and mountain bikes, which is why it has a large selection of hybrid bikes and hybrid electric bikes. The hybrid Schwinn models or electric bike feature skinny tires and lightweight frames which will help you travel at your fastest on smooth pavements. Hybrid bikes are also equipped with excellent suspension systems for absorbing impact.

Schwinn’s hybrid bikes are equipped for bumpy surfaces and tough terrain. The hybrid electric bikes also fitted with high-quality, reliable brake systems, so you never need to worry about coming to a stop when speeding down a hill.

More: check our Guide To best hybrid bike for men and women

Mountain Bikes

Finally, Schwinn’s biggest range is mountain bikes. The mountain bikes are recognized as having wide knobby tires which cover a wide surface area and prevent skidding when exposed to gravel and wet conditions. 

Schwinn uses shock absorbers in order to reduce the impact and pressure you may experience on rough rides during mountain biking. These mountain bikes are also equipped with a raised seat to keep you in an upright position, which will help you to pick up the pace when cycling uphill.

More: Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike Review

The Best Schwinn Bikes Review

If you’re searching for a new bike, we’ve researched the top selection of Schwinn bikes in order to provide a diverse list to make one of the best reviews for Schwinn bikes.

Our favorite discovery is the Schwinn Volare 1400 Adult Hybrid Road Bike. This is fast and agile, and enables you to travel at high speeds, even when riding over trail roads and bumps. Changing gears is a smooth process too, and this maximizes your overall comfort and performance when cycling.

1. Schwinn Volare 1400 Adult Hybrid Road Bike — Best Schwinn Road Bike

Schwinn Volare 1400 Adult Hybrid Road Bike

This Schwinn hybrid bike is perfect for a variety of environments and uses, such as commuting to work or for fitness purposes. Many owners describe the Schwinn bikes as being fast and agile while remaining comfortable to ride for long periods of time.

Its aluminum frame makes it lightweight, which helps you to travel at faster speeds and helps to alleviate any pressure when riding over bumps and rough terrain. In fact, the bike’s tire design enables you to cycle over different terrains without absorbing the impact yourself.

There are 14 speeds in total which allows you to cruise at your own pace and customize the ride according to your needs. You can easily adjust the gears to travel uphill or change to a higher gear when cycling back down. Thanks to Shimano technology, you can adjust your gears on these Schwinn bikes smoothly, which helps you to cruise along without any hiccups.

This Schwinn Volare bike is equipped with alloy linear pull brakes on the front and rear, which are responsive and allow these Schwinn bikes to come to a halt with minimal pressure.

2. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women — Best Schwinn Hybrid Bike

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women

These Schwinn bikes has a 21-speed mechanism which allows you to adjust your speed according to the surface your riding on. This feature allows you to cycle for long distances with ease, including uphill and downhill routes. The speed SRAM gear shifter creates a smooth transition between gears so you can pedal up steep slopes.

It is designed with classic fenders which will protect you from water, road debris, and dirt on your travels. Compared to other fenders which can be fragile and less durable, these are sturdy and can withstand almost any weather, keeping you dry in all circumstances.

The bike’s thick, 28-inch wheels cover a large amount of ground at once, which is perfect for long rides. The rims of this hybrid bike are made from high-quality aluminum, as is the frame, which improves the bike’s overall durability and also keeps you comfortable.

It features swept-back handlebars to reduce arm and back strain, which allows you to ride for hours without any aches and pains. Schwinn discover has padded seat lace that improves your riding experience and eliminates discomfort.

More: Selle Royal Respiro Moderate Bicycle Saddle Review

3. Schwinn Perla Women’s Beach Cruiser Bike — Best Schwinn Women’s Bike

Schwinn Perla Women’s Beach Cruiser Bike

Available in multiple colors, this Schwinn bike is perfect for women who are looking for a leisurely ride to the beach or for using to head to and from the grocery store. The seat has an extra layer of padding. The layers of foam and leather make it weather-resistant and softer compared to others on this list.

You can easily use this cruiser bike for commuting to work. The classic fenders prevent road dirt from getting on your clothes and the secure rear rack allows you to carry all your belongings conveniently. The steel frames make these bikes durable and it can withstand heavy weight, which makes it perfect for trips to the store.

These Schwinn bikes are designed with an upright riding position with curved handlebars which are long and comfortable to reach from a sitting position. Finally, the bike’s rims are made of alloy, which increases your safety and makes them resistant to virtually all conditions.

4. Schwinn S29 Men’s Mountain Bike — Best Schwinn Mountain Bike

Schwinn S29 Men’s Mountain Bike

This Schwinn mountain bike makes exercising more fun and riding a bike safer. It features front and rear mechanical disc brakes to provide a smooth stop every time without any jolts. Its full suspension seat post system allows you to ride over bumps with the bike absorbing the shock and impact from the ride, rather than you. The front suspension forks also protect your elbows and wrists from excess stress.

With huge 29-inch wheels, this is the perfect mountain bike for a balanced and smooth ride, even over rough terrain and on rocky bike paths. There are 21 speeds to choose from, so you can personalize your ride according to the surfaces and conditions facing you.

This bike is also equipped with Schwinn alloy triple cranks and a Shimano 7-speed freewheel which provide the right gearing at all times. This is great for beginners who are looking to purchase a mountain bike.

Its aluminum frame makes it durable and helps absorb more bumps, making it more comfortable to ride and durable on trail routes.

5. Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids — Best Schwinn Kids’ Bike

Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids

If you’re looking for a Schwinn bike for your child, this is the best contender. It comes with 18-inch wheels and training wheels which are designed for children with a height of 3’5” to 4’3”. It has an exceptional appearance with a cluster of bright colors, stabilizers, front basket, and detailed patterns throughout its frame.

These kids bikes geared for smooth transitions, so your little one can cycle with ease. With a small seat and grips, these kids bicycles are perfect for keeping children comfortable on leisurely afternoon rides. Also, the narrow pedals allow kids to pedal faster without over-extending their hips.

This model of Schwinn bikes are designed with a rear coaster brake where the rider reverses the pedals in order to stop. The front caliper brake of these kids bikes allow children to make the transition to a hand-only brake bike when they’re ready. These kids bikes are a great additional safety feature for parents to keep their child safe when cycling.

6. Schwinn Predator Team 24 Freestyle BMX Men’s Bike — Best Schwinn Freestyle BMX Bike

Schwinn Predator Team 24 Freestyle BMX Men’s Bike

This Schwinn bike is an updated version of the classic design from back in 1983. It features a luxury chrome color, rattrap pedals, and aluminum alloy rims. The wheels are double-walled, which enhances their durability and lifespan. 

The Predator is glorious to look at too, thanks to its high shine finish and authentic decals that set this men’s BMX bike apart from others on this list. Its 24-inch wheels and steel axles make this bike ideal for racing on both pavement and dirt tracks. This size is ideal for ages eight and over. 

With front and rear caliper brakes, this bike offers reliable stopping power whenever you need it. This model of Schwinn bikes has a steel frame which makes it resistant to almost any use and it can tolerate a range of weights.  

7. Schwinn Meridian Adult Trike — Best Schwinn Tricycle

Schwinn Meridian Adult Trike

This Schwinn tricycle features stylish full fenders which keep you dry and clean when traveling in the rain or in muddy conditions. The alloy rims give you a smooth and stable ride every time. 

Our favorite feature of this adult trike is its large rear folding basket which allows you to put items inside it on your weekly grocery shop. This universal adult trike has an ergonomic design with an aluminum frame and provides a low step-through, which allows you to conveniently get on and off the bike.

The wide, upright handlebars can be adjusted from 37 to 40 inches, which helps you to amend the bike to suit your comfort levels. Also, the large springer cruiser seat has a quick-release adjustment, which makes it compatible with most adults. 

Coming to a halt is simple, thanks to the front v-brake and rear band brake. This feature provides excellent stopping power with ease, no matter at what speed you’re traveling. 

8. Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike — Best Schwinn Kids’ Balance Bike

Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike

If you’re looking for one of the best Schwinn bikes which is designed for kids, this bike is an excellent option. The quick-release seat collar is adjustable, which helps your child to learn how to balance and remain comfortable while they develop bike-riding skills.

Its small, lightweight design allows riders to put their feet on the floor which helps prepare them for a pedal bike at a later date. The air-filled tires provide a convenient, easy rolling experience which is great for a growing child. Also, the easy steer handlebars make it easier for kids to maintain their balance when riding.

There is a choice of multiple colors with these Schwinn bikes, which is great if you plan to gift this bike to your toddler. With 12-inch wheels, this Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike remains stable on the ground. It can also tackle a range of surfaces from smooth pavements to rocky terrain, which allows your child to explore a variety of environments on this bike.

9. Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Series — Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Series

If you want to stay fit at home, the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Series is a worthwhile purchase. The bike features 25 resistance levels along with 29 workouts, so you can endure a vigorous workout while still working to your fitness levels.

These Schwinn bikes include a padded seat which is ventilated and will maximize your comfort during workouts while also improving the bike’s hygiene. The bike’s screen features an adjustable three-speed fan to keep you cool when working out.

Make use of the integrated screen that’s perfect for both fitness experts and beginners. It enables you to set individual exercising goals for two hours, so you can share this bike with another member of the household. You can listen to your favorite music through the built-in speaker or via the MP3 input. You can also charge your smartphone, mp3 player, or tablet via the USB charging port.

Is Schwinn a Good Bike Brand?

When purchasing a bike from a new brand, it’s normal to be skeptical, so here are some advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a Schwinn bike.

Advantages

Schwinn bikes offer an exceptionally smooth ride for all cyclists, even on rough terrain. They’re designed to handle dirt roads and smooth pavements, which makes them highly versatile and exhilarating to ride.

In order to improve your comfort during a ride, the Schwinn bike company has gave these bikes an ergonomic design which reduces stress on your shoulders, neck, and upper body. This is all thanks to the handlebars being positioned at the perfect height in relation to the bike’s frame, which prevents any discomfort, so you can continue on long rides.

We love that Schwinn has an expansive range of bikes, which allows you to discover the best bike for your environment and needs. Schwinn sells various types of bikes too, so you can find the best purchase for cycling to work, heading to the grocery store, exercising, and many more activities.

Disadvantages

Most of the bikes from the Schwinn bicycle company are designed with a steel frame, which adds excess weight to the Schwinn bikes, and makes it a little too heavy for some riders. If you intend to choose a Schwinn bike for long distances, you’re likely to get tired quicker as they’re not designed for long rides. 

This is also apparent with many of Schwinn’s seats. Not all of them are designed with padding and cushioning, and this can cause your lower body to ache after extended journeys. 

Another consideration to bear in mind when purchasing a Schwinn bike is that they have wider tires than most brands, and this creates a high rolling resistance. As a result, some users find it difficult to ride their Schwinn bike at high speed.

The Runners Up

We hope you enjoyed this review of the best Schwinn bikes 2020 has to offer. Although it’s difficult to decide on the top two runners up for this list, we have chosen the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women and the Schwinn S29 Men’s Mountain Bike.

The Schwinn Discover has 21 speeds, which enables you to adjust your speed for the perfect pace on your ride. The smooth gear shifter makes it easier when tackling uphill climbs while helping avoid a bumpy, jolted ride. 

The Men’s Mountain Bike is designed for long, bumpy rides. It will absorb the shock from rough terrain and protect your joints at the same time. Its lightweight, aluminum frame allows you to cycle at high speeds and the 29-inch wheels mean you can travel on all types of terrain without any problems.

The mechanical engineer of these bikes are great for longer rides. From early age riders to more experienced riders, Schwinn has a bike for different types of bike lovers. Get your from a nearest department store or an online shop to achieve the highest level of riding experience.